3 Sensational Agave Syrup Cocktails: The Heavenly Nectar of the Gods

Friends drinking La Tierra Agave spirit cocktails

Prost, Cheers, Chin-chin, Salut to our favourte Agave Syrup cocktails!

There’s really nothing like that first sip of a perfectly made cocktail wish a dash of Agave syrup for the full Agave experience!

Of course we’re biased in our opinion when we say that Agave cocktails are the best cocktails! But look  at the evidence – Margaritas, Palomas, Tequila sunrise …when it comes to diverse flavor profiles, natural sweetness and versatility, Agave spirits are unmatched!

Did we mention it’s also healthier?

Now, this isn’t a free-for-all to suggest anything other than responsible drinking,  but if you’re calorie-conscious, an Agave spirit is probably one of your better options, without sacrificing taste and limiting your options. Pure Agave Tequila is low in calories, and due to its distillation process, contains no carbohydrates. And this applies to the mixers too!

agave spirit cocktails using agave nectar

Agave Syrup - Nature's natural sweetener

Thanks to Agave syrup (this Agave plant really is the gift that just keeps on giving!) you can have your drink and well, drink it too!

Agave syrup is a natural, vegan sweetener derived from the Agave plant sap. With a low glycemic index (this is a measurement of how different foods affect your blood sugar levels), Agave syrup is a healthy alternative to bring natural sweetness to your cocktails, without affecting your glucose levels. 

And what about taste? Well, Agave syrup is much sweeter than regular sugar and sweeteners, so you actually need about 30% less for the same amount of sweetness. It’s important to note that Agave syrup is still a processed sweetener and should be consumed in moderation, just like any other sweetener.

agave syrup

The production of Agave syrup allows us to make use of the whole plant during spirit production.

Today, there is a growing interest in utilising the whole Agave plant to make various products, including fiber, paper, and biofuels. This ensures that we can minimize waste, promote sustainability, and maximize the benefits that the Agave plant can offer. 

This approach also aligns with the principles of our economy, which advocates for reducing, reusing, and recycling resources to create a more sustainable society for future Agave producers.

Agave syrup production process:

  • The first step in making Agave syrup is to harvest the Agave plant once it has reached maturity. 
  • The leaves are cut off to reveal the piña, which is the heart of the plant.
  • The piña is crushed and pressed to extract the sap. 
  • The sap is filtered to remove any impurities.
  • The sap is heated in large vats to break down the complex sugars into simple sugars. This process is similar to making maple syrup.
  • The sap is then reduced over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency. This can take several hours, and the syrup is constantly monitored to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Utilizing the entire Agave plant for products like fiber, paper, and biofuels supports sustainability and reduces waste. This approach aligns with the principles of minimizing resource use and maximizing efficiency. 

The production of Agave syrup involves harvesting mature plants, extracting and filtering the sap, and carefully heating it to achieve the final syrup. This process highlights the importance of resourcefulness and careful management in creating valuable products from Agave.

agave Americana used for agave syrup

Okay, great - but how do I make cocktails using this nectar of the Gods?

We’re so glad you asked! 

Here are our top 3 Agave cocktails:

Jozilicious Paloma

Coming in at number one is the Paloma. Now the history of the Paloma is a little cloudy, but this drink dates back all the way to the early 1860s. 

A perfect Tequila-based drink, rounded off with Agave and grapefruit, it is as pretty as it is delicious – and this is why it’s considered one of the most popular Agave cocktails in Mexico! 

A Paloma has all four taste groups – sweet, sour, bitter and salty. It’s easy to make, tastes great and is the perfect summer cocktail. If you add Agave syrup rather than honey to your Agave cocktail, then you are drinking an authentic Paloma!

Our La Tierra Reposado is the perfect Agave spirit for a delicious Paloma. Aged in recycled bourbon barrels, this liquid gold is rich, smooth and perfect for any occasion!

Check out our recipe for a La Tierra Jozilicious Paloma that’s sure to make you the toast of the town!

paloma made with agave syrup

Cape Sunrise

Sticking with the theme “looks as good as it tastes” we have none other than the Tequila sunrise. Now this is a cocktail that demands to be sipped at a beachside resort, under the cool shade of an umbrella, with a view of dolphins frolicking in the waves. 

And if you don’t happen to be on holiday, rest assured, this drink will transport you there anyway with beautiful colours reminiscent of a tropical sunrise. 

The best part? With just three ingredients, you too can charm your guests with your mixology skills – simple, delicious and pretty! 

And for our own tropical take, we’ve created the Cape Town sunrise using the La Tierra Blanco. Our 100% Karoo Agave spirit is sweet and pure, highlighting the flavors of the other ingredients, fresh orange juice and grenadine.

Go on, give the Cape Sunrise a try!

Cape Sunrise agave syrup cocktail

Karoo Sour

And our third choice for our top three Agave cocktails, goes to none other than the Tequila sour. Refreshing and tangy, the Tequila sour is a simple yet elegant cocktail that brings out the best Agave has to offer. 

The earliest record of the epic Tequila sour dates back to 1948, and you’ll find this written record in David Embury’s book, “The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks”. 

Again, with simple, fresh ingredients like lemon juice, lime juice and Agave syrup (there it is again, that beautiful, sweet, natural nectar) the Tequila sour is a firm favorite that wins the world-over every time! 

Here’s our local take on a global giant – we present to you, the La Tierra Karoo Sour

agave syrup cocktail karoo sour

Discover the Natural Sweetness of Agave Syrup in Your Cocktails at home

Agave syrup has become a favorite natural sweetener in cocktails due to its smooth, mild flavor that enhances rather than overpowers other ingredients. Unlike refined sugars, agave syrup offers a subtle sweetness with a lower glycemic index, making it a healthier choice that won’t spike your blood sugar levels. 

Its natural origin not only aligns with a more sustainable lifestyle but also supports the use of whole Agave plants, reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility. 

Mixing up a classic margarita or experimenting with new concoctions? Agave syrup provides a touch of natural sweetness while embracing a more eco-friendly approach. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

agave syrup used to make cocktails

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