Mezcal and chocolate are a smart pairing. This 2-hour Tulum tasting puts five distinct mezcals on your table, with complementary Mexican chocolates and snacks that actually help you taste the differences between agave types. I love that the host, Shamira, keeps it small and personal, so you’re not just drinking and moving on—you’re learning what you’re tasting and why it matters.

The other thing I like a lot: you get more than samples. You also get a welcome seasonal mezcal cocktail, plus history and production details about agave liquor, including the idea of strict standards and denomination of origin.

One possible drawback to consider: this isn’t a big public bar tour. The tasting happens at the host’s home in a residential part of Tulum, so plan for an easy taxi ride and a bit of hunting for the exact meeting spot.

Key things to know before you go

• Five mezcals, one clear tasting path: You’ll move pour to pour with pairings designed to show flavor and aroma differences.
• Agave types explained (without making it boring): The session connects mezcal’s production to what you taste in the glass.
• Chocolate pairings that aren’t an afterthought: You’ll sample fine Mexican chocolates that have earned awards.
• Snacks go beyond chips: Citrus, spicy peanuts with cacao, and even grasshopper snacks show up during the tasting.
• A seasonal welcome cocktail: Expect a fresh mezcal cocktail that changes with the seasons, so it’s not always the same thing.
• Small group means real questions: The max group size is 10, and the host adjusts the pace to your interests.

Price and what you’re really paying for in Tulum

At $89.61 per person for about 2 hours, this tasting sits in the mid-range for food-and-drink experiences in Tulum. The good news is that it’s not just “a couple of sips.” You’re getting a welcome mezcal cocktail, multiple pours, traditional snacks, and five mezcals paired with fine chocolate, all guided by a host who can answer questions.

Also, small-group tastings tend to be where your money works best. When the group is capped at 10, you’re more likely to actually talk through flavor notes and learn how mezcal is made. That’s the difference between tasting as entertainment versus tasting as understanding.

If you’re the type who hates paying for anything you can’t taste, this one fits. The value is built into the serving plan: you eat and drink your way through the lesson.

Where the experience happens (and why that’s not a dealbreaker)

This tour starts at ZONA NOVEC. 9 Sur entre CALLE 6 Sur y 4 Sur, La Veleta, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico, and it ends back there. Your “destination” is a patio at the host’s home in a residential area of Tulum, not a museum or a busy tasting room.

That setting can actually be a plus. You get a calmer vibe, more of a hosted hang than a conveyor-belt activity, and the patio can feel like a little oasis if you arrive ready to slow down for the session. Just be honest with yourself: if you prefer large, public venues where everything feels obvious, you might find a home-based setting slightly different.

Bring a little flexibility in your arrival plan. A taxi is usually the easiest way to get yourself there without stressing over local roads.

The 2-hour flow: cocktail first, then five mezcal-and-chocolate pairings

The pacing is built around a tasting rhythm. You start with a mezcal cocktail as a welcome, and from there you move through the mezcals and their pairings in a way that helps you notice differences without needing a guidebook in your hand.

Step 1: Starter mezcal cocktail (seasonal)

You’ll begin with a mezcal cocktail that changes with the seasons. That means you’ll show up for a planned welcome, but you won’t be doing the exact same drink routine every day of the year.

It also sets the tone: mezcal can be smoky, earthy, citrusy, floral, or even spicy depending on the agave and the production style. Starting with a cocktail helps your palate wake up before the straight tasting.

Step 2: Main pour with Mezcal Espadín

Next comes Mezcal Espadín. Espadín is one of the more recognizable agave types, and it’s a useful baseline for understanding how the tasting will evolve across other agaves.

The pairing comes alongside a citrus plate, so you’re effectively tasting two forces at once: the mezcal’s character and the way bright flavors can sharpen or soften edges.

Step 3: Main pour with Mezcal Silvestre

Then you move to Mezcal Silvestre. “Silvestre” generally signals wild or differently sourced agave, which often changes the aroma and how the finish feels in your mouth.

You’ll keep eating and tasting through traditional snacks while the host explains what’s happening in production—so it doesn’t feel random. It becomes a lesson you can taste.

Step 4: Snacks that go well beyond safe

During the session, you’ll also see:

• Citrus plate
• Spicy peanuts with cacao and grasshopper snacks

Grasshoppers might sound like a dare. In practice, they’re part of a known Mexican food tradition, and in tastings like this they’re used as a savory, crunchy counterpoint to mezcal and chocolate. If you’ve never tried them, this tour is one of the more guided ways to do it, since you’ll have context for why the pairing works.

Step 5: Dessert course with award-winning artisanal chocolates

Finally comes dessert: artisanal chocolates—fine Mexican chocolates paired with each pour. The chocolate line has earned awards, and that’s a real difference from mass-market chocolate where the flavors tend to blur together.

This ending is where a lot of people get it. Mezcal isn’t just something you “drink.” It has aromas and tastes that can play nicely with cacao’s bitterness, fruit notes, and spice.

The mezcal lesson: agave types, production, and what you should actually look for

A lot of mezcal tours stop at tasting notes like smokier or smoother. This one goes further: you learn the history and production of mezcal and how it’s tied to Mexico’s cultural background.

You’ll also hear why mezcal is treated differently than other agave spirits—especially the parts about strict production standards and the concept of denomination of origin. Even without memorizing the details, you’ll walk away with a clearer idea of what separates artisanal mezcal from the more industrial stuff.

And here’s a practical takeaway that matters when you shop later: the host explains how to spot authenticity when buying. You’ll get guidance on what to look for so you’re not paying mezcal prices for something that misses the mark.

Why the chocolate pairings matter (and how they change the tasting)

Chocolate pairings can be fake-feeling when they’re only there for sweetness. Here, the chocolate shows up as a flavor tool. You’ll sample five different fine Mexican chocolates across the session, paired to bring out what each mezcal is doing.

Cacao can amplify certain smoky or herbal notes, while fruit-and-spice combos can make the finish feel cleaner. That’s why the session works even if you don’t think you like mezcal yet. You’re not just consuming alcohol; you’re testing how flavors interact.

If you’ve only had chocolate in the dessert aisle back home, this is a good reality check. The chocolates here are treated like serious tasting items, and the pairings are designed for that.

The host factor: Shamira’s role in making it feel worth your time

The biggest repeat praise is the host’s ability to teach without turning the session into a lecture. Shamira is described as friendly, engaging, and able to adjust her explanations based on what your group wants to know.

You’ll also notice how well the tasting is paced. People often love that it feels relaxed while still being informative—so you can ask questions as they come up rather than waiting for a set Q&A at the end.

One more thing I appreciate: the host seems to handle different comfort levels with care. There’s an example of a non-drinker being offered organic coffee and fresh juices, so the session still works as an experience rather than forcing someone to sit out.

Small-group setup: max 10 travelers, more talking, less waiting

With a maximum of 10 travelers, this tour avoids the annoying part of many food tours: standing around while someone else takes your space at the table. A smaller group makes it easier to:

• hear explanations clearly
• ask follow-up questions
• slow down enough to notice differences between each mezcal and chocolate

If you’re traveling as a couple or a small family group, this is ideal. It’s also a strong fit if you want your money to buy interaction, not just samples.

Snacks you might not expect (and why they’re included)

This tasting uses traditional snack choices to support the flavor contrasts. You’ll go beyond typical bar snacks and into pairings that reflect Mexican food culture.

Key examples:

• Spicy peanuts with cacao: This adds a salty, crunchy, lightly roasted element that pairs well with cacao’s bitterness.
• Grasshopper snacks: The salty, savory hit can make mezcal taste sharper or more aromatic, especially when you’re paying attention to the finish.

If you’re worried about trying unfamiliar foods, you can treat this as a controlled experiment. You’ll be eating in small portions, and the host guides you through what to notice.

Who should book this (and who should skip it)

This works best if you:

• like food pairings and want a guided tasting
• enjoy learning while you eat and drink
• want artisanal mezcal with clear context about agave and production
• are curious about Mexican chocolate beyond sweetness

You might skip it if you:

• want a clubby night activity or high-energy nightlife
• prefer a self-guided tour with zero conversation
• dislike alcohol tastings and won’t enjoy coffee/juice alternatives (the tour includes options, but the main structure centers on mezcal tasting)

It’s also a great “one solid activity” day in Tulum when you want something that feels local and not like a checklist stop.

Should you book the Artisanal Mezcal and Fine Chocolate Tasting in Tulum?

If you’re choosing between a few Tulum tours, I’d put this one near the top. The reason is simple: it’s not vague. You know what you’ll get—a seasonal mezcal cocktail, five mezcals, citrus and traditional snacks (including grasshoppers), and fine chocolates paired throughout the experience. With a max group size of 10 and a host like Shamira leading it, you’re paying for both flavor and explanation.

Book it if you want an authentic taste of Mexican mezcal culture and you enjoy the idea of cacao and agave playing off each other. Pass if you want big-group, walk-in-and-go entertainment.

FAQ

How long is the Artisanal Mezcal and Fine Chocolate Tasting in Tulum?

The experience lasts about 2 hours.

How many people are in the group?

This activity has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What is included in the tasting?

You’ll have a mezcal cocktail starter, sample five different mezcals (including Espadín and Silvestre), eat traditional snacks (citrus plate, spicy peanuts with cacao, and grasshopper snacks), and finish with artisanal fine Mexican chocolates.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Where is the meeting point?

The start point is ZONA NOVEC. 9 Sur entre CALLE 6 Sur Y 4 Sur, La Veleta, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; within 24 hours, you won’t receive a refund.