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When you think of Guinness World Records, you might picture the tallest skyscraper or the longest pizza – not a local Metro Detroit restaurant. But Dearborn’s M Cantina has just earned its place in the record books, and it’s a feat worth raising a glass to. This week, M Cantina officially broke the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of agave spirits in a restaurant, putting Dearborn on the global culinary map. The contemporary Mexican eatery now boasts an astounding 1,825 distinct bottles of 100% agave-based spirits, from tequila and mezcal to raicilla and sotol. Let’s dive into how this achievement came about, what it means for Metro Detroit, and why it’s such a big deal for lovers of Mexican cuisine and culture.
M Cantina, Facebook
A Guinness World Record in the Heart of Dearborn
On June 10, 2025, M Cantina became a bona fide Guinness World Record holder. Guinness World Records adjudicator Chloe McCarthy traveled from Traverse City to Dearborn to verify the count – and she painstakingly inspected each and every bottle to ensure they were distinct and commercially available. The final tally? 1,825 different bottles of agave spirits, shattering the previous record of 1,033 bottles (held by a New Jersey tequila bar in 2024). Once the count was confirmed, McCarthy presented M Cantina’s owner, Junior Merino, with an official certificate declaring that his restaurant offers the “most commercially available varieties of agave spirits in a restaurant” in the world.
To put that number in perspective, if you tried one distinct agave spirit from M Cantina every single day, it would take you five years to taste them all (for a woman, per typical alcohol guidelines, and about two-and-a-half years for a man). That’s how vast this collection is. The bar’s selection spans well-known categories like tequila (which must be made in specific regions of Mexico from blue agave) and mezcal (often crafted in Oaxaca with a smoky profile), as well as rarer Mexican spirits such as raicilla, bacanora, and sotol. Each bottle is 100% agave-based – meaning they’re made purely from the agave plant, with no fillers – a point that ensures high quality across the board.
Guinness adjudicator McCarthy was deeply impressed not just by the sheer number of bottles, but by their quality. “Of the 1,825 bottles, they’re all the most high quality and authentic in nature,” she noted, highlighting how Merino’s collection aims to dispel misconceptions about tequila. Many Americans have memories of harsh tequila shots, but as McCarthy observed, truly fine agave spirits don’t deserve that bad reputation – “the most high-quality spirits don’t [make you feel sick]. I was touched by that,” she remarked. In other words, it’s not just a Guinness record – it’s a statement that the world of agave spirits is about craftsmanship and heritage, not college party stereotypes.
Meet “The Liquid Chef” Behind M Cantina
Every great collection has a curator, and in this case it’s Chef Junior Merino, the passionate owner of M Cantina. Merino – affectionately nicknamed “The Liquid Chef” – is equal parts chef, sommelier, and mixologist, and he’s the visionary who built this record-breaking agave library in Dearborn. Originally from central Mexico, Merino has made it his life’s mission to share the full spectrum of Mexican flavors with the world. He spent years traveling all over Mexico to source rare, small-batch agave spirits from artisanal producers, handpicking each bottle that now lines M Cantina’s shelves. From dusty rural distilleries in Jalisco to hidden mezcal producers in Oaxaca, Merino has hunted down bottles that even many spirit connoisseurs have never seen.
His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. In fact, the Mexican government has honored Junior Merino as an “Official Ambassador of Gastronomy & Tourism & Promoter of All Mexican Beverages” for his efforts in promoting Mexico’s culinary and drink heritage. That title is a mouthful, but it essentially means Mexico recognizes that Merino is doing something special – bridging cultures and educating people about the richness of Mexican gastronomy. At M Cantina, he’s not just serving up tacos and cocktails; he’s offering an education in Mexican spirits and cuisine in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
Merino’s journey to this Guinness World Record has been somewhat serendipitous. By his own admission, he didn’t start out with the goal of setting a world record – he started out with a goal of showcasing the amazing diversity of Mexican agave spirits. “I wanted to showcase all the amazing spirits of Mexico that most people don't know about,” he told Axios, explaining that the idea was to introduce guests to new flavors and traditions. For years, he quietly amassed bottles as his menu and bar grew. It was only when he learned about that previous record (the 1,033 bottles in NJ) that he realized his collection was already larger. At that point, Merino thought, why not go for the Guinness title and get Dearborn the recognition it deserves? He knew he had something extraordinary on his hands, and a Guinness World Records official stamp would be the perfect proof.
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M Cantina, Facebook
A Celebration of Agave Spirits (Tequila and Beyond)
So what exactly are agave spirits, and why do they inspire such devotion? Simply put, agave spirits are any distilled beverages made from the agave plant – a spiky succulent native to Mexico. The most famous agave spirit is tequila, but as the saying goes, all tequilas are agave spirits, but not all agave spirits are tequila. Tequila itself must be produced from blue agave in specific regions (like Champagne is to sparkling wine), primarily in the state of Jalisco. But Mexico’s drinking culture is wonderfully diverse: Mezcal, for example, can be made from various types of agave across different regions and is often known for its smoky character. Then there’s raicilla, a lesser-known spirit from Jalisco’s coastal regions, bacanora from Sonora, sotol from Chihuahua and neighboring states (made from the desert spoon plant, a cousin of agave) – the list goes on.
Each of these spirits carries its own cultural significance and heritage. In Mexico, agave spirits are more than just drinks; they’re the product of centuries of tradition. The agave plant itself has been central to Mexican life since pre-Hispanic times – it was used for food, fiber, and fermented drinks like pulque long before distillation arrived. Tequila, for instance, is deeply intertwined with Mexican identity and pride, often appearing in national celebrations and family gatherings as a symbol of craftsmanship and tradition. There’s even a saying that tequila is liquid culture. The agave plant has come to represent the strength and resilience of the Mexican people (thriving in harsh landscapes, much like the spirit of Mexico itself). To share a glass of fine tequila or mezcal is to share a piece of that history – it’s a toast to tradition.
By assembling the world’s largest agave spirit collection, Merino isn’t just gunning for a record – he’s curating a museum of Mexican liquid heritage. Walk into M Cantina’s bar and you’ll see bottles of all shapes and sizes, each with a story. Some are ultra-premium tequilas aged for decades, others are earthy mezcals distilled in remote villages using methods unchanged for generations. It’s a chance for Detroit-area locals to taste and learn about the breadth of Mexican spirits without needing a passport. And importantly, every bottle in M Cantina’s collection is 100% agave – meaning no cheap “mixto” tequila (the kind that’s 51% agave and 49% mystery sugars) makes the cut. This emphasis on purity ties back to Merino’s mission: to show people how exquisite these spirits can be when made with quality and care.
Want more standout spots for authentic Mexican cuisine? Check out our guide to the top Mexican restaurants in Metro Detroit.
Metro Detroit on the Global Culinary Map
It’s not every day that a Metro Detroit dining establishment earns a global accolade in the food and beverage world. M Cantina’s Guinness World Record is putting Dearborn – and by extension, Metro Detroit – in the international spotlight. Think about it: the world’s largest agave spirit collection isn’t in Mexico City, or Los Angeles, or even in tequila’s homeland of Jalisco – it’s right here in Dearborn, Michigan. This achievement gives Metro Detroit instant street cred in culinary circles. It tells foodies and travelers everywhere that our region’s dining scene can compete with the best, with unique offerings you won’t find anywhere else.
For local residents, there’s a swell of pride in seeing a hometown restaurant achieve something so extraordinary. Dearborn is already famous for its rich Middle Eastern cuisine and as a cultural hub of Metro Detroit, but M Cantina’s success highlights the diverse tapestry of our community. A Mexican restaurant thriving and gaining international recognition in Dearborn underscores how globally minded Metro Detroit’s palate has become. It’s also a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit here – Chef Merino saw an opportunity to create something world-class in our backyard, and he went for it.
Even officials from abroad took notice of M Cantina’s accomplishment. A representative from the government of Jalisco, Mexico (the heart of tequila country) flew in to witness the Guinness certification in person. That representative, Giovanni Alcalá, expressed immense pride, saying he attended “out of pride for the work Junior has been doing the last few years for the Mexican community. He’s helping contribute to getting more promotion for agave spirit beverages.” For Jalisco’s emissary to make the trip to Michigan, it shows how significant this record is – it’s seen as a win not just for Dearborn, but for Mexico’s heritage being celebrated abroad. In a very real way, M Cantina has become an ambassador for Mexican culture on the world stage, right from Metro Detroit.
This global recognition can also have local economic and cultural ripple effects. Food tourists and cocktail enthusiasts may well add M Cantina to their must-visit list when passing through Detroit. It’s the kind of buzz that shines a light on our entire metro area’s dining scene. As a Metro Detroit real estate expert familiar with how community accolades can elevate neighborhoods, I can’t help but think of how a Guinness World Record in our midst boosts the story of Dearborn. It’s another positive talking point about the city – one that might draw curious visitors, new regulars, and even prospective residents who see that this is a place where interesting, record-setting things happen.
Curious what else to try in town? Here’s our list of the best places to eat in Dearborn.
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M Cantina, Facebook
Changing Perceptions: Mexican Cuisine and Spirits in the U.S.
Beyond the bragging rights and the numbers, there’s a deeper significance to M Cantina’s big win. At its heart, this is a story about evolving appreciation for Mexican cuisine and beverages in the U.S. For a long time, Mexican food and drink in America were often pigeonholed as cheap, basic, or “street” fare – tasty tacos, inexpensive tequila for shots, and so on. What Merino and many others across the country are doing is reshaping that narrative, highlighting that Mexican gastronomy can be just as upscale, nuanced, and “gourmet” as any European cuisine. As Merino himself said after receiving the award, “Achieving this record is an honor… and it inspires us to continue exploring and celebrating Mexico’s vibrant spirit culture while elevating Americans’ understanding that Mexican food and beverage isn’t cheap — and is just as rich as any other storied culture in the world.”. In other words, Mexican food and drink deserve to be taken seriously and celebrated for their richness.
The timing couldn’t be better. In recent years, agave spirits have been skyrocketing in popularity in the U.S., with consumers developing a taste for higher-end tequilas and mezcals. In fact, tequila (and its cousin mezcal) has become the fastest-growing spirit category in America, even projected to overtake vodka as the country’s top-selling spirit by value in the next year or two. More people are sipping tequila neat or seeking out craft mezcal flights, treating these drinks with the same reverence usually given to a fine whiskey or scotch. This boom in interest is driving home the idea that Mexican spirits have complexity and prestige – a far cry from the salt-and-lime shooter image of yesteryear.
We’re also seeing acclaimed chefs and upscale Mexican restaurants gaining national attention, from Chicago to New York to Detroit. It’s all part of a broader cultural shift: Americans are recognizing that Mexican cuisine isn’t defined by fast-food burritos; it’s regionally diverse, sophisticated, and steeped in tradition. M Cantina’s achievement feeds into this momentum. Here is a local restaurant that’s not only serving delicious food but also curating an unparalleled collection of spirits, educating its patrons with each pour. It reinforces the fact that Metro Detroit diners are eager to embrace authentic experiences – whether it’s savoring a mole sauce with 40 ingredients or learning the story behind a rare bottle of mezcal in their margarita.
For the Mexican-American community and indeed for Mexico, seeing a Mexican establishment celebrated in the Midwest U.S. is validating. It’s a sign of cross-cultural appreciation. By tasting these spirits and hearing their stories, people form a connection to the culture they come from. In a way, every flight of tequila at M Cantina is a mini cultural exchange. And now, with the Guinness title, that exchange has a mega-phone. It encourages other restaurants and bars to elevate their game and shines a light on the value of authenticity.
Experience It Yourself – ¡Salud!
The excitement around M Cantina’s Guinness World Record is palpable, and the best way to truly appreciate this achievement is to experience M Cantina firsthand. If you’re in Metro Detroit (or passing through), consider this your invitation to step inside this unassuming spot on Michigan Avenue and see what the world’s largest agave spirit collection looks like in person. The restaurant is open daily (10 a.m. to 11 p.m. most nights, slightly earlier closing on Sundays) – and trust me, you don’t have to be a spirits expert to enjoy the visit. The knowledgeable staff at M Cantina are passionate about sharing recommendations, whether you’re curious to try a silky, barrel-aged añejo tequila, a smoky mezcal, or even one of their rare Mexican wines or whiskeys if that’s more your speed. Pair your drink with some of Chef Merino’s highly praised gourmet Mexican street food, and you’ve got yourself a memorable night out.
Looking for more one-of-a-kind restaurants in the area? Don’t miss our guide to unique dining experiences in Metro Detroit.
This Guinness World Record isn’t just a win for M Cantina – it’s something for all of us in Metro Detroit to celebrate. It shows that our community can nurture world-class talent and experiences. So here’s a local challenge: go check it out, snap a photo next to that Guinness certificate on the wall, and taste a spirit you’ve never heard of before. Share the story with your friends (it’s not every day you get to say a place down the road is a world-record holder!), and bask in a bit of hometown pride.
Call me a cheerleader for Metro Detroit, but I love seeing our area get this kind of positive spotlight. If you’re as excited as I am and want more local recommendations – from record-breaking eateries to hidden gem hangouts – feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to share tips as your Metro Detroit community expert. In the meantime, ¡salud!
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