Mexico City: Mezcal, Tequila, and Mexican Spirits Tasting

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If you’re looking to add a flavorful twist to your visit to Mexico City, a spirits tasting tour focusing on Mezcal, Tequila, and other Mexican spirits offers a genuine taste of local tradition. This tour is designed for curious travelers who want more than just sipping—they want to understand the rich stories behind each drink, the process of making them, and how to taste them like a pro.

What we love about this experience is the chance to visit local bars—not touristy spots, but authentic neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Centro, or Coyoacán. Plus, the interactive element of learning specific tasting techniques makes it both educational and fun. The only potential hiccup? The tour lasts just two hours, so if you’re a spirits enthusiast or want a deep dive, you might wish it were longer.

This tour suits those with a moderate curiosity about Mexican culture, lovers of craft spirits, or anyone wanting a quick yet meaningful introduction to Mexico’s vibrant alcohol scene. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as part of a broader culinary adventure, you’ll find this tasting an insightful and enjoyable addition to your Mexico City itinerary.

Key Points

  • Authentic local experience in lively neighborhoods, avoiding tourist traps.
  • Expert-guided explanations of each spirit’s history and production.
  • Hands-on tasting techniques to enhance your appreciation of Mexican spirits.
  • A variety of spirits including Mezcal, Tequila, and lesser-known options like Raicilla or Bacanora.
  • Affordable price point at $75 for two hours of in-depth tasting.
  • Flexible options for different starting venues based on group size and availability.

Let’s take a detailed tour of what this experience offers, and why it might just become a highlight of your visit. We’ll explore the itinerary, the venues, the spirits, and what makes this experience stand out—balancing the good with the possible limitations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Points and Venues

The tour begins at one of four carefully chosen spots: Sala Sonari, Mezcaleria NECIOS, Casa Murciélago, or Templo Mezcaleria. These aren’t just random bars—they’re known for their authentic atmosphere and quality offerings. The choice of venue depends on availability and group size, but the guide will confirm your exact meeting point beforehand, ensuring a smooth start.

All venues are located in bustling, vibrant neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Centro, or Coyoacán, which are perfect for wandering before or after your tasting. These areas are filled with street art, cafes, and a lively crowd—adding flavor outside the glass as well as inside.

The Spirit Tasting Itself

Over the course of about two hours, you’ll sample four different Mexican spirits, which could include Mezcal, Tequila, Sotol, Raicilla, Bacanora, Lechuguilla, Pox, Tuxca, Mexican Whiskey, or Rum. The variety is designed to showcase the diversity of Mexico’s spirits scene, from the well-known to the more boutique options.

Each spirit is introduced by your guide, who will explain its origins, how it’s made, and what sets it apart. For instance, you’ll learn what makes Mezcal smoky and complex versus the more straightforward Tequila. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to try some lesser-known expressions like Raicilla or Bacanora, which can be a revelation for spirits connoisseurs and novices alike.

You’ll also discover two different tasting techniques, which are practical skills you can use long after the tour ends. Whether it’s how to appreciate the aroma or how to recognize different flavor notes, these techniques elevate your tasting experience beyond just taking a sip.

The Experience and Atmosphere

What makes this tour engaging isn’t just the tasting—it’s the lively, local bar environment. These venues are familiar and unpretentious, giving you a glimpse into everyday life where locals gather for a good drink. The staff are usually knowledgeable and eager to share their passion, creating a relaxed but informative atmosphere.

The guide’s explanations are thorough but accessible, making it suitable even if you’re new to spirits. One reviewer from the Netherlands called it an amazing experience with good quality mezcal, and praised the knowledgeable guides.

Value and Price

Mexico City: Mezcal, Tequila, and Mexican Spirits Tasting - Value and Price

At $75 per person, this tour offers great value considering you get four spirits, detailed explanations, and practical tasting techniques—all in just two hours. Comparing this to the cost of buying similar bottles in stores, you’re paying for expert insights and the chance to taste varieties you might never find on your own.

Not included are transportation, meals, or additional drinks, but these can be enjoyed before or after the tour in the neighborhoods, which are filled with cafes and restaurants. The tasting session also often includes water and palate cleansers like green tomato or orange, helping you reset your palate between sips.

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Practicalities and Considerations

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and participants must be at least 18 years old with valid ID. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, children, or those with mobility issues. Since the venues change based on availability, sharing your contact info in advance ensures smooth coordination.

The duration is just two hours, making it manageable even during busy travel days. However, if you’re a real connoisseur, you might wish for a longer session or more spirits—this tour is designed as an introductory experience.

If you’re eager to explore Mexico City’s drink culture without the hassle of navigating alone or sifting through touristy spots, this tasting tour hits the sweet spot. You’ll gain a better understanding of Mexico’s spirits, taste a variety of expressions, and learn how to appreciate them fully.

The inclusion of local bars ensures an authentic vibe, far from the sterile tasting rooms often found in bigger tours. The focus on hands-on techniques makes it interactive, a real plus for those who enjoy learning practical skills. Plus, the affordable price packs a lot of value into a short, lively session.

This experience is perfect for adventurous food and drink lovers, curious about Mexican culture, or anyone wanting to add a flavorful dimension to their city visit. It’s especially appealing if you prefer small, intimate groups and guided insights rather than self-directed tasting.

Final Thoughts

This spirits tasting tour offers a balanced blend of education, authentic ambiance, and fun. You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of Mexico’s spirits—a worthwhile addition to any Mexico City trip. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a budding connoisseur, the guide’s expertise and the lively venues ensure a memorable experience.

The value is clear: for a modest price, you gain not just tasting but understanding, surrounded by local flavor. It’s a great way to connect with Mexico’s cultural fabric through its liquid traditions.

Who Should Sign Up?

Mexico City: Mezcal, Tequila, and Mexican Spirits Tasting - Who Should Sign Up?

This tour is ideal for travellers wanting a quick but meaningful immersion into Mexico’s vibrant spirits scene. If you enjoy trying new drinks, learning about their backgrounds, or just want a relaxed, social activity, you’ll love it. It suits those who appreciate authentic local settings and are open to discovering less mainstream options like Raicilla or Bacanora.

It’s best to keep in mind that this is a short, introductory experience, so if you’re after a deep, extensive tasting, you might need to look for more in-depth options. But for most visitors, it’s a well-paced, engaging way to understand Mexico’s spirits culture.

Can I choose the starting location?
The venues are selected based on availability and group size, but the guide will confirm your specific starting point beforehand.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the bar is not included. You’ll need to get there on your own, but the venues are located in lively, accessible neighborhoods.

How long does the tour last?
The tasting lasts approximately two hours. This makes it easy to slot into a busy day or combine with other activities.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, participants must be at least 18 years old and must bring valid ID for age verification.

Can I bring a pet?
Not all venues are pet-friendly, so if you plan to bring a furry friend, check with the guide in advance.

What spirits can I expect to taste?
You might find Mezcal, Tequila, Sotol, Raicilla, Bacanora, Lechuguilla, Pox, Tuxca, Mexican Whiskey, or Rum—varieties that showcase Mexico’s diverse spirit landscape.

Are vegetarian or special dietary needs accommodated?
Palate cleansers like green tomato and orange are available when possible, but specific dietary accommodations are not detailed.

What should I bring?
Bring your ID and an open mind ready to explore Mexico’s drink culture.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many travelers.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, this Mexico City spirits tasting tour offers a warm and informative introduction to Mexico’s drink traditions. It’s perfect for those who want to see the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, learn about local spirits, and taste some of the best expressions the country has to offer—all in just a couple of hours. It’s a smart pick for curious travelers eager for an authentic, delicious, and educational experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: