REVIEW · SAN JOSE DEL CABO
San José del Cabo:Cooking Class +Margaritas & Mezcal tasting
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Alma de mexico experiences · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Food lessons in Cabo, plus drinks that keep flowing. This is a hands-on cooking class with Chef Oscar, paired with margaritas and a tequila/mezcal tasting that runs during the whole experience. You’ll cook Mexican staples and then eat what you make.
I especially like the mix of practical cooking and relaxed social time—your open bar stays available throughout, so the pace feels fun, not frantic. Plus, Lulu handles the bar side with natural fruit margaritas (think mango, spicy, tamarind, strawberry) and mezcalitas, which makes the lesson feel like a night out that happens to teach you real food skills.
One thing to consider: it’s a 3-hour format, so the class moves with energy. If you want a quiet, food-only workshop, you may find the drinks add a party vibe, though there are non-alcohol options like Shirley Temple and fresh fruit smoothies.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- A 3-Hour Cabo Flavor Fix in Centro
- Meet Chef Oscar and the bar team: Oscar plus Lulu
- What you’ll cook: ceviche, roasted salsa, guacamole (and more)
- Ceviche: fresh, citrusy, and hands-on
- Roasted salsa: the step that makes the whole dish
- Guacamole: salt, texture, and timing
- The bar service that stays open the whole time
- Natural fruit margaritas you can actually taste
- Tequila and mezcal tasting: what to pay attention to
- Vegan options and food allergies: ask the right way
- Private group energy: why it feels more personal
- Price and value: why $115 can work
- How to get the most out of the class
- Should you book this Cabo cooking class and mezcal tasting?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the cooking class and tasting?
- What dishes will I help make?
- Do I get to taste what I cook?
- Is tequila and mezcal tasting included?
- Is there an open bar during the class?
- What non-alcohol options are available for kids and non-drinkers?
- Are vegan options available?
- Are there options for food allergies?
- What language is the tour guide?
- Where is the experience located?
- FAQ
- What if I need to cancel?
- Can I book now and pay later?
- How can I contact the provider with questions?
Key highlights at a glance

- Chef Oscar’s hands-on class focused on Mexican basics you can repeat at home
- Ceviche, roasted salsa, and guacamole built by you, then tasted right away
- Tequila and mezcal tasting to learn the difference without making it complicated
- Premium drinks all session plus beer on ice and purified bottled water
- Non-drinker friendly options like Shirley Temple and fruit smoothies
- Small private group in Centro with English guidance
A 3-Hour Cabo Flavor Fix in Centro

San José del Cabo is big enough to feel like a real city, but the heart of it still has walkable pockets. This experience lands in Centro, which keeps things easy if you’re already exploring on foot.
The format is tight—about three hours—and that’s a good thing for most people. You get cooking time, tasting time, and a bar experience without turning the day into a half-marathon. You’ll likely leave with a fuller stomach than you expected, because you’ll cook and then sit down to enjoy your own creations.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in San Jose Del Cabo.
Meet Chef Oscar and the bar team: Oscar plus Lulu

The cooking side is led by Chef Oscar, and the vibe comes through in the way he teaches. People talk about him being patient, social, and clear—exactly what you want when you’re chopping, mixing, and trying not to turn salsa into soup.
On the drinks side, Lulu is the mixologist. That matters because this isn’t just a generic open bar: she’s making standout margarita styles and mezcal drinks using fruit flavors people remember long after the lesson ends.
This pairing—clear chef instruction plus a friendly, active bar service—turns the class into something more than a checklist. It feels like you’re learning and celebrating at the same time.
What you’ll cook: ceviche, roasted salsa, guacamole (and more)

The core menu is a Mexican food trio: ceviche, roasted salsa, and guacamole. You’ll build these from scratch, then taste what you made. That last part is key. Cooking classes can sometimes end with a plate you barely look at, but here you’re meant to enjoy your own work.
Ceviche: fresh, citrusy, and hands-on
You’ll make ceviche using fish and shrimp, with the flavors that feel bright and clean rather than heavy. The method is interactive, which helps you understand what to watch for—especially how the ingredients change once the citrus hits.
Roasted salsa: the step that makes the whole dish
Roasted salsa is where a basic lesson becomes real Mexican cooking. Roasting adds sweetness and depth, and then you balance it into something that works on everything from chips to tacos.
Guacamole: salt, texture, and timing
Guacamole is simple in theory, but it’s all about timing and texture. You’ll learn how to mash, season, and get it creamy without losing the character of the avocado. And yes, you’ll taste it right after you make it—so you get instant feedback.
Some classes also go beyond the three staples. In the provided details, people specifically mention making empanadas and tamales as part of their sessions, so if you’re hoping for more variety, you should be excited.
The bar service that stays open the whole time

This is where the experience earns its “holiday” feeling. During your class, the premium bar service remains open your entire stay. That means you’re not waiting until the end for a drink break.
They serve premium drinks, plus fruit juices and coffee. There’s also a cooler of ice-cold purified bottled water, which is genuinely useful in Cabo heat.
Beer is also available on ice, including light and dark styles such as XX, Sol, Tecate light, and Superior. If you’re a beer person, it’s nice to see options that aren’t stuck on one bland default.
Natural fruit margaritas you can actually taste
Lulu’s menu includes natural fruit margaritas in flavors like mango, spicy, tamarind, and strawberry. People also mention mojitos and mezcal-based drinks (often called mezcalitas), which can make it easier to find your favorite without guessing.
If you prefer something less boozy, you’ll find non-alcohol options too. Kids and non-drinkers can enjoy Shirley Temple and fresh fruit smoothies, so the experience isn’t strictly for alcohol lovers.
Tequila and mezcal tasting: what to pay attention to

The experience includes a tequila and mezcal tasting, which is one of the best add-ons for people who want the fun part without the “memorize brands” pressure.
Here’s what I’d focus on during the tasting:
- The aroma first: does it smell smoky, fruity, floral, or earthy?
- How it hits: does it feel smooth or sharp?
- The finish: what lingers—citrus, smoke, sweetness, or peppery spice?
Even if you’re not a spirit nerd, tasting in a guided setting helps you understand what you’re actually ordering later. And since your drinks during the class are actively served, it’s easy to connect the tasting notes to what you’re sipping.
Vegan options and food allergies: ask the right way

This experience includes vegan options and can accommodate food allergies. That’s important because cooking is hands-on, and you don’t want to show up and discover you can’t eat what you make.
If you have dietary needs, the smartest move is to communicate early and clearly so the chef can plan around it. Also, don’t assume that “Mexican food” automatically means “safe”—salsas, garnishes, and sauces can vary.
The good news: the class is set up to be inclusive, including non-drinkers and kids with their own menu-style options.
Private group energy: why it feels more personal

This is a private group with an English live tour guide. That combination matters more than people think.
When you’re in a smaller, more personal setting, it’s easier to ask questions while you’re actively cooking. You’re not waiting for your turn to ask what a specific step means, and you’re less likely to feel rushed by a larger crowd.
Also, the fact that it’s in Centro helps you pair it with other activities nearby. You’re not stuck in a far-flung pickup chain before you even start eating.
Price and value: why $115 can work

At $115 per person for about three hours, the price only makes sense if you’re getting more than a basic cooking demo. And here, you do.
You’re paying for:
- Chef time (hands-on instruction)
- The ingredients for multiple dishes (ceviche, salsa, guacamole)
- The built-in tastings (tequila and mezcal)
- A full open bar during the entire stay (premium drinks, coffee, juices)
- Beer on ice and purified bottled water
If you price that out separately—cooking instruction plus mezcal/tequila tasting plus drinks—this can look like a decent deal. The value is strongest if you’re the type who actually drinks, enjoys learning by doing, and wants a structured meal with fun included.
If you only want the cooking and plan to skip alcohol entirely, you might feel the cost more strongly. But even then, non-alcohol options are part of the experience.
How to get the most out of the class

You’ll enjoy this more if you show up ready to participate, not just to watch. Even if you’re a cautious cook, the steps are learn-by-doing, and the chef’s clear explanations help.
A few practical tips:
- Come with an appetite mindset. People note they wish they came hungrier because the food adds up.
- If you’re drink-sensitive, start with margaritas or beer you actually like, then pace yourself during the tasting.
- For the best memory of the experience, pay attention during ceviche and salsa steps. Those are the parts that shape the flavor the most once you take it home.
Also, since it’s English guidance and a private setting, don’t be shy about asking what substitutions work if you try it later.
Should you book this Cabo cooking class and mezcal tasting?
Book it if you want a 3-hour activity that feels like a real night out in San José del Cabo, not a stiff lesson. This is ideal for couples, small groups, and food-and-drink people who like hands-on cooking plus guided tasting.
Skip it if you want a silent, slow, no-drinks workshop. The bar runs throughout the class, and the atmosphere has fun energy, even though non-drink options exist.
If you’re on the fence, I’d make the call based on your style:
- If you’ll use the open bar and actually enjoy learning by cooking, it’s strong value.
- If you want only food with zero alcohol focus, you might prefer something more food-only.
You can also reach out in advance via WhatsApp at +529831544234 with any questions.
FAQ
What is the duration of the cooking class and tasting?
It lasts about 3 hours.
What dishes will I help make?
You’ll make ceviche, roasted salsa, and guacamole.
Do I get to taste what I cook?
Yes. The class includes enjoying the creations you prepare.
Is tequila and mezcal tasting included?
Yes, tequila and mezcal tasting is included.
Is there an open bar during the class?
Yes. A domestic open bar is included during your class, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
What non-alcohol options are available for kids and non-drinkers?
Kids and non-drinkers can enjoy Shirley Temple and fresh fruit smoothies.
Are vegan options available?
Yes, vegan options are available.
Are there options for food allergies?
Yes, food allergies are accommodated.
What language is the tour guide?
The live tour guide speaks English.
Where is the experience located?
It’s in Centro (San José del Cabo).
FAQ
What if I need to cancel?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Can I book now and pay later?
Yes, there’s a reserve now & pay later option.
How can I contact the provider with questions?
You can contact Alma de mexico experiences via WhatsApp at +529831544234.



















