Ultimate Guide to Tequila Tasting in Cancun
Ah yes, tequila. The elixir to long nights of partying and body shots till the sun rises. And it’s definitely not a party in Mexico without tequila.
But let’s turn a night of debauchery into something a bit more classy and make it a night you’ll actually want to remember, shall we? There are plenty of places to go for this boozy experience; here are the best places to go tequila tasting in Cancun.
Best Places to Go Tequila Tasting in Cancun
To get the most out of your tasting experience, it’s important to know where to go and what you’re drinking. What kind of tequila would I enjoy the most? Is there such thing as bad tequila? That’s where this knowledgeable guide comes in hand.
With our help, you’ll be able to learn about the world of tequila and taste your way around Cancun like an expert. Ready? Let’s go!
1. Tequila Academy
Step up your vacation game with a private tequila tasting session! The experts at Tequila Academy will come to your vacation home and deliver a fun, educational experience that you’ll never forget.
Enjoy the company of friends, family members or that special someone while you sample an array of tequilas and learn about the history. With an option to add a private chef, you can enjoy a delicious meal and pair it with tequila. Salud!
2. Tequila University
Visiting Puerto Morelos for the day? Tequila University at La Sirena is a tasting and educational experience that will teach you the history of tequila while you enjoy tastings paired with tapas.
You’ll be immersed in an atmosphere unlike any other, overlooking the Caribbean Sea as your Master Tequilero leads you through this special event.
The tasting takes about an hour and a half and is a great way to discover many different types of tequila while getting some great tips on how to enjoy it best.
3. International Jewelry Center & Outlet
Shopping for souvenirs and need some “refreshments”? Stop by the International Jewelry Center and Outlet. Not only will you find a great selection of fine jewelry, exotic leathers and beautiful handicrafts, they also have a tequila showroom!
The store provides an opportunity to experience the craft of tequila tasting and learn about its history. You’ll have the chance to taste 15 different types of tequila, as well as other derivatives such as Mezcal.
4. Adventure Tour with Tequila Tasting
Experience the best of Mexican culture on this action-packed day tour. Visit Chichen Itza, one of the most famous ancient Mayan cities in the world, and learn about its fascinating history.
Then go for tequila tasting in Valladolid, a charming colonial town, and enjoy a swim in a cenote – an underground freshwater pool. Round off the trip with a delicious buffet lunch. This is the perfect way to discover all that Mexico has to offer!
5. Tequila Tasting at Your Resort
Many resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya have a tequila tasting option as part of their daily activities. Your own hotel might offer tequila tastings; you just need to ask!
For example, The Ritz Carlton offers this experience to their guests. Sample some of Mexico’s finest tequilas while learning about their history and production. It’s the perfect activity for any tequila lover.
6. Tequila Factory
If you want a more professional approach to your tasting experience and if you’re looking for something more than just free samples at a bar, then go on a tour.
Tequila Factory is a replica of a distillery where you can walk through the production grounds and learn about the history and manufacturing process of this famous Mexican liquor.
You’ll get to sample 7 different types of tequila and discover how this drink has made a name for itself in international markets.
Types of Tequila
Want to educate yourself before your trip? Here are some interesting facts about the most common types of tequila on the market:
Blanco Tequila (White)
Aged for less than two months and generally bottled immediately, this type is clear like water and has a light, spicy taste with hints of citrus. It’s usually best to drink blanco tequila straight, or with a wedge of lime and a dash of salt. It’ll go down easy either way!
Reposado Tequila (Rested)
This tequila is aged for between two months and one year in oak barrels after being distilled. At this stage, it takes on an amber hue and has a more complex flavor than blanco tequila.
The flavor tends to be sweeter with hints of vanilla and nuttiness in the taste (although it really depends on the brand). Reposado is typically served neat or on the rocks.
Añejo Tequila (Aged)
This tequila is aged for more than one year in oak barrels and has a darker color and a more complex flavor. Since it’s aged longer, it’s not as harsh and has a more mellow flavor than blanco or reposado tequila. Añejo is typically served neat or on the rocks.
Extra Añejo Tequila (Extra Aged)
This tequila is aged for at least three years in oak barrels, which gives it a darker color and an even mellower flavor. Extra añejo tequilas are often called “ultra-aged” or “extra-aged” because they are aged longer than other types of tequila.
Tequila Tasting: Things to Know
What to Expect at a Tequila Tasting
If you’ve never done a tequila tasting before, it’s important to know what to expect. You’ll start by learning about the history and culture of tequila, which will make you appreciate it more and get a better understanding.
Next, you’ll get small samples of various types of tequila. Be sure to stop at each one and smell it first before tasting it.
This will help you distinguish between different flavors, like smokey or fruity. If you find something that you like, be sure to ask if they sell individual bottles so you can take some home with you!
What is the Difference Between Mixto and 100% Agave Tequila?
Tequila can be distilled in two ways: 100% agave or blended (mixto).
Mixto tequila is made from at least 51% blue agave. In blended tequilas, sugarcane and other sugars are added to the mix after distillation; this makes them less expensive than the counterpart.
100% agave tequila is made with only the blue agave plant, which is fermented and distilled.
Authentic 100% agave tequila will always be labeled as such on the bottle. If it isn’t labeled as 100% agave, it’s not.
Common Drinks Made with Tequila
Here are some typical ways that people drink tequila:
Shot: This is the most common way to drink tequila, but there’s no need to slam them back! Take your time and enjoy the flavor.
Margarita: This is a classic cocktail made with tequila, ice, lime juice and triple sec or Cointreau.
Tequila Sunrise: This drink is made with tequila, orange juice and grenadine.
Paloma: This drink is made with tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice and salt. It’s popular in Mexico!
How is Tequila Made?
Tequila is made from the heart of the blue agave plant (called the piña, which can weigh up to 180 pounds!). This plant, which grows in southern Mexico, has been used to make the drink for centuries.
The process of making it is very similar to that of making whiskey, except that it takes about 3-5 days for tequila to ferment and distill.
Tequila cannot be produced outside of Mexico and there are only 4 Mexican states that can legally produce it: Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas.
What is the Drinking Age in Cancun?
In Cancun and all of Mexico, the legal drinking age is 18. You’ll need photo identification as proof of your age, so make sure to bring it with you on your trip.
How Much Tequila Can You Bring Back From Mexico?
The limit is two liters of tequila per person and will be tax-free. Exceeding this limit results in either paying a higher tax or forfeiting the bottles at customs checkpoint.
The importation of alcohol is limited by law so make sure to follow these guidelines before traveling back home with more than what’s allowed. Note: Alcohol bottles that are opened or have broken seals will not be permitted.
