Sotol Cocktails: The Best Drink Recipes to Try

Sotol, a distinct Mexican spirit crafted from the desert spoon plant, has been delighting cocktail enthusiasts of late and rightfully earned itself a spot on bartender menus worldwide. With its earthy, herbaceous profile and a story as rich as its flavour, sotol is an exciting option for tequila lovers looking to explore something new. Its versatility shines in a range of drinks that bring a taste of Mexico to every occasion.   

So, without further ado, here are 10 sotol cocktails to inspire your next sip. ¡Salud!  

1. Sotol Margarita

The classic Lime Margarita has a deceptively simple way to highlight all the characteristics of a base liquor in a discreet, yet balanced way. To make the sotol version, simply swap the tequila for sotol. This small twist adds an earthy complexity and subtle herbaceous vibe to the mix, elevating the flavour profile without overpowering the citrusy zing of lime or the sweetness of agave.  

Read next: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Reposado Tequila Cocktails  

2. Texas Buck

Created by Slovenian bartender Kevin Kos, the Texas Buck is a vibrant mix of sotol, Ancho Reyes, and ginger beer. To make one, rim the side of a glass with lime and Tajín. Fill the glass with ice and add 45 ml sotol, 10 ml Ancho Reyes, and 10 ml lime juice. Top with ginger beer and gently stir to combine. Garnish with a sprig of mint, giving it a gentle slap to release its aroma.   

Also see: 15 Best Ancho Reyes Cocktails to Turn up the Heat  

3. Naked in the Desert

A riff on the Naked and Famous by Mexican mixologist Diego Valencia, this cocktail combines sotol with bright citrus and herbal notes. Shake together 20 ml sotol, 20 ml Aperol, 20 ml Yellow Chartreuse, and 20 ml fresh lime juice in an ice-filled shaker. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with your choice of citrus or herbs for a polished finish.   

4. Round Two

Created by Chicago mixologist Alex Bachman, Round Two is a bold, smoky blend of mezcal and sotol with a bitter-sweet twist. Stir together 45 ml Montelobos Mezcal, 10 ml reposado sotol, 15 ml Cinzano Vermouth Rosso, 15 ml Campari, and a dash of bitters (walnut bitters if available) in a mixing glass filled with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and enjoy this complex, spirit-forward cocktail.   

Also see: 13 Best Mexican Cocktails to Make at Home  

5. Desert Paloma

The Desert Paloma gives the classic version a rustic twist with a kiss of earth-toned charm. Combine 45 ml sotol, 15 ml lime juice, 30 ml grapefruit juice, and 15 ml agave nectar in a shaker with ice. Shake well. Rim a glass with salt, fill it with ice, and strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. This is a crisp, citrusy delight with a wild desert edge.   

6. Sotol Sour

The Sotol Sour dresses up the time-honoured clinker in a jacket of peaty complexity with a cravat of citrus brightness. Combine 60 ml reposado sotol, 20 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice, 15 ml sugar syrup, and 15 ml egg white (optional) in a shaker. Dry shake for 30 seconds, then add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice or a coupe without ice. Garnish with 3–4 drops of Angostura bitters for a polished finish.   

Go pro: Your Guide to Making Egg White Cocktails the Easy Way  

7. Strawberry Sotol Highball

Sassy, sweet, and effervescent, the Strawberry Sotol Highball is a light-hearted introduction to sotol’s unique character, ideal for warm, sun-soaked days. To make it, shake 45 ml sotol and 30 ml strawberry syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice for 20 seconds. Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice, then top with 180 ml sparkling mineral water. Stir gently with a bar spoon and garnish with fresh chopped strawberries for a fruity finish.  

8. Sotol’d Fashioned

It of goes without saying that we wanted to see what the Old Fashioned would taste like with sotol in the mix. After all, we’ve already played around with other variations like the Añejo Old Fashioned, and Rum Old Fashioned. To whip up a Sotol’d Fashioned, simply swap the bourbon in the OG recipe for sotol and add some orange zest as a garnish along with the time-honoured orange twist. It’s quite amazing, you’ll see.   

9. Sotol Tomato Cooler

Do you adore savoury sippers? Here you go, bestie! The Sotol Tomato Cooler showcases this intriguing liquor’s depth alongside the natural sweetness of fresh tomatoes. Start by rimming a rocks glass with your choice of salt, sugar, or spices, then fill with ice. Shake 60 ml sotol, 60 ml freshly strained tomato juice, 30 ml lemon juice, and 20 ml sugar syrup over ice until well chilled. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice for a zesty, layered treat.  

15 Savoury Cocktails: Bold and Flavourful Drinks to Try at Home  

10. Spicy Matador

If you like your cocktails with a bold kick, the Spicy Matador will definitely do the trick.  This vibrant sotol cocktail combines tropical pineapple juice, zesty lime, and a touch of jalapeño spice for a lively blend of flavours. Run a lime wedge along the edge of the glass then rim it with chilli-lime salt. Next, shake 45 ml sotol, 30 ml pineapple juice, 30 ml fresh lime juice, and 10 ml agave with ice, and strain it into the prepared glass. Garnish with a slice of jalapeño for a fiery finish.  

There you have it, amigos and amigas —10 gorgeous sotol drink recipes to shake and stir up at home. Tag us when you share your cocktail creations online and remember to sign up for our newsletter to be the first to receive the freshest drinkspiration every month. In the meantime, visit Montelobos and Espolòn websites to stock up on agave based YAY.