Cantaritos: Mexico’s Clay Tequila Drinking Vessels

Tequila is known around the world, but nowhere is it a bigger part of the local culture than in Mexico.

The spirit is produced in Jalisco state, centered around the town of Tequila, which gave the spirit its name. People here drink tequila on any occasion, and often from clay pots known as cantaritos.

Stop in at a roadside bar and you might be surprised to see cocktails mixed in clay pots of varying sizes, from individual cups to vast 10-liter monsters. These cantaritos are then shared between tables of drinkers at outdoor bars where bands blare out live music at your table and the party doesn’t stop from Friday night until Monday morning.

You can watch your cantarito being prepared by skilled bartenders who compete to make the drinks in the fastest time possible. Lime juice flies, entire bottles of tequila are upended into cocktails in seconds and onlookers film their favorite bartenders. It’s a fascinating part of the local culture and you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

There are various cantarito bars along the road from Guadalajara to Tequila, and they make a great stop after a distillery tour and tasting session.