Puerto Vallarta: Cooking Class with Mezcal & Margaritas Tasting

Summary

Puerto Vallarta hands-on Mexican cooking with drinks included

You’ll join a small group in Puerto Vallarta for a hands-on Mexican cooking class led by a local chef. Learn to prepare ceviche, roasted salsa, and guacamole while sipping unlimited margaritas and sampling mezcal. Expect laughter, new skills, and flavors you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous about chopping onions in front of strangers — but the kitchen in Puerto Vallarta was already buzzing when we walked in. Our guide, Chef Luis, greeted us with a grin and handed me a margarita before I could overthink it. The smell of roasted chilies hit me first, sharp and smoky, and someone laughed as they tried (and failed) to flip an avocado pit out cleanly. It felt like being at a friend’s house, except there were bottles of mezcal lined up on the counter just waiting for us.

We started with fresh fish ceviche — Chef Luis showed us how to “cook” it in lime juice, which I’d only ever seen on YouTube before. He let us taste the salsa straight from the molcajete (I think my eyes watered from the heat, but I pretended I was fine). There was this moment where everyone went quiet just to listen to the sizzle from the pan. The main keyword here is “cooking class Puerto Vallarta,” but honestly it felt more like a party that happened to involve learning something useful. Luis told stories about his grandmother’s recipes while we mashed guacamole together — he even let me try saying “cilantro” in Spanish, which got a few giggles from the group.

The mezcal tasting surprised me — smoky, almost earthy, nothing like what I expected. We compared it with sweet-sour margaritas from the open bar (yes, you can ask for seconds). By the end my hands smelled like lime and cilantro and my notes were covered in little green smudges. If you’re looking for a day trip that’s part food adventure, part cultural lesson, this is it. I still think about that first bite of ceviche sometimes — so bright and cold against the heat outside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mexican cooking class and tasting

• Learn to prepare fresh ceviche
• Make roasted salsa and guacamole
• Enjoy domestic open bar drinks

Top questions

What dishes do you learn to cook in this Puerto Vallarta class?

You’ll learn how to make fresh fish ceviche, roasted salsa, and guacamole during the class.

Is alcohol included in the Puerto Vallarta cooking experience?

Yes, there’s an open bar with margaritas and mezcal tasting included throughout your class.

How long does the cooking class last?

The ceviche cooking class lasts approximately 2 hours.

Are vegan or vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegan cooking classes are available if you message the chef ahead of time.

Can children or infants join this experience?

Infants and small children are welcome; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

Is there public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the location.

Do I need any prior cooking experience?

No prior experience is needed; all skill levels are welcome.

What’s included

Your day includes step-by-step guidance from a local chef as you prepare fresh fish ceviche, roasted salsa, and guacamole together. You’ll enjoy two hours of unlimited drinks—margaritas or mezcal—during your hands-on cooking class before heading out into Puerto Vallarta again.