Drinking around Tulum…
…and boy did we do a lot of that. They say you’re supposed to have eight glasses of water or other fluids a day. And since it was hot and humid, we had to work extra hard to stay hydrated. I’m sure alcohol is pretty far down the list of preferred hydration methods, though.
Oh well, we were on vacation.
*
Vino
We went to the Mexican equivalent of a Walmart and bought a cooler for drinks. It definitely was a good strategy as it was cheaper and more convenient once we got settled. However, since the beach area was eco-friendly, ice was harder to come by.
While in the wine section, I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to do “Rose of the Day” for the rest of the trip. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw a couple of these. I was in relaxation mode, so taking wine notes was the furthest thing from my mind, but I’ve included a general note about each
Wednesday – From Chile. meh.
Thursday – Also from Chile. I’ve seen their other wines stateside, but not their Rose. Not going to actively search for it here.
Friday – It’s from France, so it’s gotta be good, right? OOF! Where’s the beer?
Saturday – Wow, was this good.
Sunday – We drank this at the beach grill at Be Tulum Hotel. I forgot to write down what it was as I was distracted by the luscious Speedo in the background.
*
It’s pretty clear that the ones that I got at the superstore were less than spectacular. I was really surprised by the Casa Madero, which is a Mexican wine I picked up at a little wine boutique on the beach road. It had a lot of great fruit on the nose and a healthy amount of body – just like that Speedo in the last picture. Unfortunately, the little wine store was closed on Sunday and we left too early on Monday to get more.
*
Cerveza
Beerwise, I was ELATED that the superstore had a beer that I only found one other time in Cancun in 1990 –
It was a good as I remember it to be.
*
Elsewhere, we tried a couple from the local microbrews.
*
They were definitely better than the usual suspects – Corona, Tecate, etc.
*
Tequila y Mezcal
One day for lunch we went to the Encantada Hotel for some shrimp and papaya salad and fish tacos –
*
While eating, Boom Boom was distracted by a sign on the wall behind me.
*
Hey, we’re on vacation. Why not –
*
The tequilas were ok, but we were really digging the Mezcal. If you haven’t had it before, it’s a spirit made from Agave plants. It’s similar to Tequila, however it’s generally smoother and has a strong smoky flavor.
We may or may not have ordered an extra shot of it. And we may or may not have had an extended siesta that afternoon.
On our final night of vacation, we decided to have one last round. We were at Hartwood, a restaurant I’ll post on later that was one of the best meals I’ve ever had – ANYWHERE. Anyway, out came our drinks.
*
It was sooooo delicious. I asked to see the bottle so I could check out more information about it.
*
Nope, not getting anything from this label. The waitress explained to me that it had some extract from the diamante flower in it, hence the diamond. Who knows what the lightning bolt meant, but I had to get a bottle of it to bring back.
Unfortunately, there’s no way of getting this in stores. BUT, one of the bartenders sold Mezcal on the side and offered to hook me up. He agreed to swing by the hotel in the morning and sell me a bottle for $30.
Here’s what we gave me.
*
Here’s a closer look at that oh-so-informative label.
*
He explained to me that his uncle makes it in western Mexico and ships him the bottles. The “Tobala” on the label is the specific type of agave used for this batch. I’ve since come to find out that it’s a very special plant is harder to grow with a smaller yield. Mezcal from tobala is considered to be the best around.
Notice how the cork is only halfway in? That’s not lazy re-corking on our part, that’s as far down as the cork would fit in the bottle. So we were basically bringing back half-corked, unlabeled, unregulated, Mexican Moonshine in our checked luggage. I was dreading having to explain that to US Customs, but we got through with no problems.
My only regret? Not buying a case of it.
This was six-to-midnight good. I still have the guy’s phone number, but it looks like it’s going to be impossible for me to get a shipment of it.
Oh well, I guess I’ll have to go back. Unless one of you wants to be a mule for me…
*
Do you have a favorite rose? Have you ever had Mezcal?
*
*
About thefoodandwinehedonist
16 comments on “Drinking around Tulum…”
Leave a Reply
wine century
Doppel Member, Baby!
I think you’re very brave to buy, carry and drink the Mezcal. I’m glad it was good and didn’t get you into trouble.
It’s only trouble if you get caught. 😉
Mexican Moonshine = all the awesome! LOVE the tequila shot flight. I have a real weakness for Talavera pottery, my backyard looks like the Mexican Pottery Barn. And Mmmm . . . fish tacos! Why do they taste so much better in Mexico?!? Looks like a GREAT trip!
It was awesome. You’re right – these were average fish tacos there, but up here they’re near miraculous. The restaurant sold a lot of that pottery, but I luggage space was tight. I towed out some short and a pair of flip-flops so that the Mezcal could fit. Wise choice, in retrospect.
I love Mezcal… Look for Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal – Tobala is spectacular, and they have some others. This would rival any single-malt scotch. hands down, including the pricing – but it is worth it.
Yes, a friend brought some to our place a whole back. Is excellent!
Warm weather and drink go so well together. When I was on holiday, I planned to buy myself an ice crusher to make mojitoes, but when I got back I realised it’s far too cold most of the year round here.
There should be more little wine shops and less of the superstores.
It’s cold here, too, but that doesn’t stop u from Mojitos in January. Indoors, of course!
I agree about the little wine shops. This worked out well for us because it’s not your typical tourist destination. We’re fortunate to have a few in my town.
Cheers!
Does being a mule involve trying to smuggle the bottles in any bodily crevices? 🙂
HAHA – Well I suppose there’s no metal to set off the alarms. But I seriously doubt a case will fit in any crevice. And it probably wouldn’t be fun trying.
I had things to say, but the speedo stole away my words.
You would have loved his companion’s… Same physique, smaller speedo
Pingback: Be Tulum | The Food and Wine Hedonist
I will have to look for the Casa Madero next time I am in Tulum. I love that town more than anything, but I can never find a decent wine there!
Definitely worth a shot! It’s at the little place 100m south of Coqui Coqui.
Pingback: Back to Tulum | The Food and Wine Hedonist