Mexico City: Mexican Cooking Class & Mezcal Cocktails

4.92

(137 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“You really want us to chop the chiles this small?” That’s what I blurted out, knife in hand, as our chef—her name was Mariana—smiled and nodded. The kitchen smelled like roasted tomatoes and something sharp I couldn’t place at first (turns out it was epazote). There were six of us around the table, sleeves rolled up, everyone a little nervous about burning the tortillas. It felt less like a class and more like a friend showing you family recipes—Mariana told stories about her grandmother’s salsa while she checked our guisados bubbling on the stove. I kept sneaking tastes. Couldn’t help it.

The mezcal cocktail part came after we’d finished most of the chopping and stirring. I’d never tried mixing one before—my first attempt was honestly kind of ugly but tasted way better than expected. Fresh lime, smoky mezcal, a hint of chili salt on my fingers. Someone made a joke about “liquid courage” for trying to pronounce all the ingredients; Mariana just laughed and poured another round. The light outside got softer as we sat down to eat together, passing plates and swapping stories about where we were from. I didn’t expect to feel so at home in someone else’s city kitchen.

By the end, I had flour on my jeans and three new cocktail recipes scribbled into my phone notes (I still think about that sorbet). If you’re looking for a Mexican cooking class in Mexico City that doesn’t feel stiff or touristy—and includes cocktails with proper local spirits—this is it. Oh, and they take care of all the ingredients and tools, so you just show up hungry.