Mexico is the birthplace of tequila, one of the most renowned spirits that’s the main ingredient in many popular cocktails around the world, but also deeply connected to Mexican culture.
Not many people know that tequila is named after the small Mexican town where it originated, though, or that its history can be traced all the way back to the Aztects, which is why enjoying a tequila experience when you visit Mexico is a must.
You’ll learn so many fascinating facts about the drink, from how it’s made from the blue agave plant, which only grows in certain areas of Mexico, to the different varieties of tequila, and how to differentiate a high-quality spirit from the fake ones. And most importantly, what’s the difference between mezcal and tequila?
To help you dive into the world of tequila, I selected the most iconic experiences of mezcal & tequila tasting in Cancun. Be sure to check them out, and include them in your Cancun itinerary!
Why should you trust my recommendations? I’ve traveled extensively around Mexico, and gone on quite a few tequila tours myself, enough to know that not all experiences provide an authentic introduction to tequila… or the best quality drinks.
On top of that, I’ve been in the travel industry for well over a decade, and identifying extraordinary activities has become second nature to me. I hand picked all these tequila tastings to ensure they offer the most valuable, high quality experience.
I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide to book activities around the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy. If your plans change, you can cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
An Introduction to Tequila
Tequila is a distilled Mexican drink that’s made from the blue agave plant that grows in certain regions of the country. It’s believed to have originated around 250 AD, when the Aztecs fermented the juices of the plant and drank it as wine.
After the arrival of the Spaniards, the distillation process was introduced, and the drink evolved into the spirit we know today. The production of tequila is permitted only in five states. The most important one is Jalisco, where the majority of the country’s agave plants grow.
Blue agave is the main type used for tequila, which by law must be made with at least 51% of it. The higher the percentage, the better quality of the drink!
An Introduction to Mezcal
We could actually say that tequila is a sub-category of mezcal since the word mezcal defines any agave-based liquor. Unlike tequila, mezcal can be made from any type of agave (including but not limited to the blue one) and it has a higher alcohol content.
Each agave plant has its own characteristics. That, combined with the production method used, will result in many different variations of mezcal. During a tasting, you’ll be able to enjoy an interesting assortment of flavors.
As a general rule, though, mezcal has a rather smoky flavor from the roasted agaves, and its intensity varies depending on the brand.
| THE BEST TEQUILA TASTING | Tequila Tasting Experience in Cancun |
| MEZCAL TASTING | Authentic Artisanal Mezcal tasting in Cancun |
| PRIVATE TASTING | Tequila University – Tequila Tasting and Tapas Pairing |
| CANCUN TOUR + TEQUILA | Taco Tour Cancun – City Tour, Tacos, Tequila |
OUR PICK: The BEST Tequila Tasting in Cancun
This Tequila Tasting Experience in Cancun takes place in the most beautiful setting, overlooking a lagoon, and is led by a tequila expert.
You’ll be introduced to the world of the world-famous spirit with the tasting of six different tequilas, learning how to distinguish good quality tequila from the bad one, how to drink it the right way (no, it’s not with salt and lime!), and how it’s produced.
Your guide will walk you through the production process, explain why it can only be made in specific areas of Mexico, and also explain the story of each tequila you’ll be tasting. As you can see, it’s both an educational and enjoyable experience.
You’ll sip Tequila Blanco, Reposado, and Extra Añejo, each with distinct aromas and aging profiles, and try a trio of delicious Mexican liqueurs made with walnut, coffee, and the regional herb Damiana.
Why this tour? It offers the most comprehensive introduction to the world of tequila, allowing you to sample a great variety of tequila types, and also learning everything from the making process to the traditional ways of drinking, and its history.
Read what the reviews say:
“We learned so much about the distillery process of Tequila. I never knew that the blue agave plant is grown in a town called Tequilla. Our Tequilla masters were very knowledgeable and engaging. The Tequilla that we sampled is really smooth and don’t give you a hangover. We purchased two bottles after the tasting!”
Lashundra – Read more reviews
This tasting includes: A guide, six samples of tequila, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Tequila Tastings in Cancun
▶️ The Tequila University- Puerto Morelos Tequila Tasting and Tapas Pairing is one of the most comprehensive experiences. You’ll visit the Tequila University in Puerto Morelos, where a tequilero will guide a very informative tequila tasting.
The experience will be paired with tacos, and take place on a rooftop with views of the Caribbean.
This is a great tequila tasting from Cancun to enjoy with your group, as it’s exclusive and it’s packed with very interesting information. You’ll learn everything from the history and production of tequila to discovering which type should be used for margaritas – which is only one!
Note: This experience takes place in Puerto Morelos. It’s noy far from Cancun at all, but you’ll have to make your way there on your own.
This workshop includes: Tequila class with tasting, tacos and tapas pairings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Ready to become a tequila master? The Tequila Tasting and Mixology Experience in Cancun is just the tour for you. In merely an hour, you’ll learn everything about the famous drink, from its production process to the various types of tequila, and sample six artisanal and quality tequilas.
Your guide will also teach you the steps to prepare two refreshing cocktails with a base of tequila.
This tasting includes: A guide, tequila samples, and a cocktail-making experience. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Cancun Tequila Tasting and Pairing starts with a welcome drink, followed by an insightful, guided tasting in which yu’ll sample 7 different types of tequila.
A tequila expert will lead the experience, introducing you to each drink and teaching you to differentiate the flavors and characteristics of each. The drinks will be paired with delicious dishes, and you’ll cap off the experience with a sweet dessert.
This tasting includes: Tequila samples, a guide, and food pairings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Mezcal Tasting in Cancun
Check out this Authentic Artisanal Mezcal tasting in Cancun with appetizers. It allows you to dive into the world of mezcal as an expert explains the origin of the drink and very interesting facts about its production.
Get comfortable in the tasting room and learn about the characteristics that make mezcal so special. Then, indulge in a tasting of three types of artisanal mezcal.
Each tasting will be paired with snacks that enhance the flavor of the drink. By the end of the class you’ll be fully prepared to order your mezcal drink at the bar and stay for some Latin music and dancing!
This tasting includes: A Mezcal expert, mezcal tasting, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Best Cancun Tours with Tequila Tasting
▶️ Not enough time to enjoy a tequila tasting and sightseeing around the city? Combine both in a single activity with this Taco Tour Cancun – City Tour, Tacos, Tequila, Shopping & More.
You’ll get to indulge in a refreshing beer and the most delicious tacos in town, including tacos al pastor, tacos campechanos, and quesadillas. A small group of adventurers and a guide will join your party.
Discover the city on an interesting tour and cap off the day at an evening craft market, where you’ll be treated to a mezcal and tequila tasting and dessert. Then, enjoy free time to shop in the numerous stalls!
This tour includes: A guide, a city tour, mezcal and tequila tasting, a beer, a soda, up to 8 tacos, and dessert. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Lucha Libre, Tacos, Margaritas, Night Market, and Tequila Tour in Cancun with Transportation is the ultimate way to spend an evening in the city. You’ll take part in an authentic Mexican fiesta by attending a live Lucha Libre match, a sport locals go crazy about!
Your guide will tell you all the secrets and history of the wrestling ahead of time so you’re fully prepared for the vibrant experience. After the match, learn to make authentic tortillas before indulging in five tacos for dinner, paired with beer and margarita.
Finish the tour by visiting a night market for a tequila tasting, where you’ll also have the chance to listen to a live Mariachi band. The bonus? Take home a Lucha Libre mask as a souvenir!
This tour includes: Lucha Libre entrance, a guide, snacks, a tortilla-making class, tacos, drinks, tequila tasting, and a mask. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
