Mezcal vs. Tequila Cocktail Tasting in a Cantina

If you’re planning a night out that combines the vibrant spirit of Mexico with a splash of artistry and entertainment, the Mezcal vs. Tequila Cocktail Tasting in a Cantina offers an experience worth considering. While I haven’t done this tour personally, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear this is a lively, interactive, and delicious way to spend a couple of hours in Puerto Vallarta.

What’s so appealing? First, you get to try both spirits side-by-side, appreciating their unique flavors. Second, the lively atmosphere, with live music and performers, keeps the energy high. Third, the stunning Day of the Dead murals provide fantastic photo ops and a taste of local culture. That said, if you’re not a fan of alcohol or don’t want to be part of a group, this might not be your ideal choice. Still, for those wanting a fun, social evening with authentic Mexican drinks, it’s a strong contender.

This tour suits travelers who love interactive experiences, enjoy tasting new spirits, and want a casual night with entertainment. It’s especially great for solo travelers, couples, or friends looking to soak up local flavor in a relaxed setting.

Good To Know

• Authentic Mexican spirits: Learn about and taste both mezcal and tequila, appreciating their differences.
• Interactive experience: Put on traditional costumes, take selfies with murals, and get involved in the show.
• Lively entertainment: Enjoy live music and performers throughout the tasting.
• Generous tastings: Experience 17 different tastings, including specialty cocktails.
• Great value: At around $45, the tour offers a fun, comprehensive introduction to Mexican spirits and culture.
• Social atmosphere: The lively setting is perfect for making new friends or sharing a memorable night with loved ones.

Setting the Scene: What the Tour Offers

The experience kicks off at La Catrina Cantina in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica, a lively and colorful neighborhood packed with local charm. Once you arrive, you get fitted with a traditional Mexican costume, instantly adding a fun, dress-up element that makes the night memorable. Reviewers mention that the staff is friendly and welcoming, helping to set a relaxed, festive tone right from the start.

Exploring Mezcal and Tequila

You begin by tasting both spirits neat, giving you the chance to savor their distinct profiles. One reviewer, rbarajas702, noted that the bartenders successfully swayed them from tequila to the smoky taste of mezcal, saying, “I’m definitely more of a mezcal fan now.” This initial tasting is important because it sets a baseline before moving on to cocktails, allowing you to compare flavors directly.

The “Viva Mexico” Cocktail Menu

After sampling the spirits straight, your guide walks you through creating several specialty cocktails from the “Viva Mexico” menu, combining mezcal and tequila with fresh fruits. Expect to see lively demonstrations and opportunities to participate in the mixology. The variety of cocktails means you can see how each spirit interacts differently with fruits and mixers.

17 Tastings in Total

The tour boasts a total of 17 tastings, which is quite generous for the price. These include both neat spirits and cocktails, giving you a well-rounded perspective on Mexican liquors. Reviewers have highlighted the quality of the drinks, with one mentioning they loved the smoky taste of mezcal after trying it in various forms.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

Throughout the evening, live entertainment keeps the energy high. Expect lively performers, music, and even the opportunity to put on costumes and become part of the show. Guests are encouraged to tip the staff and entertainers, who contribute significantly to the overall atmosphere. One guest described the entertainment as “outstanding,” adding that it made the experience even more enjoyable.

The Experience: What Makes It Stand Out

One of the tour’s highlights is its artistic setting, decorated with vibrant Day of the Dead murals that make for fantastic selfies and photos. The murals not only add a touch of Mexican culture but also serve as a colorful backdrop for the evening’s festivities. Reviewers appreciated the chance to take photos during and after the tasting, making it a visually memorable experience.

The dress-up element is more than just fun—it enhances the social vibe, encouraging interaction among guests. The fact that few other tours offer such an immersive, costume-based experience with spirits tasting makes this stand out.

Practical Details

• The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a perfect pre-dinner activity or a lively evening outing.
• It’s booked on average 42 days in advance, indicating strong interest and value.
• The group size is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience.
• The activity is accessible near public transportation and involves some stairs, so it’s worth considering if mobility is a concern.

Price and Value

At approximately $45 per person, inclusive of 17 tastings and a show, this tour offers more than just a drink tasting—it’s an experience. Reviewers have expressed satisfaction with the value, noting the quality of the drinks and the lively entertainment justify the cost. Plus, the included costumes and photo opportunities add extra fun without additional expense.

While dinner isn’t included, you can easily plan a meal before or after, making this a flexible choice to suit your schedule and appetite.

Insights from Reviewers

Rbarajas702 highlights the friendly staff and delicious drinks, noting that the smoky mezcal has swayed them to become a fan. Gloria_T found the service and entertainment outstanding, describing it as the “best time” they’ve had and promising a return. These genuine reactions suggest the tour delivers on its promise of a fun, lively, and tasty experience.

Reviewers also appreciate the informative aspect—getting to learn about each spirit and see how they’re made or enjoyed locally. The combination of tasting, making cocktails, and entertainment creates a well-rounded evening that captures the lively spirit of Mexican nightlife.

Practical Tips: Making the Most of Your Night

• Arrive early to get fitted into costumes and settle in before the tasting begins.
• Remember to tip generously—the staff and performers rely on tips, and they really enhance the experience.
• Bring dancing shoes—with lively entertainment, you might find yourself tapping or dancing along.
• Consider pairing this experience with a meal beforehand, as dinner isn’t included.
• The tour operates near public transportation, but check local options to plan your arrival and departure.
• If you want to maximize photo opportunities, arrive in comfortable clothing that shows off your costume and take advantage of the murals.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Mezcal vs. Tequila Cocktail Tasting is best suited for travelers who enjoy interactive, culturally immersive experiences. It’s perfect if you’re curious about Mexican spirits, love lively atmospheres, and want to enjoy a social night out. The combination of tastings, entertainment, and colorful murals makes it a memorable activity that goes beyond just trying drinks.

It also suits those who appreciate good value—getting 17 tastings plus a show for around $45—especially if you’re keen to learn about Mexican alcohol or want a fun activity to kick off an evening in Puerto Vallarta. If you prefer a quieter, more subdued experience, or want a sit-down dinner included, this may not be the best fit.

Overall, it’s a lively, flavorful, and visually engaging way to experience a slice of local life, with enough fun and variety to appeal to a broad range of travelers.

FAQ

• Where does the tour start? The activity begins at La Catrina Cantina located at Lázaro Cárdenas 315B, Zona Romántica.
• How long does the tour last? Approximately 2 hours.
• What is included in the price? 17 tastings of tequila and mezcal, plus a complete cocktail, and a free show.
• Are there any food options included? No, dinner or additional food is not included.
• Is tipping expected? Yes, tipping staff and entertainers is strongly encouraged.
• Is the tour suitable for children? No, the tastings are for travelers 18+.
• Can I cancel if I change my mind? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
• Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues? It involves stairs and is near public transportation, so consider this if mobility is a concern.
• Are service animals allowed? Yes.
• What should I wear? Dress comfortably, and don’t forget your dancing shoes! Costumes are provided for fun photos.

This tour offers an engaging way to explore Mexican culture through spirits and entertainment, making it a standout activity in Puerto Vallarta for those seeking a lively, flavorful night out.