MEET STEPHANIE EVERETT MARTIN
Jillo was born from the passion and vision of Stephanie Everett Martin, a native of Mexico who now calls Austin, Texas home. Stephanie's journey began in the entertainment industry as an actress, but her true calling emerged from a deep love for one of Latin America's most beloved cocktails - the carajillo.
Having grown up enjoying this rich, coffee-forward cocktail in Mexico, Stephanie was surprised to discover how difficult it was to find an authentic carajillo in the United States. She realized that Americans were missing out on what she considered a superior alternative to the espresso martini - a drink with deeper complexity, richer flavors, and a cultural heritage spanning generations.
THE MISSION
Determined to bring this wonderful drink to the American market, Stephanie embarked on an ambitious journey. She knew that simply recreating the traditional recipe wouldn't be enough - she needed to create something that honored the original while being perfectly suited for the modern American palate and lifestyle.
What started as a personal mission quickly became an obsession with perfection. Stephanie understood that to truly capture the essence of the carajillo, every ingredient had to be carefully selected and every flavor note precisely balanced.
THE PERFECT RECIPE
The development process was intensive and meticulous. Stephanie and her team tirelessly tested hundreds of recipes, experimenting with different coffee beans, spirits, and flavor combinations. Each iteration brought them closer to their goal: creating the most delicious and authentic carajillo experience possible.
The breakthrough came when they discovered the perfect base: agave wine. This innovative ingredient provided the ideal foundation for their carajillo, offering a smooth, sophisticated flavor profile that complemented the rich coffee notes while maintaining the drink's Latin American soul.
After countless tastings and refinements, Jillo was born - a ready-to-drink carajillo that captures all the complexity and enjoyment of the traditional cocktail while offering the convenience that modern life demands.
A DRINK FOR ANY TIME
What makes Jillo truly special is its versatility. Unlike traditional cocktails that are reserved for specific occasions, Jillo was designed to be enjoyed anytime of the day. Whether you're starting your morning with a coffee-forward pick-me-up, enjoying an afternoon treat, or winding down in the evening, Jillo fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
This flexibility reflects Stephanie's vision of bringing Latin American drinking culture to the United States - where great drinks aren't just for special occasions, but are part of daily life's simple pleasures.
AUSTIN SPIRIT
Austin, Texas proved to be the perfect home for Jillo. The city's vibrant culture, appreciation for craft beverages, and welcoming spirit aligned perfectly with Stephanie's vision. Austin's "Keep It Weird" mentality embraced the idea of a Mexican-inspired, agave wine-based carajillo, and the city's thriving food and beverage scene provided the ideal testing ground for perfecting the recipe.
Today, Jillo represents the best of both worlds: the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and the bold, innovative spirit of Austin. It's a drink that honors tradition while embracing the future, just like the city where it was born.