Mezcal vs. Tequila Cocktail Tasting in a Cantina

If you’re heading to Puerto Vallarta and looking for a fun, engaging way to learn about Mexico’s iconic spirits, a Mezcal vs. Tequila Cocktail Tasting at a lively cantina might just be the right pick. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, I’ve gathered enough details from travelers and the provider’s description to give you a clear picture of what to expect. This experience combines tastings, live entertainment, and a splash of Mexican culture — all within an easy two-hour window.

What really catches my eye are the 17 tastings of mezcal and tequila, plus the chance to create your own cocktails. It’s the kind of experience that’s perfect if you’re curious about the differences between these spirits, enjoy social settings, and want to capture some colorful photos with the vibrant Day of the Dead murals. On the flip side, if you’re not a fan of drinking or don’t want to wear costumes, this might not be your vibe. But for those who love lively evenings and trying new drinks, it seems like a genuinely enjoyable and memorable outing.

This tour seems well-suited for adventurous travelers eager to learn about Mexican spirits, those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, and anyone who appreciates good entertainment with their drinks. It’s also a nice option if you’re looking for a flexible, budget-friendly activity that offers a good mix of tasting and fun.

Key Points

• Includes 17 tastings of mezcal and tequila, plus a custom cocktail.
• Lively entertainment with live music and performers.
• Fun dress-up element with Mexican costumes and photo opportunities.
• Cultural immersion in a colorful, artistic setting with murals.
• Affordable price point around $44, offering good value for the tasting experience.
• Small group size (max 15 travelers) for a more personal feel.

What Is This Experience All About?

This is a two-hour cocktail tasting adventure held at La Catrina Cantina in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica. The concept is simple but engaging: you’re introduced to Mexico’s two most famous spirits—mezcal and tequila—through a series of tastings, with a focus on comparing their flavors and how they interact with different fruits in cocktails.

The experience is designed to be both educational and fun. You’ll get to sample self-taste the spirits alone, then watch as the bartenders craft specialty cocktails from a “Viva Mexico” menu, blending both liquors. The goal is to help you understand what makes each spirit unique, whether it’s the smoky notes of mezcal or the smoother profile of tequila.

One of the standout features is the chance to try a total of 17 tastings, which is quite generous for the price. After sampling, you’ll choose your favorite cocktail, and the bartender will make you a full glass of it. Meanwhile, the lively entertainment — including live music and performers — keeps the atmosphere warm and engaging. Plus, the opportunity to put on costumes and take selfies makes it more than just a tasting; it’s a mini celebration of Mexican culture.

The Setting and Atmosphere

The tour takes place in a colorful, artistic cantina adorned with Day of the Dead murals, perfect for snapping photos. The lively vibe is amplified by music and entertainment, making it a social, energetic experience. Many reviews mention how friendly the staff and entertainers are, really adding to the overall enjoyment. The environment is casual, with a focus on fun, which suits travelers looking to relax and enjoy a lively evening.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $44.57 per person, you get all the tastings and a show included — a pretty solid deal considering the total number of drinks. It’s important to note that dinner and additional drinks are not included, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry or want to continue drinking afterward. The tipping culture is encouraged, especially for staff and performers, which is typical in such lively settings.

The tour is run by La Catrina Cantina, which is near public transit and accessible, though there are stairs to consider. It operates with a small group cap of 15 people, so you’re likely to get personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

The Flow of the Tour

Starting Point: You’ll meet at La Catrina Cantina, where your adventure begins. The staff will outfit you with traditional Mexican costumes, adding a fun, Instagram-worthy element to your evening.

Tasting Phase: First, you’ll sample the spirits neat — savoring the smoky notes of mezcal and the smoother tequila to see how they differ. This initial step is crucial for understanding the nuances. Many reviews, like that of rbarajas702, mention how enjoyable this tasting was: “The drinks were delicious and I was swayed from tequila to the smoky taste of mezcal.”

Cocktail Creation: Next, the bartenders mix up several specialty cocktails, blending both liquors with fruits, allowing you to compare how each interacts with different flavors. The process highlights how versatile and complex these spirits can be.

Entertainment and Photos: Throughout, performers entertain the group with lively shows, and you’re encouraged to take fun photos with murals and costumes. The lively environment and entertainment are frequently praised, making this more than just a tasting — it’s a mini cultural event.

Finale: You get to pick your favorite cocktail, and the bartender makes you a full glass. Many guests, like Gloria_T, mention how the service was excellent and the entertainment outstanding, elevating the experience beyond just drinking.

Value and Practical Considerations

At just under $45, this tour offers a good value for the number of tastings and entertainment included. Comparing the cost to the total number of 17 tastings, it’s a reasonably priced way to explore Mexican spirits without committing to a full bar tab or a lengthy tour. For those interested in learning about mezcal and tequila in a relaxed, festive setting, it’s well worth the price.

However, keep in mind that additional food and drinks are not included, so if you’re hungry or want more drinks, you’ll need to budget extra. Also, the experience is geared toward those who can appreciate a lively, social setting with some costume fun. It’s not ideal if you’re looking for a quiet, sophisticated tasting or have dietary restrictions that prevent you from drinking.

How This Tour Fits Into Your Puerto Vallarta Trip

This activity is best suited for adventurous travelers who want to add some flavor to their evening and learn about Mexico’s spirits in a fun setting. It’s perfect if you enjoy live entertainment, socializing, and memorable photos. The casual, festive atmosphere makes it especially appealing for those who want more than just a tasting — it’s an immersive, lively experience.

If you’re traveling with friends or a couple who enjoys cocktails and culture, you’ll find this a delightful way to spend a couple of hours. It’s also flexible enough for solo travelers eager to connect with others in a vibrant environment.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people under 18?
No, since the tastings and cocktails are alcohol-based, only travelers 18 and older can participate in the tasting component.

Are food options included?
No, food isn’t included. You might want to eat beforehand or plan to grab dinner afterward.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience. You’ll get a full refund if you cancel in time.

What’s the best way to get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at La Catrina Cantina, which is near public transportation and accessible, but be mindful of stairs.

Is tipping expected?
Tipping is strongly encouraged for staff and entertainers, so consider bringing some cash for gratuities.

How many people usually take part?
The group is limited to 15 travelers, making it a cozy, personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine, but dressing up in costumes is part of the fun, so feel free to embrace the theme.

Is this a family-friendly activity?
Since alcohol is involved, it’s designed for adults 18 and over, so it’s not suitable for children.

Final Thoughts

This mezcal versus tequila cocktail tasting in Puerto Vallarta offers a lively, engaging way to dive into Mexico’s iconic spirits. With generous tastings, a festive atmosphere, and the chance to dress up and take photos, it’s a well-rounded experience for those looking to combine learning and fun in one evening. The small group size and friendly staff help create a warm, personal vibe, ensuring you’ll leave with not just new drink knowledge but also some fun memories.

While it’s not a quiet or formal tasting, if you enjoy social settings, vibrant entertainment, and discovering what makes Mexican spirits special, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary. Just remember to plan for extra food if you get hungry, and bring your dancing shoes — you might find yourself wanting to dance along with the live music. For a genuine taste of local culture wrapped in a lively, colorful package, this experience is a solid choice.