Cozumel: Mixology Experience with Rum and Gin Tasting

If you’re cruising into Cozumel and craving a taste of local craftsmanship, the Mixology Experience with Rum and Gin Tasting offers a lively and flavorful way to spend a few hours. While it’s a short tour—just three hours—it packs in enough tastings, hands-on fun, and culinary bites to make it a memorable highlight of your day.

What we love about this experience is its balance of education and entertainment. You get to see how award-winning spirits are made at a local distillery, and then put your own flair into creating cocktails. Plus, the inclusion of a generous lunch of tacos makes this more than just a tasting; it’s a full flavor journey.

One thing to consider is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get to Palmeras Restaurant. Otherwise, this tour is quite accessible and suits travelers who enjoy spirits, hands-on activities, and authentic local bites. It’s especially perfect if you want a relaxed, fun break from beach lounging or sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic local spirits: Experience Cozumel’s first distillery and learn about the craft of rum and gin making.
• Interactive fun: Create your own cocktails in a guided class, perfect for aspiring mixologists.
• Tasty bites included: Enjoy a flavorful Mexican lunch featuring shrimp, beef, and chicken tacos.
• Educational tour: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process with expert guides.
• Convenient location: Close to the cruise terminal and ferry pier, making it easy to fit into your day.
• Cost-effective: At $119, it offers good value, combining education, tastings, and food in one experience.

Where it All Happens
This tour takes place at Palmeras Restaurant, conveniently located right across from the Playa del Carmen Ferry Pier and only about a 10-minute ride from the Cozumel cruise terminals. This proximity makes it an easy addition to your port day without long transfers. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended for check-in, where friendly guides in khaki and navy or white polos will greet you.

What’s Included and What’s Not
For $119, you receive a well-rounded experience: a welcome appetizer and cocktail, a guided tour of the distillery, tastings of rum and gin, a cocktail-making class, and a satisfying lunch. It’s a package that balances education and indulgence. The only notable omission is transportation, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there and back, which is straightforward given the location.

The Tour Itself
Once you arrive, your guides walk you through the distilling process, providing insights into how the spirits are crafted—details that aficionados will appreciate. The tour part is short but informative, emphasizing the skill and tradition behind each bottle. You’ll sample some award-winning rums and gins, which helps you understand the local flavor profile and craftsmanship that sets Cozumel spirits apart.

Cocktail Class
Perhaps the most engaging part is the hands-on cocktail class. Under the guidance of a skilled bartender, you’ll learn how to craft two unique drinks. This isn’t just stirring and pouring; it’s a chance to understand balance, ingredients, and presentation. Reviewers note that this segment is fun and educational, perfect for both beginners and those with some bartending experience.

Food & Atmosphere
The lunch is straightforward but flavorful, with shrimp, beef, and chicken tacos—classic Mexican fare that pairs well with the spirits. It’s a generous offering that complements the tasting, not just a side note. The setting is casual and friendly, making it easy to relax and enjoy the experience.

What Travelers Say
Guests describe the experience as “flavorful,” “informative,” and “a lot of fun,” with many appreciating the chance to see how local spirits are made. The cocktail creation portion gets rave reviews, with one reviewer noting, “I was surprised how much I learned and enjoyed making my own drinks.” The inclusion of lunch is also a big plus, adding value and making this a well-rounded outing.

Practical Tips
Remember to bring your camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes—this is a relaxed activity, but it’s outdoors and sunny. Since alcohol consumption is involved, guests must be 18 or older, and pregnant women or those with mobility issues should note the activity isn’t suitable for them.

For travelers interested in spirits, food, and hands-on learning, this tour offers a wonderful glimpse into Cozumel’s distilling tradition. It’s especially a good fit for cruise visitors wanting a convenient, fun, and educational experience that’s different from beach lounging or shopping.

The price gets you not only tastings but also a lively cocktail class and a hearty Mexican lunch, making it an excellent value for the quality of what’s offered. The tour’s small-group setting (max 12 travelers) means personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

While it doesn’t include transportation, its proximity to the cruise terminal makes it manageable with a short taxi ride or walking if you’re nearby. It’s also flexible—reservations can be canceled 24 hours ahead for a full refund, adding peace of mind to planning.

This experience is best suited for curious travelers who like to learn about local products and enjoy interactive activities. It’s also ideal for people who want a relaxed, fun way to break up a busy port day with something tasty and engaging. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner, it’s a great way to share an experience that’s both educational and entertaining.

It’s not suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility impairments, but beyond that, it’s accessible for most adult travelers.

The Cozumel Mixology Experience with Rum and Gin Tasting offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to get a taste of local craftsmanship while having fun behind the bar. It combines education, entertainment, and good food in a relaxed setting, making it an excellent choice for those craving an authentic, hands-on experience.

Its relatively short duration makes it easy to fit into a busy cruise schedule, and at $119, it offers excellent value when you consider the tastings, the cocktail class, and the lunch. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just looking for a memorable activity, this tour delivers a nice blend of education and indulgence.

If you appreciate local flavors and want to learn how great drinks are made from scratch, this experience will satisfy your curiosity and your palate. Just plan your transport, arrive on time, and prepare for a fun, flavorful journey in Cozumel.

Is transportation included in the tour price?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to Palmeras Restaurant, which is conveniently located near the cruise terminal and ferry pier.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, usually in the afternoon, giving you a good taste of the local spirits and food without taking up your whole day.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and sunscreen are recommended since the activity is partly outdoors. Bringing a camera is also a good idea to capture your homemade cocktails and the lively atmosphere.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which makes booking more flexible.

Is this suitable for children or non-drinkers?
The tour is designed for guests 18 and older, as it involves alcohol tastings. Pregnant women or those with mobility issues might find it unsuitable.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers a welcome appetizer and cocktail, a distillery tour, rum and gin samples, a cocktail-making class, and a Mexican lunch.

Do I get to try different spirits?
Yes, you’ll sample a variety of award-winning rums and gins during the tour, giving you a good sense of local flavors.

Is this experience good value?
Absolutely—considering the tastings, cocktail class, and lunch, $119 offers a fun and educational experience that’s well worth the price.

This lively, authentic tour is a fantastic way to see a different side of Cozumel—one filled with flavor, craftsmanship, and a little bit of bartending magic.