Discover Mexico: Exploring the Diversity of Agave Spirits

Korena Bolding

While tequila and mezcal often steal the spotlight, the world of agave spirits in Mexico is vast and diverse. These lesser-known treasures, each with its unique characteristics, flavors, and aromas, are ready to elevate your cocktail game. Let's dive into the world of agave and discover some exceptional spirits, perfect for your next margarita adventure.




Sotol: A Desert Gem

Sotol, crafted from the dasylirion plant, a close cousin of agave, offers a distinct flavor profile. With herbal, mineral, and slightly spicy notes, it's a spirit that sets itself apart. Miguel Aquino, a talented mixologist at Riviera Nayarit's charming Susurros del Corazón, swears by its unique character. Sip it neat or add it to cocktails like a paloma or negroni for an exciting twist.

Raicilla: A Hidden Gem

Tequila enthusiasts are singing praises for raicilla. Slightly smoother and sweeter than tequila and mezcal, it harks back to ancient Indigenous traditions. Crafted from mountain-grown Agave maximiliana or coastal Agave angustifolia, raicilla is a true revelation. Explore its rich heritage and add a touch of sophistication to your drink repertoire.




Now, let's take a closer look at some exceptional agave spirits:

1. Comiteco 9 Guardianes Añejo

  • Originating from Comitán de Domínguez, Chiapas, comiteco is a rare find. Distilled from fermented agave sap and a hint of refined brown sugar, it boasts a rum-like flavor with delightful hints of grass and mead. Discover its complexity for $65 at deluxews.com.

2. Gracias a Dios Agave Gin

  • Oaxaca gives birth to this unique blend, combining angustifolia agave, juniper, and 31 other botanicals. This agave gin offers a sweet citrusy start and finishes with intriguing notes of dried smoked chilies, pepper, and anise. Explore its complexity for $48 at agavegingad.com.

3. La Reina Raicilla Blanco

  • Venture into the rural Sierra Madre village of Atenguillo and savor the small-batch delights of raicilla by Julio Topete Becerra. The Blanco variety is a gentle introduction to this exceptional spirit, with a mild and smooth flavor profile. Elevate your tasting experience for $90 at raicillalareina.com.

4. Quechol Texanum Sotol

  • Distilled from the texanum variety of the dasylirion plant, sourced from Mexico's Chihuahuan desert, Quechol offers an herbal and nutty profile. Explore the essence of the desert in a bottle for $60 at quecholsotol.com.

As you embark on your agave spirit journey, whether you're drawn to the herbal notes of sotol or the sweetness of raicilla, these lesser-known gems are sure to delight your palate. 

Cheers to the diversity of agave and the rich tapestry of Mexican spirits waiting to be discovered!

Veronica Espinoza