Mexican Craft beer and Agave Spirits: A coastal tasting guide for culinary travelers 

Mexican Agave Spirits and Craft Beers are more than just drinks, they are a cultural expression. From the smoky Mezcal to the beloved Modelo, few names have captured the hearts of culinary connoisseurs quite like these liquors.

In Mexico, drinking is more rooted in ancient tradition and religion, rather than being a social activity. The famous Agave plants, from which many notable spirit brands are harvested, are family practices passed down from generations.

Whether you are a cocktail lover or a neat sipper, on a Mexico cruise you can walk your way through the essentials of agave based spirits and craft beers and enjoy them like a pro on some of the most scenic towns on the country’s coastline.

Key coastal regions and Agave spirits 

The simplest way to get an insight on Mexican spirits is to begin with the place of origin, as this forms a framework and not just a footnote. Climate, soil, altitude and water sources all leave their mark.

For instance, tequila must be made inland primarily in Jalisco, besides a few small municipalities approved in other areas. It should only use Blue Water agave which gives tequila its tighter definition.

Mezcal is also protected by source but due to its broad material and flavor, it can be produced from many agave varieties in several states, especially Oaxaca.

The western mountainous and coastal regions concentrated around Puerto Vallarta produce Raicilla, an artisanal spirit made from indigenous agave varieties that yield fruity and smoky flavors that are shaped by rich soils and the see breezes of the region.

Then there are the regional varieties like bacanora from Sonara and Pox from Chiapas, which is made traditionally from cane, corn and wheat. While all can be grouped as Mexican spirits, each one has a different story to tell. You can enjoy them all as long as you cross the legal drinking age in Mexico.

Craft beer tasting 

Experience the wild beauty of the Baja California coastline like never before on an invigorating and flavor-filled shore excursion from your cruise ship to the untamed charm of a rustic craft beer garden where refreshing tasting awaits.

Perched high above the Baja coastline, among a mix of desert vegetation and ocean air, you can sample some of the region’s best craft beers, ranging from crisp lagers to rich stouts, all crafted by some of the most passionate local breweries.

Cruise guests can also enjoy an extraordinary culinary adventure in Cozumel for those who crave authentic Mexican flavors. The craft beer tour is designed to delight your taste buds in the rich culinary heritage of this vibrant island.

At the Punta Sur Brewery, on your enlightening tour you will get to learn about the art and craftsmanship that goes behind producing each local craft beer, besides the precision that goes into brewing each batch and the techniques that set them apart.

Indulge in tasting the different exceptional craft beer varieties available here, each thoughtfully paired with fresh guacamole in order to enhance the overall craft beer tasting experience.

This is not only the usual food tour, it’s an invitation to connect with Cozumel’s vibrant culture through its incredible cuisine.

The best bottle depends on the moment 

There is no final verdict that settles the question of which Mexican spirt and craft beer taste best. A blanco tequila before dinner, a racillia that sparks conversation or a corona that opens the door to regional consideration, each have their moment.

The real culinary pleasure lies in what you are tasting and why it does so, after which the bottle just becomes a souvenir and a memory of the people who have strived to keep this tradition alive.