Ultimate Guide to Tequila Tasting in Cabo San Lucas
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Let’s be honest, we all have our guilty pleasures. Whether it’s a late night at the bar with friends, or binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix, every now and then we need a bit of indulgence.
Lucky for you, Cabo San Lucas has a wide variety of places where you can enjoy a tasty shot of tequila.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover the best places for tequila tasting, as well as give you some tips and tricks on how to make the most out of your experience.
Whether you’re a beginner or an aficionado, you’ll walk away with everything you need to know to have the best tequila tasting experience in Cabo San Lucas.
Where to Go Tequila Tasting in Cabo San Lucas?
There are a variety of tequila tasting tours available in Cabo San Lucas, from dive bars to luxury resorts. Here are our top picks:
1. Pancho’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar
Pancho’s Restaurant is a great place for people who like to eat and drink well. The tequilas here are well stocked (over 500 brands!) so it’s not hard to find one that suits your palette.
The tequila tasting here includes sampling four different types of tequila; Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and Mezcal.
With its intimate ambiance and delicious food to pair, Pancho’s is a great place to spend your time.
2. Sunset Cruise with Tequila Tasting
It’s no secret that the sunsets in Los Cabos are some of the most spectacular sights to see. Experience this natural beauty aboard an open bar sunset cruise with a few treats along the way!
Your driver will whisk you away to the marina and that’s when the party really begins; enjoy 2 hours of unlimited drinks and appies while your eyes drink in the views at Lands End.
Next, meander back to shore where you can indulge yourself in a tequila tasting session and history lesson on this local specialty.
Enjoy a tasty taco dinner at one of the nearby restaurants before bidding adiós.
This is an experience like no other; it’s perfect for any traveler looking for a unique way to spend the evening in Los Cabos.
3. Private Tequila Tasting Tour
Tequila tasting is an art form not to be missed. Get the inside scoop on Mexico’s finest export and learn about its history, production, and diverse flavors during a private tequila tasting tour.
You’ll learn all about different types of tequila and mezcal, and also get to try six varieties of handmade tequila, paired with delicious snacks.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover the fascinating world of Mexican spirits – so don’t miss out!
4. Tequila & Ceviche Bar at Las Ventanas
Las Ventanas has a tequila program where you go through a fun taste test to determine which “tequila sign” suits you best.
With this knowledge, you can then choose from an exclusive selection of drinks at the restaurant and bar that’s tailored to your taste buds!
5. Tequila Tasting with ATV & Camel Ride
Ok folks, let’s take this one to the next level, shall we? This half-day excursion is an excellent opportunity to enjoy both the serenity and variety of Mexico’s Pacific Coast while indulging your sense for off-road exploration – a perfect day out.
Ride in style on stately camels along the beach before coming back for a different kind of adrenaline rush – an ATV ride!
After all the trailblazing, settle down at an oceanfront restaurant to sip on some tequila and (optional) lunch.
An experience like no other, this adventure is great for anyone looking to get off the beaten path in Los Cabos.
6. Habanero’s Gastro Grill
While no official “tequila tastings” are offered here, Habanero’s is a great option if you want to enjoy some drinks while you eat.
It’s not only famous for its delicious food, but also for having a great selection of tequilas to sample. You can enjoy mouthwatering dishes while sipping on some of the best tequila in town.
The knowledgeable staff will happily help you pick out the perfect drink for you if you’re a tequila newbie.
7. BBQ Dinner Cruise with Tequila Tasting
Longing to shop, taste tequila, and watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean all in one day? Now’s your chance! This dinner cruise is a 6-hour affair that combines all the best aspects of the beautiful city.
The tour starts in downtown Cabo, where your first stop is the tequila tasting. Next, you’ll have free time to wander through the local shops and boutiques for that perfect souvenir.
Once you’ve had your fill of dashing between shops and sampling some of Mexico’s finest spirits, it’s time for dinner.
Enjoy a BBQ buffet along with live entertainment and unlimited drinks while you relax on the cruise as you take in some of the most stunning views around. It’s the perfect way to end a day in paradise!
8. Tequila & Chocolate Tasting with Boat Tour
For those who like to get their drink-on early, this tequila and chocolate tour starts bright and early at 9:30 AM.
The tour begins by boarding a glass-bottom boat for a tour of Cabo San Lucas Bay – try your hand at spotting plenty of marine life including sea lions and tropical fish!
Disembark and visit downtown Cabo San Lucas for a scenic walking tour and drop by for a tequila tasting alongside some sweet chocolate confection.
This is a great way to spend the morning if you’re looking for a unique way to get out on the town in Los Cabos.
9. J&J La Casa del Habano
J&J La Casa del Habano is a cigar shop that’s been around for over two decades in the heart of Cabo San Lucas.
The shop specializes in artisan tequilas as well, produced by small distillers who take their time to bring out all of those rich flavors.
The staff is very knowledgeable and can help you pick the best tequila based on your taste preferences; you can even sample several different types of tequila in 1/2 oz shots to find your favorite.
If you’re looking to buy authentic Cuban Habanos or want to have some good tequila while browsing their selection, this is a great place to visit.
Beginner’s Guide To Tequila Tasting
While it may seem like a great idea to just jump into tasting tequila, there are some things to keep in mind before you start.
It’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into, and what the best way is to try tequila.
Try the Blanco First. When it comes to tequila, the first thing you should try is the blanco.
This is because it doesn’t have any additives or extra aging involved, so you can really taste the flavor of the agave plant that it was made from.
If you like this taste, venture out to different brands of blanco tequilas.
Try the Reposado Next. If you enjoyed your blanco experience then try out a reposado!
This type of tequila has been aged for at least two months in oak barrels, so you’ll get a little bit of a smoother taste.
Try the Añejo Last. If you want to try something with a little bit of a kick, then go for the añejo.
This type of tequila has been aged for at least one year in oak barrels so it will be smoother and have more robust flavors.
What to Look for in a Good Tequila
If you want to go on a tequila tasting tour, it’s important that you know what to look for in a good tequila.
There are two variations of tequila: Mixto and 100% Blue Agave.
100% Blue Agave is made from pure agave juice that’s distilled for approximately nine years.
Mixto is considered inferior because it contains a mix of agave tequila (at least 51%) and other sugars. This is how you get those nasty hangovers!
As you might have guessed, 100% Blue Agave is more expensive because it’s higher in quality and doesn’t contain filler ingredients like fructose or other sugars.
What Are the Different Types of Tequila?
For those who are new to tequila tasting, there are some things you should know. The three most common types of tequila are: blanco, reposado, and añejo.
Blanco
Blanco is the most common type of tequila used in cocktails such as margaritas. It tends to be clear in color and has a spicy taste with hints of citrus and herb flavors.
This variety is the youngest because it’s usually bottled immediately after distillation or aged for less than two months.
Reposado
Reposado tequila is aged for a minimum of two months to one year in oak barrels, and can be easily distinguished from its clear counterpart by the slight amber tint.
It has an aroma that resembles woody vanilla with fruit undertones.
The taste is sweet with notes of oaky vanilla, dried fruit like raisins or figs, cloves and cinnamon.
Reposado is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks and also can be used in cooking to add flavor and spice!
Añejo
Añejo is an amber-colored tequila that is aged for 1-3 years and can be quite pricey.
Añejo or “old” tequilas are considered more complex than blanco and reposado with their flavor profile maturing into unique nuances not found in any other variety.
These flavors can include wood-like notes as well as vanilla and cinnamon notes coming from barrel charring along with an enhanced agave aroma which comes only after being rested for at least one year under these conditions.
Extra Añejos are aged in barrels for over three years.
Origin and History of Tequila
Tequila’s origins date back to the early 1500s when Spanish conquistadors first explored the region.
To celebrate their victory over the Aztecs, they would toast with a celebratory drink made from fermented agave juice. Over time, this drink became known as tequila and is now one of Mexico’s most treasured exports.
Today, there are over 1600 brands of tequila and it’s more than just a drink – tequila has come to symbolize Mexican culture, pride and tradition throughout the world.
As you can imagine, many locals enjoy drinking this tasty beverage anytime they can – and sometimes even with breakfast!
FAQ About Tequila in Cabo
Are There Tequila Tours in Cabo?
Yes, there are tequila tours in Cabo San Lucas, but they are not the typical tour where you hop on a bus and go to a few different distilleries.
Instead, tequila tastings in Cabo are combined with other experiences, like a sunset cruise or tour of the city.
Some of the restaurants also have their own artisanal tequilas that you can sample and pair with their food.
Are There Any Distilleries in Cabo San Lucas?
No, there are no distilleries in Cabo San Lucas. Mexican law dictates that tequila can only be produced from the following places: the state of Jalisco (where 90% of tequila comes from) and limited municipalities in Michoacán, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, and Nayarit.
