Mexico’s agave spirits take center stage November 2 and 3, with cocktail workshops, tastings and a beachside finale.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit will host the fourth edition of Mexology Fest on November 2 and 3, 2026. The two-day program invites guests to explore tequila, mezcal and raicilla through tastings and hands-on sessions led by visiting bartenders.
Set on Mexico’s Pacific coast during the Day of the Dead season, the festival combines contemporary cocktails with a closer look at the spirits and traditions behind them. Raicilla, in particular, gives travelers a chance to discover an agave spirit associated with this region beyond the more familiar tequila and mezcal.
A Cocktail Workshop for Every Taste
Los Angeles bartender Saeed “Hawk” House returns for his fourth year with the festival. Toronto’s Ahmad N. Rustom will lead The Art of Freestyling, an interactive session on balancing flavor, texture and technique without relying on a fixed recipe.
Danica McGuinness will look beyond the margarita in The Mexican Cocktail Codex, exploring drinks including the Paloma, Cantarito and Batanga. Carolyn Pascual, founder of The Social Sipper, will guide guests in building a drink around a local seasonal ingredient, with both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options.
Mexico City’s Rayo Cocktail Bar will also bring its approach to Mexican ingredients and spirits to an evening takeover at the resort.
From Agave Fields to a Beachside Finale
A 360-degree experience will introduce guests to the agave fields associated with raicilla production before a cocktail session. It offers a way to connect what is in the glass with the place and people behind it.
On November 3, the festival heads to Majahuitas, a secluded cove reached by boat. The farewell gathering will feature cocktails created for the occasion, music and an evening on the beach.
Mexology Fest is included for guests staying at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit under its all-inclusive plan. Travelers can check the official festival program for the latest schedule before choosing workshops or planning the Majahuitas excursion.
