This Long Beach cocktail tasting—’Chicali New Year’—will explore the history of Mexicali’s Chinatown

Jules Guitierrez of Chuntikis has long wanted to do what he is calling “Chicali New Year”—and now he is finally doing it. Guiding guests through the fascinating history of Mexicali’s Chinatown, one of the continent’s first formal neighborhoods for those of Chinese descent, the event will be a part of Long Beach Last Call 2026, a 10-day celebration of bar and cocktail culture. Joining Jules will be Terrible Burger with pairing bites and Midnight Oil acting as venue host.

With his Chuntikis program spanning the entirety of the West Coast and throughout parts of Mexico, Jules bringing his brand of storytelling via cocktails is always worthy of sharing. Don’t believe me? His background in cocktail storytelling—particularly here in Long Beach—is one for the record books. He led Marie’s Tek-Tec’s groundbreaking program with all Hispanic spirits with indigenous and ancestral fermentations and methods. He’s the sole Long Beach bartender to make the Imbibe 75 list. He has led talks for Portland Cocktail Week. He was a presenter at Tales of the Cocktails…

“I think most people are familiar with my pop-ups and bar takeovers, where it is more of a party atmosphere,” Jules said. “With my seminars, however, they are far more intimate. We are able to talk about these stories in depth, exploring anthropology and history with and through cocktails. And through my experiences, it is something people gravitate toward—I mean, it’s scored me a book deal in Mexico. It’s going to be truly great to share one of my favorite histories here in Long Beach.”

So what, exactly, will you get at the Chicali New Year event with your ticket?

There will be two seatings: one at 6PM and another at 8PM.

Cocktails include:

• La Cantonesa: La Chinesca Mexicali Lager | Clamato | Petrol-Chino
• MXLI–Po Tai: Reposado Tequila | Aged Rum | 5 Spiced Rum | Ginger lemon oleo | Grenadine | Pineapple & orange juices
• Princesa de la Chinesca: Blanco Tequila | Piña cilantro cordial | Pineapple sage syrup | Pineapple & lime juices | Ginger bitters
• Daiquiri a la Naranja: White Rum | Mezcal “Pechuga” | Citrus syrup | Toasted rice syrup | Pineapple & lime juices | MSG & Soy Baiju blend
• Ceremonia y Ritual: Tea-quila | Vermouth herbal | Baijiu | Damiana liqueur | Citrus oleo | Bitters

Food will include be appetizer-sized:

• Sesame shrimp agua chile with cucumber
• Al pastor egg roll
• Roasted garlic, chipotle, and duck Rangoon
• Orange chicken sliders

“Chicali New Year” takes place on Tuesday, Mar. 3 at Midnight Oil, located at 255 Long Beach Blvd. For tickets to one of the two seatings, click here.