A Toast to Tradition: The Story Behind One Bottle at a Time
Explore One Bottle at a Time-A True Love Story
One Bottle at a Time-A True love Story is more than a cocktail book: it’s a journey through life, love, and tequila. Written by Debbie Medina-Gach, co-founder of Señor Rio Tequila, this book showcases 50 hand-crafted tequila cocktails, each one reflecting a chapter of Debbie’s life and her deep connection to Señor Rio Tequila. Crafted with the expertise of renowned mixologist Carlos Ruiz, these drinks tell the story of tradition, family, and the passion behind this beloved tequila.​
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From heartfelt memories to life-changing moments, each recipe in One Bottle at a Time brings you closer to the legacy of Señor Rio. Debbie’s journey with her late husband Jonathan, their emotional reunion with her father in Mexico, and their shared love for tequila culminate in a brand that stands for quality, tradition, and family. The book invites readers to enjoy these drinks the way they were meant to be—slowly, in good company, and always with a story to share.
Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or someone who appreciates the finer things in life, One Bottle at a Time True Love Story offers something unique. Available in hard copy on Amazon, it’s the perfect addition to your collection. Cheers to life, one bottle at a time!
Debbie Medina-Gach
Author
Debbie Medina-Gach, Co-Founder and CEO of Jalisco International Import, Inc., is a trailblazing figure in the tequila industry. Her brand, Señor Rio Tequila, co-founded with her late husband in 2007, stands as an epitome of quality and craftsmanship. With over two decades in Banking and Real Estate, Debbie's transition to entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to connect with families. Despite her professional success, she remains grounded in her values, shaped by a challenging upbringing. Motivated by personal experiences, Debbie founded the We Care Crusade to support children and families facing conditions like those of her twin granddaughters who have special needs and are her heroes. Through her work and philanthropy, she champions diversity, inclusion, and equity. A proud baby boomer and widow, Debbie cherishes family time and values personal connections, embodying a life dedicated to community welfare.
Carlos Ruiz
Mixologist
I wanted to contribute to this book for several meaningful reasons. It offers me the chance to be part of something we began so many years ago—those early days of sharing our passion through tequila tastings and watching our dream take root. Witnessing the growth of the brand and how you’ve continued with your and Jon’s vision, staying true to the underdog spirit of Senor Rio tequila, fills me with pride. We've strived to create a tequila that leaves its mark on the industry, one that truly makes an impact.
For me, this is also a deeply personal way of saying goodbye to Jonathan. His legacy lives on, not only through Señor Rio but in the hearts of everyone he touched. He was more than just a friend and mentor to me—he was an inspiration. His spirit will continue to resonate, as loved and cherished as ever.
Forward From Joe Mantegna
As you probably know, there was a famous commercial airing some years ago where the “Most Interesting Man in the World” declared he didn’t always drink beer, but when he did, he drank a particu-lar brand. I don’t claim to be all that interesting myself, but one thing I do admit to is that I don’t always drink spirits, but when I do it’s tequila. Therefore, imagine my good fortune when my friend Jack Maxwell who had a wonderful show called “Booze Traveler” dropped my name to the owner of the Señor Rio brand of tequila as a possible partner in her company.
Curious as to where this might lead me, I met with Debbie Medina-Gach in Arizona and realized I was now destined to explore yet another new adventure in my life. You can go on the internet and gather much of the history of Debbie, her father, her husband, and her family, but in reading this book, you’ll get all that info in one place; and it’s a story that is both tragic, heart-warming, enlightening, and inspiring. Selling tequila is not my day job; but, after meeting Debbie and having her meet my family, we were all taken by her story and her goal in producing the best possible product in an arena where you can throw a rock in the air and it will land on a celebrity pushing a spirits brand. I believe in Señor Rio for numerous reasons, but first among them is its three-generation-old commitment to quality and its philosophy of sharing a portion of the success it garners with those who are in need of aid. Having a special needs child myself certainly has made me well aware of the importance of that. Enjoy reading Debbie’s story and give our tequila a chance, I’m assured you’ll enjoy both experiences. And you don’t have to be the most interesting man or woman in the world to do that, though hopefully it will help you feel that way!
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All the best, Joe Mantegna
