How do tequila and mezcal differ? A straightforward answer is while all tequila is mezcal, not all mezcal is tequila. Mezcal is an alcoholic beverage made from the juices of any agave plant, a succulent plant native to Mexico. On the other hand, Tequila is created solely from the Blue Agave plant.
The agave plant, which has roughly 290 different species, makes the difference. Tequila is named after the Tequila Valley, a region in Mexico where blue agave is grown. Before being distilled at least twice in copper pots, the agave is steam distilled inside ovens.
Mezcal is still created the same way it was two hundred years ago, with almost any variety of agave roasted inside earthen pits filled with wood and charcoal before being distilled.
Mezcal can be enjoyed in various ways, and a mezcal tasting event will teach you how to do just that. You’ll learn about the history, production, customs, and other intriguing facts about mezcal during a private mezcal tasting experience.
A mezcal tasting tour should be on your to-do list if you plan a trip to Cabo. Whether you’re there for a few days or renting a luxury villa, treat yourself to a unique experience and try some local favorites.
Mezcal tasting and cocktail class provided by Vas Que Vuelas
With over 50 different mezcal brands, including their own, this tour will take you to Vas Que Vuelas Mezcaleria, a bona fide mezcal bar. A demonstration of how the drink is manufactured will be followed by a tasting of three different types of mezcal, each made from a different agave plant or from various places in Mexico. A quick demonstration on how to make an excellent mezcal cocktail (that you can also drink!) will follow the tasting. The 90-minute tour costs from $53.34 per adult and is rated as very good to excellent by 22 people.
Not all mezcal tasting events you’ll find in Cabo San Lucas may sound appealing to you. If a tour isn’t available in your area or if you would rather do some exploring on your own, here are some of the finest local places to try these traditional Mexican spirits for a high-end tasting experience:
Cape resort
The only rooftop bar and lounge in Cabo San Lucas, the Cape resort’s signature drink is a herbal-infused mezcal with pineapple and grapefruit on the menu, as well as handcrafted cocktails and specialty beers from the area.
Slim’s Elbow Room
In Cabo San Lucas, Slim’s Elbow Room claims to be the world’s tiniest bar, which is only open to four people at a time. Customers are urged to place a dollar (of any denomination) on the wall, and you’ll be amazed at how they’ve managed to fit them all in the bar.
Tequila Shark bar
Head to the Tequila Shark bar on the marina’s waterfront for more room, where the fantastic view and excellent meal are paired with a tequila selection as broad as the Pacific Ocean.
The Acre
In an elegant and serene setting, the Acre bar and restaurant’s main attraction is a tasting area that highlights unique mezcals. Beso de Katrina, with mezcal, pineapple, lime, oregano, hibiscus, and Perla de la Baja, with mezcal, tequila, lime, pineapple, verbena honey, passion fruit, and Angostura bitters are two of the crowd favorites.
Agua by Larb
The One & Only Palmilla’s Agua by Larbi is a mezcal-tasting Cabo bar with a romantic candlelit supper. The palapa style bar, with its Mexican tableside delicacies and agave spirits, as well as the beautiful touches of Mexican art, creates an exclusive ambiance suitable for a refreshing drink at sunset.
La Biblioteca de Tequila
La Biblioteca de Tequila serves over 350 different varieties of tequila, mezcal, agave spirits, and traditional Mexican treats that balance heritage with a fresh take. With El Arco and the marina as a backdrop, this outdoor deck is ideal for taking in the spectacular sunsets.
We can Book a Mezcal Tasting Event for You
We can help you plan a delightful Cabo mezcal tasting tour that you won’t easily forget. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any support.
Give us a call at 1.800.975.5569 or email us a message today. Booking a mezcal tasting tour of your choice with our team will save you time and effort.
