Did you know that Mexico City is one of the best places in the world to explore the rich, smoky flavors of mezcal? Whether you’re a seasoned mezcal enthusiast or a curious beginner, the city offers a variety of tasting classes and cocktail workshops that will take your love for this iconic Mexican spirit to the next level.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top mezcal tasting Mexico City Experiences, including traditional tastings, hands-on cocktail classes, and where to book them. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to go for an unforgettable mezcal adventure!
Why Mexico City is the Ultimate Destination for Mezcal Tasting
Mexico City is a hub for mezcal lovers, offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation. The city’s vibrant food and drink scene, combined with its rich history of mezcal production, makes it the perfect place to explore this iconic spirit.
Mezcal tasting classes in Mexico City are more than just a chance to sip and savor—they’re an opportunity to learn about the spirit’s production, flavors, and cultural significance. From small-batch artisanal mezcals to creative cocktails, there’s something for everyone.
Mezcal Tastings vs. Mezcal Cocktail Classes: What’s Right for You?
Before diving into the best experiences, it’s important to understand the difference between traditional mezcal tastings and mezcal cocktail classes.
- Traditional Mezcal Tastings: These focus on exploring the flavors, aromas, and production methods of mezcal. Perfect for purists who want to dive deep into the spirit.
- Mezcal Cocktail Classes: These are hands-on experiences where you’ll learn to mix cocktails using mezcal as the base spirit. Ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with flavors and want a more interactive experience.
Top Mezcal Tasting Experiences in Mexico City
1. Traditional Mezcal Tasting with a Local Expert
- Platform: Airbnb Experiences
- Link: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/100246
- Rating: 4.97/5 (200+ reviews)
What to Expect:
This immersive experience is designed for those who want to understand mezcal beyond the basics. Hosted by Carlos, a local mezcal expert with over a decade of experience, the session begins with a warm welcome in a rustic, candlelit tasting room in the Roma Norte neighborhood. Over two hours, you’ll sample 5-6 artisanal mezcals sourced from small-scale producers in Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Durango. Carlos dives deep into the nuances of mezcal production, explaining how agave varieties like Espadín, Tobalá, and Madrecuixe influence flavor profiles.
You’ll learn to identify tasting notes—think smoky, earthy, citrusy, or floral—and how the roasting process in underground pits (known as palenques) shapes the spirit’s character. The experience also includes a brief history of mezcal’s cultural significance in Mexico, paired with traditional snacks like chapulines (toasted grasshoppers) and orange slices to cleanse the palate.
Why It Stands Out:
Reviewers consistently praise Carlos’s storytelling and ability to make complex topics accessible. One guest wrote, “Carlos turned mezcal from a drink into a journey through Mexico’s history.” The small group size (limited to 8 guests) ensures personalized attention, making this ideal for travelers seeking both education and connection.
2. Salón de Agave: Mezcal Tasting with a Sommelier
- Platform: Airbnb Experiences
- Link: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/4450038
- Rating: 4.98/5 (150+ reviews)
What to Expect:
Held in the aptly named Salón de Agave, this experience is a masterclass in premium mezcal. The venue, which translates to “Agave Hall,” is a sleek, minimalist space in Condesa dedicated entirely to agave spirits. Led by Ana, a certified mezcal sommelier, the tasting focuses on rare, small-batch mezcals that are seldom available outside Mexico. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll sample 6-8 exclusive varieties, including ancestral mezcals made using pre-Hispanic techniques like clay pot distillation.
Ana guides guests through the sensory journey, teaching you to distinguish between joven (unaged), reposado (aged), and añejo (extra-aged) mezcals. The experience also includes pairing exercises—think artisanal dark chocolate, citrus-infused salts, and even edible insects—to demonstrate how flavors interact. The session concludes with a Q&A, where Ana shares insider tips on buying authentic mezcal and avoiding commercial imitations.
Why It Stands Out:
The Salón de Agave’s focus on luxury and education makes it a standout. Guests rave about the “once-in-a-lifetime” access to rare mezcals and Ana’s encyclopedic knowledge. As one reviewer noted, “This isn’t just a tasting; it’s a deep dive into Mexico’s liquid heritage.”
3. Upscale Mezcal Tasting Class and Cocktails (Viator)
- Platform: Viator
- Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Mexico-City/Upscale-Mezcal-Tasting-Class-and-Cocktails/d628-148839P7?pid=P00062320&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=UpscaleMezcal
- Rating: 5/5 (50+ reviews on Viator/TripAdvisor)
What to Expect:
For travelers craving a blend of sophistication and hands-on fun, this upscale tasting on a rooftop in Polanco delivers. Hosted by mixologist Luis, the experience starts with a guided tasting of 4 premium mezcals, including a rare pechuga mezcal infused with fruits and spices. Luis explains how terroir and distillation methods affect flavor, using maps and visuals to illustrate Mexico’s diverse mezcal-producing regions.
The second half shifts to mixology: guests craft two cocktails according to their own personal taste, such as a Smoky Paloma (mezcal, grapefruit, lime, and soda) and a Oaxacan Old Fashioned (mezcal, agave syrup, and chocolate bitters). The workshop emphasizes technique—muddling, shaking, and garnishing—while encouraging creativity. The session ends with a toast overlooking the city skyline, paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.
Why It Stands Out:
This class is praised for its “perfect balance of education and indulgence.” Reviewers highlight Luis’s engaging teaching style and the rooftop’s chic ambiance. “It felt like a private party with a mezcal expert,” wrote one guest.
Best Mezcal Cocktail Classes
Cocktail Workshop: Mezcal & Tequila Edition
- Platform: Viator
- Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Mexico-City/Cocktail-Workshop/d628-148839P3?pid=P00062320&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=MezcalvsTequila
- Rating: 5/5 (34+ reviews)
What to Expect:
This lively 2.5-hour workshop is designed for travelers who want to master the art of Mexican mixology. Led by a seasoned bartender, the class kicks off with a brief introduction to mezcal and tequila, explaining their distinct production processes and flavor profiles. You’ll learn why mezcal’s smoky complexity pairs perfectly with bold ingredients, while tequila’s crispness shines in citrus-forward drinks.
The host emphasizes technique—how to muddle herbs, balance sweet and sour flavors, and garnish like a pro. You’ll also learn insider tips, like rimming glasses with Pink Pepper and Salt for an authentic touch. All ingredients are provided, including premium spirits, fresh fruits, and artisanal syrups. The workshop wraps up with a tasting session where guests sample each other’s creations and toast to their newfound skills.
Why It Stands Out:
This class is perfect for groups or solo travelers looking for a fun, interactive experience. Reviews highlight the host’s humor and patience, with one guest writing, “I never thought I’d make a cocktail this good—thank you, Mauricio!”
2. Discover Mexican Spirits & Mixology
- Platform: Viator
- Link:https://www.viator.com/tours/Mexico-City/Discover-the-Best-of-Mexican-Spirits-and-Mixology-in-One-Workshop/d628-148839P6?pid=P00062320&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=MexicanSpirits
- Rating: 5/5 (70+ reviews)
What to Expect:
This 2-hour workshop in La Condesa is a deep dive into Mexico’s spirit landscape. Hosted by Mexican Sprits Experts, the experience starts with a comparative tasting of four agave-based spirits: mezcal, tequila, raicilla (a lesser-known Jalisco spirit), and sotol (made from desert spoon plants). Sandra explains each spirit’s origin, production, and cultural role, using maps and photos to contextualize their histories.
Guests then create two cocktails using techniques like dry-shaking egg whites for texture. The class includes snack pairings like jicama sticks with chili-lime salt and queso fresco to complement the spirits’ flavors. Mauricio and Sury also share recommendations for visiting mezcalerías and distilleries across Mexico.
Why It Stands Out:
This workshop is perfect for curious travelers who want to explore beyond mezcal. Reviews highlight Sandra’s storytelling: “She made the history of Mexican spirits as exciting as the drinks themselves!”
Why Viator & Airbnb Experiences Are Your Best Bet for Mezcal Tasting Mexico City
- Viator: Verified reviews, free cancellation, and instant booking.
- Airbnb Experiences: Led by locals, often in hidden-gem venues like Salón de Agave.
Pro Tips for Booking:
- Check for seasonal discounts (e.g., Day of the Dead packages).
- Message hosts beforehand to confirm dietary accommodations (e.g., vegan snacks).
How to Choose the Right Experience
| Factor | Traditional Tasting | Cocktail Class |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Education, history | Hands-on creativity |
| Group Size | Small (6-8) | Larger (10-12) |
| Best For | Solo travelers, couples | Friends, bachelor/bachelorette groups |
Recommended Mezcal Bar
Tlecān Mezcal Bar: First Time on the 50 Best List
Breaking into the World’s 50 Best Bars at #20 in 2024, Tlecān has revolutionized Mexico City’s cocktail scene with its standing-room-only concept and pre-Hispanic inspired décor. This innovative mezcal bar transports you to ancient Mexico through its striking murals, ceremonial objects, and dramatic lighting, all while serving some of the city’s most sophisticated cocktails.
Don’t miss their signature Clarified Paloma with Mezcal, a crystal-clear twist on Mexico’s beloved grapefruit cocktail, or the Apricot Margarita, which perfectly balances smoky mezcal with fruity sweetness. Despite its prestigious ranking, Tlecān maintains a no-reservation policy, embracing a dynamic atmosphere where guests mingle while standing – much like a traditional Mexican cantina. Arrive early
Conclusion
Final Thoughts for Travelers
I have to be honest that some of these experiences are part of the experiences I offer in Mexico City and been developing in over the last 6 years. I’ve been able to partner with incredible people and Mezcal Experts in order to offer the best of the best for visitors interested in venturing into the Mezcal Journey. Each one of them offer a unique approach to Mezcal and even cocktails which will makes it fun especially for those cocktail Enthusiasts out there. Son enjoy!
- Match the Experience to Your Interests:
- If you’re a history buff or flavor purist, prioritize traditional tastings like the Salón de Agave or Carlos’s Airbnb session. These deep dives into mezcal’s origins will leave you with a richer understanding of its cultural roots.
- For social butterflies or cocktail enthusiasts, workshops like Viator’s Mexican Spirits & Mixology class blend education with hands-on fun. You’ll leave not just with new skills, but maybe even new friends.
- Enhance Your Tasting Journey:
- Pair with local flavors: Ask hosts about pairing mezcal with Oaxacan chocolate, chapulines, or citrus—it’ll elevate your tasting and connect you to regional cuisine.
- Take notes: Jot down your favorite mezcals (e.g., Tobalá vs. Espadín) or cocktail recipes. Many hosts share recommendations for bottles to bring home.
- Beyond the Tasting Room:
- If mezcal sparks a deeper curiosity, consider visiting an agave field or mezcal distillery on a day trip from Mexico City. Many tasting hosts can recommend trusted tours.
- Explore mezcalerías (mezcal bars) like La Clandestina or Bosforo to continue your journey independently.
A Last Sip of Advice
Mexico City’s mezcal experiences are as diverse as the spirit itself. Whether you opt for the intimacy of a sommelier-led tasting or the lively chaos of a cocktail workshop, let curiosity guide you. Remember: the best mezcal adventures aren’t just about the drink—they’re about the stories, people, and traditions behind every sip.
So raise your copita (small tasting glass), toast to discovery, and let Mexico City’s smoky, spirited soul leave its mark on you. ¡Salud!
FAQs About Mezcal Tasting in Mexico City
Q: Do I need to speak Spanish?
A: Most hosts are bilingual, but basic Spanish phrases like “¡Salud!” (Cheers!) enhance the experience.
Q: Are tastings safe for solo travelers?
A: Yes! Small groups foster camaraderie—many reviewers made new friends through these experiences.
Q: What should I wear?
A: There is no Dress Code; I would suggest you avoid strong perfumes to not interfere with aromas.
Recommended Tours & Things to do in Mexico City
Here are my top tours and things to do in Mexico City this December! From cultural experiences to vibrant local sights, these activities will make your visit unforgettable. Plus, you can trust Viator, the most reliable tour operator, to handle all your bookings and ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience.
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USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
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