Mezcal is currently experiencing a boom in popularity — you’ll find trendy mezcalerias.

5) Mezcal tasting

As a taxi driver in Mexico City explained to me: Drinking mezcal for the first time is like your first kiss. Maybe you like it, maybe you don’t – but if not, there are many, many other flavours to try. Regardless of his analysis, mezcal’s strong, smoky flavour is not for the faint of heart. And it’s best enjoyed straight up (no mixers). Made from the maguey plant (similar to tequila), it’s largely produced in Oaxaca and is currently experiencing a boom in popularity. You’ll find trendy mezcalerias popping up all over Mexico; we did a mezcal tasting at a distillery in Oaxaca – needless to say, the group was feeling pretty happy afterward. Salud!

For more information on Intrepid’s Real Food Adventure – Mexico, go to intrepidtravel.com/ca/mexico/real-food-adventure-mexico-94470.