Agave drinks tasting in Guadalajara: Pulque, raicilla, mezcal

Three ancestral agave drinks, one tasting flight, one local guide

Taste three traditional agave drinks (pulque, raicilla, and mezcal) at a bohemian venue in Guadalajara with a knowledgeable local guide. You sample 4.5 ounces total of artisanal spirits, learn the cultural and historical significance of each, and pair the tasting with guacamole, fried beans, and tortilla chips. The small-group format lets you mingle with locals and other travelers in a youthful, creative atmosphere. The experience runs about 90 minutes and requires a minimum age of 18.

The experience

You meet your guide at La Chukirruki, a vibrant bohemian venue in Guadalajara where locals gather. The tasting itself is the core: you sample mezcal, pulque, and raicilla in sequence, each one a 4.5-ounce pour of an ancestral agave spirit with deep roots in Mexico's history. Your guide walks you through the origins and traditional production methods of each drink, explaining why they matter to Jalisco's culture and why they taste the way they do.

The pairing arrives alongside the tasting: guacamole with tortilla chips, fried beans, and a giant tostada topped with panela cheese or pork leg. The food is not decoration. It is chosen to complement the spirits and to ground the tasting in everyday Mexican gastronomy. You are not rushed through. The whole experience unfolds over about 90 minutes, which gives you time to ask questions, absorb what the guide is sharing, and talk to the other people at the table. The venue itself is part of the draw: you are sitting in a place where Guadalajara's younger creative crowd actually goes, not a tourist-facing tasting room.

Purified water is provided throughout, and the guide speaks English or Spanish depending on the group. The minimum age is 18, and the experience is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• Three artisanal agave spirits (pulque, raicilla, and mezcal) totaling 4.5 ounces.
• guacamole with tortilla chips, fried beans, and a giant tostada with panela cheese or pork leg.
• purified water throughout.
• expert local guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDepartures at 17:00 and 19:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 75 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Jalisco Trip Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose the language that works for your group and book accordingly. This tasting is built for travelers 18 and older who want to learn the story behind the drinks rather than simply sample them.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is pulque, and how is it different from mezcal and raicilla?

Pulque is a milky, fermented agave drink made from the heart of the maguey plant. It is lower in alcohol than mezcal and raicilla and has a creamy, slightly tangy flavor. Mezcal is distilled from roasted agave hearts and is smoky and complex. Raicilla is a regional spirit from Jalisco made from agave and traditionally produced in small batches. Your guide explains the production methods and cultural significance of each during the tasting.

How much of each drink do I actually taste?

The tasting flight totals 4.5 ounces across all three spirits, so each pour is modest. The small amount lets you experience the flavors and aromas without overwhelming your palate, and the pairing with food helps you appreciate the nuances of each drink.

Is this a small group, or will I be tasting with a large crowd?

This is a small-group experience, which means the guide can give attention to everyone and the atmosphere stays intimate. You will mingle with other travelers and locals, but the setting is designed for conversation and learning, not a crowded event.

What is the venue like, and what time of day does this happen?

La Chukirruki is a bohemian venue popular with locals in Guadalajara's youthful creative scene. The tasting is an evening activity that fits well into a night out, though the exact start time is confirmed when you book.

Do I need to know anything about agave drinks before I arrive?

No prior knowledge is needed. The guide covers the history, production, and cultural roots of each drink as part of the tasting, so you learn as you go. This is designed for people curious about Mexican gastronomy and culture, whether or not you have tasted these spirits before.