Tequila and tapas, with a view in Puerto Morelos. This private 1.5-hour class is built around learning how different tequilas taste and why pairing them with food matters. You also get the laid-back pleasure of sipping with Caribbean-style scenery, either from a rooftop bar or with sights over the central square.

I especially like the private group setup. It feels less like a conveyor-belt tasting and more like a focused lesson, with time for questions. I also like that you get a guided tequila education alongside real food pairings, not just shots poured fast.

One thing to consider: you’re drinking, so pace yourself. Even with tapas in play, you’ll want to plan for the rest of your evening with a calmer schedule.

Key things you’ll notice

• Monday at 4 p.m. in Puerto Morelos: a built-in time slot that fits well with dinner plans
• La Sirena Restaurant setting: rooftop or central-square views depending on where you’ll be posted
• Exclusive private experience: only your group joins, so the conversation stays personal
• Tapas pairings made to match each pour: seafood-forward, rich mains, and a Greek-yogurt style dessert
• Tequila-led discussion topics: production differences, history, and even margarita-making ideas
• Fun keepsake energy: certificates and t-shirts show up in the experience vibe

Puerto Morelos at 4 p.m.: the setting that matters

Puerto Morelos is smaller than the big resort zones, and that’s part of the appeal when you’re doing a guided tasting. A 4:00 p.m. start is perfect for golden-hour moods without pushing you into a late-night schedule.

The experience takes place at La Sirena Restaurant, and you may enjoy views from a rooftop bar looking out toward the Caribbean. If you’re not on the roof, you’ll still be looking out over the central square. Either way, I like that you’re not stuck indoors tasting spirits in silence.

This is the kind of setting where it’s easier to slow down. When the room feels open and the pace feels relaxed, the tasting actually becomes a tasting, not a race.

Private format at La Sirena: what you gain with an exclusive group

This is a private tour/activity, meaning it’s only your group. That matters more than people think, because tequila education works best when the guide can respond to your questions and your speed.

You’ll be in English, which helps a lot if you want the explanations to land clearly. And since the experience is reservation-based, the vibe tends to feel intentional rather than rushed.

In a private setup, it’s also easier to pay attention to the differences between tequilas. If one pour clicks for you, you can ask why. If something tastes off to you, you can say so and adjust your focus for the next pairing.

The 90-minute flow: how the class usually feels

The experience runs about 1 hour 30 minutes. That’s long enough to learn something real, but short enough that you’re not stuck in a marathon tasting.

You start in Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The activity ends back at the meeting point, which makes planning simpler. For most people, it’s straightforward logistics since it’s near public transportation.

I’d suggest showing up a few minutes early. You’ll want time to get settled, choose where you’re going to sit (especially if you care about views), and get ready to sip with intention.

Tasting tequila with the Maestro Tequilero and Miguel’s energy

You’ll be guided by a Maestro Tequilero, and the focus is on the history, production, and distinct qualities of various tequilas. That’s the heart of the experience: learning what you’re tasting, not just collecting labels.

One of the reasons the class gets memorable is the tone of the guidance. In the experience, Miguel is specifically called out for enthusiasm and friendliness, and that energy helps you stay engaged while you compare notes.

You’ll also hear discussion points that go beyond the basic “smooth vs. smoky” conversation. The class includes the idea of a tequila type that can leave you with virtually no hangover, plus why the best margaritas should be crafted with one specific kind of tequila.

Important note: those are presented as part of the teaching. You’ll walk away with practical takeaways on how different tequila styles behave and how to think like a buyer and mixer—not just a drinker.

Tapas pairings that actually teach your palate

Food is not an afterthought here. The pairing menu is designed to show how flavors interact with tequila, from salt and char to sweetness and richness.

Here’s what you’ll be eating as part of the tasting menu:

• Seafood salad: blackened grilled seafood with roasted bell pepper, watermelon radish, arugula, kalamata olives, and aioli
• Eggplant cannelloni: ricotta, caramelized onion, spinach, topped with truffle honey
• Ribeye souvlaki: grilled ribeye with asparagus, wild mushrooms, tzatziki, and microgreens
• Glazed pork empanadillas: 4-hour slow-cooked shredded pork with onion and mustard, fried and served with marinara
• Greek yogurt Napoleón: layers of phyllo with butter, Greek yogurt, and caramelized pecans

I love that spread because it covers a lot of flavor directions. Tequila can taste very different next to bright acidity, charred edges, creamy textures, and sweet touches. These dishes hit those themes fast.

Practical tip: pay attention to what you feel first, then what changes after a bite. For example, creamy elements like aioli and tzatziki can soften tequila’s sharper notes, while olives and grilled items can sharpen what you perceive in the spirit.

And because you’re eating multiple courses, it’s easier to understand that tequila tasting isn’t only about the liquid. The plate changes the story.

Views while you sip: rooftop or square-side

This is one of those details that can make the whole class more relaxing. You might be on the rooftop bar with Caribbean views, or you might be posted looking over the central square.

Either scenario gives you something to anchor your attention to. When you’re tasting, you’re switching between taste and smell constantly. A pleasant view helps you stay calm and focused instead of feeling boxed-in.

If you’re the type who loves a good photo, plan for it—but don’t do it during a pour. I’d rather you get one quick shot before the tasting starts, then put your phone away for the comparisons.

The big takeaway: how to think about tequila, not just names

The class is designed to help you appreciate tequila’s differences in real, useful ways. You’ll hear about production and distinct qualities, and you’ll connect that to how each tequila pairs with each tapas course.

The lesson also touches on tequila myths in a structured way, like the hangover topic and the margarita topic. The value isn’t that you memorize slogans. It’s that you leave with a better mental model for what style choices do to flavor and drink experience.

If you’re planning to order margaritas during the rest of your trip, this kind of tasting can change how you read the menu. You’ll be less likely to order on autopilot, and more likely to ask the question that matters: what tequila is in it, and why.

Certificates and t-shirts: a fun finish with real momentum

One reason the experience lands as a vacation highlight is how it wraps up. People talk about leaving feeling like certified tequila pros, including receiving certificates and even t-shirts.

That matters because it turns the tasting into an event, not just a drink-and-food pairing. You’ll be able to carry the memory back to home, and it keeps the energy high even near the end of the 90 minutes.

I also think the “lesson plus fun” combo helps groups gel. If you’re traveling with friends or family, it’s easier to laugh and learn at the same time than it is in a more formal class setting.

Price and value: what $180 buys you in Puerto Morelos

The listed price is $180 per person. The course is also described as 2,200 Mexican pesos and reservation-only, which lines up with how this feels: a focused, paid-for experience rather than a casual bar tasting.

So what are you really paying for?

• A private format for your group
• A guided tequila class with a Maestro Tequilero
• English instruction
• Multiple tequila samples paired with a plated tapas menu
• A scenic setting at La Sirena (rooftop bar or central-square views)

In other words, you’re paying for the combination. If you tried to recreate it on your own, you’d still need the guide knowledge and the structured pairings to get the “aha” moments.

If you’re a true foodie and you like learning while you eat, this price can feel fair fast. If you mostly want a party with cheap shots, the value may feel too high because the pacing is educational and the food is part of the plan.

Who this suits best (and who should reconsider)

This fits best if you want:

• A fun, structured activity that doesn’t drag
• A guided explanation of tequila types and how they’re made
• Food pairing rather than just alcohol
• A private vibe with views in Puerto Morelos

You might want to reconsider if:

• You’re not comfortable with tasting several tequilas in one sitting
• You want a totally casual, no-guidance bar hang
• You’re short on time and can only do quick stops (since this is about 1.5 hours)

For couples, friends, and small groups, it’s a strong pick. It also works for people who are new to tequila because the class is built to make differences make sense.

Should you book Tequila University?

If you like the idea of learning tequila through pairings, not lectures, I’d book it. The combination of private attention, a guided tasting, and a full tapas menu is what makes this more than a tourist activity. Add the Puerto Morelos setting at La Sirena, and you get an event that feels like part of the trip, not an interruption.

If you’re on the fence, decide based on one question: do you want to come home knowing what you like and why? If yes, this is a great use of an afternoon.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the Tequila University tasting start?

The experience runs every Monday at 4 p.m.

How long is the tequila tasting and tapas pairing?

It lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tasting take place?

It is held at La Sirena Restaurant in Puerto Morelos.

Is this experience private?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What food is included with the tequila tasting?

The pairing includes a starter or multiple tapas items and a dessert. The menu described includes seafood salad, eggplant cannelloni, ribeye souvlaki, glazed pork empanadillas, and a Greek yogurt Napoleón.

How do I receive my tickets?

You’ll get a mobile ticket.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

Is the location near public transportation?

Yes, it’s near public transportation, and most travelers can participate.

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