Copitas | Ostend celebrates Mexican Spirits at a unique festival
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Ostend will host a first: Belgium’s very own festival dedicated to Mexican spirits. Copitas — Spanish for “little glasses” — celebrates the richness and complexity of Mexican drinks like tequila, mezcal, rum, whisky, and gin. Founders Stijn Deschacht, Jeroen Van Dyck, and a group of agave ambassadors from around the world invite the Belgian public to taste, learn, and enjoy artisanal spirits full of story, terroir, and tradition. Tastings will be paired with Mexican-inspired food.
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Who are the faces behind Copitas?
Stijn Deschacht is a culinary expert, podcaster (Over Eten), and passionate Mexico aficionado. His personal collection of over 200 bottles of tequila and mezcal began in Texas, where he first encountered true craft spirits. Jeroen Van Dyck, known for events like Liquid Leuven and the Vintage Spirits Festival, is a born storyteller and whisky enthusiast. Together, they channel their shared passion into Copitas.
More than just tequila and mezcal
Mexico is home to over 150 agave species, each producing unique flavors based on variety, region, and tradition. But the festival goes beyond agave: Mexican gin, rum, sotol, and whisky — made from local botanicals, sugarcane, or ancestral corn — also take the spotlight. “We want to show the nuance. It’s a world of its own,” says Deschacht.
No cocktail bar vibes, just pure craft
Copitas isn’t about flashy cocktails. Expect small-batch producers, rare bottles, and in-depth masterclasses. Tastings are paired with food featuring Mexican influences. It’s all about exploring, understanding, and enjoying.
Thermae Palace as the setting
The majestic Thermae Palace in Ostend, overlooking the sea, provides the perfect setting for this one-day celebration of Mexican warmth on the Belgian coast. Copitas is both an ode to Mexico and an invitation to curious drinkers looking beyond the classic tequila shot. More info on their website.
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Website: Copitas - Mexican Spirits festival