Artisanal Mezcal and Fine Chocolate Tasting

Five mezcals, five Mexican chocolates, citrus, spicy peanuts, cacao, and even grasshoppers: this tasting treats mezcal as more than a shot to knock back. Host Shamira guides you through the flavors and the care involved in making artisanal agave liquor, with a fresh seasonal cocktail to start.

I like the one-to-one pairing of mezcal and chocolate, which gives you a useful way to compare flavors, and the small group of no more than 10, where Shamira can adjust the conversation to your interests. One thing to plan for: the tasting is in La Veleta, a residential part of Tulum, so you may want to arrange a cab rather than expect a hotel-bar setting.

Key points to know before you book

• Five mezcals and five Mexican chocolates give you several chances to notice how different agaves and pairings change the taste.
• Shamira’s guided explanation covers mezcal’s history, production, cultural role, and the differences among agave types.
• A seasonal welcome cocktail starts the tasting, followed by citrus, peanuts, cacao, and traditional snacks that may include grasshoppers.
• The intimate setting is a decorated patio at the host’s home in La Veleta, with a maximum group size of 10.
• The two-hour session costs $89.61 per person, and the price is most compelling if you value guided context as much as the drinks and chocolate.
• Come curious, not necessarily experienced: the format suits mezcal beginners and fans alike, though it is centered on alcoholic drinks.

Five pairings turn tasting into a lesson

The main event is a guided comparison, not simply a flight of drinks. You try five mezcals made from different agave types, with chocolates and other snacks set out to bring out contrasts in aroma and flavor. The sample menu includes Espadín and a silvestre mezcal, plus a citrus plate, artisanal chocolates, spicy peanuts, cacao, and grasshopper snacks.

That range matters because mezcal does not have one single flavor profile. As with wine grapes, the type of agave helps shape what ends up in the glass. Shamira explains how the plant, production choices, and regional traditions influence the result, giving you a better basis for noticing the differences between pours.

The chocolate is more than a sweet finish. Each of the five fine Mexican chocolates is paired with a mezcal, so you can taste how the two affect each other. The chocolates are described as internationally acclaimed and award-winning, though the specific awards are not listed. If you are used to pairing wine with cheese, this offers a different set of flavors to consider.

The snacks make the tasting less formal and more exploratory. Citrus, peanuts, cacao, and grasshopper snacks are all part of the menu. Grasshoppers may be new territory, but they are presented as a traditional snack, not a dare. You can decide what to try; the point is to see how salt, spice, and citrus can shift a sip of mezcal.

A seasonal cocktail starts the session

The experience opens with a mezcal cocktail made as a welcome drink. Its recipe changes with the season, so you will not necessarily get the same drink on every visit. That small touch sets a relaxed tone and gives you a first taste of how mezcal works in a mixed drink before moving on to the neat pours.

The cocktail is followed by the five-mezcal tasting. Rather than rushing through a series of samples, Shamira walks you through the drinks and pairings, explaining what to notice. You can ask questions about flavor, production, or Mexican food and culture, and the host is known to adapt the explanation to the group’s interests.

This personal approach is one of the experience’s strongest points. Some sessions may be especially intimate if other bookings fall through, and the group cap is 10 even when the tasting is full. That means there is room for conversation, though the exact group size on your date can vary.

Shamira connects the drink to agave and place

Mezcal’s story begins with agave, but the tasting is not just a plant lecture. You learn about the liquor’s history and legends, how it is made, and why different agaves can produce distinct aromas and flavors. The explanation also sets mezcal in its Mexican cultural context, helping you understand why artisanal production matters to the people and places behind it.

Mezcal is produced artisanally in different parts of Mexico and is subject to production standards and a denomination of origin. That context is useful if you have mostly encountered mass-market bottles. One person who tried the tasting said it changed how they thought about buying mezcal afterward. You may leave with a sharper eye for what is in a bottle, rather than treating all mezcal as interchangeable.

The host’s clear English is another practical advantage for visitors who want more than a tasting note or two. The session is offered in English, and Shamira’s explanations can cover the full process, from harvesting agave through getting the finished product to market. The emphasis is on making the process understandable, not on showing off technical terms.

La Veleta patio, not a hotel bar

The meeting point is at Zona Novec, 9 Sur between Calle 6 Sur and 4 Sur, in La Veleta, Tulum. The activity ends at the same place. The tasting takes place at the host’s home, in a residential area, rather than at a public tasting room or resort bar. The patio has been described as decorated, inviting, and secure, with a personal feel that fits the small-group format.

For some people, a home setting is a plus: it can feel more relaxed than a commercial venue, and you meet a local host on her own turf. For others, it may help to know what to expect before arriving. One practical tip is to take a cab and look for the host outside. Transport is not listed as part of the experience, so plan your own way there and back.

The address is specific, but if you are unsure about finding it, confirm the meeting details when you book. Mobile tickets are offered, and confirmation is received at booking. The stated average booking lead time is 18 days, so this is worth arranging ahead, especially if your Tulum dates are fixed.

What $89.61 buys you

At $89.61 per person for about two hours, this is not a bargain drink stop. You are paying for a hosted tasting of five mezcals, five chocolate pairings, a seasonal welcome cocktail, traditional snacks, and an explanation of production and culture. The value depends on whether you want that guided context. If you only want a drink, a bar may cost less. If you are curious about what makes artisanal mezcal distinct, the host’s time and the structured comparisons make the price easier to justify.

The small group also changes the value calculation. A maximum of 10 gives the experience room for questions and a more personal pace. Families, couples, and small groups have taken part, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed. One non-drinker was offered coffee and fresh juice by Shamira, but that was a personal accommodation, not a stated standard part of the menu. Contact the host in advance if you need a non-alcoholic option.

You may also have the chance to buy a bottle of mezcal to take home. Special bottles have been available for purchase, but that should be treated as a possibility rather than a guaranteed part of the session. If you do buy a bottle, remember that you will need to follow airline and luggage rules for bringing alcohol home.

Who will get the most from this tasting

This is a good fit if you are interested in Mexican food and drink, want to learn how artisanal mezcal differs from industrial production, or enjoy trying flavor pairings that are a little outside the usual wine-and-cheese routine. You do not need prior mezcal knowledge. In fact, the guided tasting is especially useful if you are starting from scratch and want to learn what to notice.

It also suits people who enjoy a host-led conversation. Shamira shares cultural and production details, answers questions, and can offer local suggestions beyond the tasting. Her breakfast-taco recommendations have earned special praise, so ask for ideas if you are planning the rest of your Tulum meals.

This may be less suitable if you are looking for a large public venue, a fast cocktail stop, or a non-alcohol-focused activity. The experience is built around five mezcal pours, even though the aromas, chocolate, and snacks offer plenty to explore. If you are traveling with someone who does not drink, ask ahead about options rather than counting on a substitute.

Should you book the mezcal and chocolate tasting?

I would book this if you want a thoughtful introduction to mezcal in a small, welcoming setting. The strongest reasons are the five distinct pours, the chocolate pairings, and Shamira’s ability to make the production story clear without making the session feel like a classroom. The snacks, especially the grasshoppers, add a memorable local angle.

Skip it if you mainly want a quick drink or prefer a conventional bar environment. For curious eaters and drinkers, though, two hours is a sensible amount of time to learn, taste, and ask questions. At $89.61, it is a worthwhile Tulum experience when you value the explanations and pairings as much as what is in the glass.

FAQ

How long does the tasting last?

It lasts about two hours.

How many mezcals are included?

The tasting includes five different mezcals.

Are chocolates part of the tasting?

Yes. Five fine Mexican chocolates are paired with the mezcals.

What snacks are served?

The menu includes citrus, spicy peanuts, cacao, and traditional snacks that may include grasshoppers.

Is there a cocktail?

Yes. The session begins with a welcome mezcal cocktail, and its recipe changes with the season.

Where does the activity meet?

It meets at Zona Novec, 9 Sur between Calle 6 Sur and 4 Sur, in La Veleta, Tulum. The activity ends at the same point.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Is the tasting offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the experience are not refundable.