Agave Spirits & Agave Cocktails: Everything You Need to Know

April 07, 2025 by

What are agave spirits?

Agave spirits are a wild and wonderful category of liquor made from the agave plant and agave-adjacent species. Let’s kick off with tequila. It’s the most famous of the bunch, made specifically from blue Weber agave. You’ll find it in five regions, but Jalisco is the capital of all things tequila. Tequila is usually smoother and a little sweeter than its agave cousins, which makes it an easy go-to for Margaritas and Palomas.

Also see: Types of Tequila (A Complete Guide to Blanco, Reposado & Añejo)

Mezcal, on the other hand, is tequila’s smokier sister—or at least, it can be. While mezcal has a rep for bold, smoky flavor, the intensity actually varies depending on the agave used, the length of the roast, and how it’s distilled. It can be made from over 40 agave species, with Espadín being the most common by far; it’s the workhorse of mezcal production and accounts for the majority of what’s on the market.

Mezcal tends to come from Oaxaca, though states like Durango and Guerrero produce some knockout bottles too. The combination of agave variety and traditional methods, like roasting agave hearts in underground pits, creates a complex spirit with flavors that range from earthy and vegetal to fruity and smoky.

Learn more: Mezcal vs. Tequila (Key Differences, Taste & How to Use Them)

Then you’ve got sotol—not technically an agave spirit, but close enough to hang with the crew. It’s made from the desert spoon plant (Dasylirion), which grows in the Chihuahuan Desert, which spans Mexico (Chihuahua, Durango, Coahuila) and the southwestern U.S. (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona). Sotol has this delightfully raw, almost grassy character that’s hard to pin down but easy to enjoy. One of our favorite things about sotol is that the plant it comes from isn’t single-use like agave; it regrows, which makes it a smart choice for sustainable sipping.

Raicilla is mezcal’s quirky BF from Jalisco. It’s traditionally made in the mountains or along the coast, depending on the producer, and has a totally different character from region to region. Some versions are wild and funky due to their high ester content, while others are delicate and floral, especially those from coastal regions.

And finally, bacanora. This one’s the outlaw-turned-hero of the group. Once banned for 77 years due to government prohibition, it’s now legally produced in the state of Sonora using wild agave. Some producers have started cultivating their own agave to help protect wild populations and ensure sustainability. Expect a dry, minerally profile with hints of smoke. It’s bold, a little rustic, and absolutely worth tracking down.

Best agave spirits for cocktails

Each of these spirits brings something different to the table, and that’s what makes the agave category so exciting. Here are a few rules of thumb to set you up for success behind the shaker:

Tequila is your go-to for classic cocktails like the Margarita, Paloma, and Tequila Sunrise.

Mezcal brings smoky magic to a Mezcal Negroni or Mezcal Mule.

Sotol plays well in sour-style drinks and gives a wild edge to classics like the Whiskey Sour.

Raicilla is amazing in lighter, aromatic Spritzes that let its eccentric notes shine.

Bacanora makes a killer base for drinks with a drier profile like a Dry Martini.

Agave syrup for cocktails: why & how to use it

Agave syrup is the bartender’s quiet MVP. It’s smooth, mellow, and sashays into cocktails without overpowering the other ingredients. Made from the same plant as tequila and mezcal, it carries a natural connection to agave spirits, but it plays well with everything from bourbon to rum.

So, what makes it stand out? Firstly, the sweetness. Since agave syrup is sweeter than sugar, a little goes a long way. But it’s not just about the sugar hit; it has a soft, rounded flavor with hints of caramel and a slightly vegetal finish, depending on how it’s processed. This depth infuses subtle character into cocktails without taking center stage.

Now let’s talk about swaps. Compared to simple syrup, agave is thicker and sweeter. Simple syrup is neutral, while agave brings a bit more personality to the mix. Then there’s honey, which is rich and floral, but can be tricky to mix into a cocktail, unless you dilute it. Agave syrup lands in the sweet spot between ease and flavor, making it a top pick for quick, balanced drinks.

Best ways to use agave syrup in cocktails

Tequila-based cocktails like the Margarita, Tommy’s Margarita, and Tequila Sour really shine with agave syrup. It mirrors the agave notes in the liquor for a super cohesive sip.

Mezcal cocktails benefit too, it smooths out the smokiness without flattening the flavor.

It also works beautifully in Whiskey Sours, Old Fashioned variations, and Daiquiris, adding a silky mouthfeel and gentle sweetness.

TOP TIP: Swapping agave syrup for other sweeteners? Use about half to three-quarters ounce of agave syrup for every 1 oz of simple syrup.

Best agave cocktails to try

Classic agave-based cocktails

1. Lime Margarita

The marvelous Margarita isn’t just a cocktail—it’s the tequila cocktail. Celebrated for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong, it’s a go-to for everything from beach days to dinner parties. Want to mix it up? Try swapping the tequila for sotol for a fresh, earthy twist on the classic. Here are some other variations to consider as well.

2. Paloma

The traditional Paloma cocktail is a citrus-forward drink that combines the vibrant flavors of tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, and a touch of salt. Typically made with blanco or reposado tequila, this cocktail offers a perfect balance of tantalizing tartness and subtle sweetness. There are also plenty of riffs on this recipe to try.

3. Oaxacan Negroni

The Oaxacan Negroni is a smoky take on the versatility of the original recipe. Using the classic equal parts ratio, gin is replaced with mezcal, and with it comes an avalanche of new flavors—earthy, nutty, and completely gorgeous.

Go pro: 14 Best Tequila Mixers (What to Mix with Tequila)

Modern agave cocktails

4. Mezcal Old Fashioned

The Mezcal Old Fashioned is a gorgeous modern twist on the original suave sipper. If you’re a fan of the traditional Old Fashioned but keen to stir up something a little different, the Mezcal Old Fashioned is what you’re looking for. With its rich, complex flavors, this version swaps out whiskey for mezcal and tequila, ushering in a new layer of sophistication and intrigue.

Alternatively, you could also make this drink using bacanora. To make one, combine 2 oz bacanora, 0.5 oz agave syrup, and 2-3 dashes bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, and fine strain into a serving glass over fresh ice. Twist an orange peel over top and serve.

5. Spicy Pineapple Mezcalita

This captivating clinker is sweet, spicy and smoky all at once. To make a Spicy Pineapple Mezcalita, start by slicing up one small jalapeño and steeping it in mezcal for around 20 minutes. The longer you steep it, the spicier it will get.

Next, muddle a tablespoon of fresh cilantro in a mixing glass, along with 0.5 oz of Grand Marnier, and 1 oz lime juice. Strain, discard the leaves, add 1.5 oz of the jalapeño-infused mezcal, and 3 oz of pineapple juice to the cocktail shaker, along with fresh ice, shake and strain into a serving glass. Garnish with a wedge of fresh pineapple, a chili slice, and a few cilantro leaves.

6. Sotol Sour

A citrusy classic with an agave twist, the Agave Sour hits all the right notes—zesty, silky, and just the right amount of bold. To make one, add 2 oz sotol, 1.5 oz orange juice, 1 oz lime juice, 0.5 oz agave syrup, and 1 egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake well to emulsify. Add ice, shake again until cold, then double strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a half orange slice and a sprinkle of ground pepper.

Low-ABV agave cocktails

7. Raicilla Lime Spritz

Light, zesty, and super easy to sip—the Raicilla Lime Spritz is made for sunny afternoons and laid-back lounging. To make one, build 2 oz raicilla, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz agave nectar in a Collins glass over ice. Top off with sparkling water, and garnish with a lime wedge.

8. Cucumber Agave Cooler

Fresh and a little fancy, the Agave Cucumber Cooler should be your go-to when you want something light with a bit of a kick. To make one, muddle five slices of mini cucumber in a cocktail shaker. Add 2 oz blanco tequila, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and two dashes of a saturated salt-and-water solution. Add ice and shake for 15–20 seconds. Strain into your favorite glass, top with 3 oz lime soda, and garnish with cucumber slices and a twist of lemon peel if you’re feeling extra.

Tips for making the best agave cocktails

If you’re mixing with agave spirits, the goal is balance. These liquors can be bold, smoky, grassy, or smooth—so the way you build the drink matters. Whether you’re shaking up a spiffy Margarita or riffing on a Negroni with mezcal, a few smart moves will take your cocktail from decent to downright delicious.

Pick the right agave spirit for the job

Think of agave spirits like different types of shoes for different outfits. Tequila? That’s your all-rounder—clean, zesty, and super mixable. It works beautifully in citrus-forward drinks like Margaritas and Palomas. Mezcal’s got more swagger. Reach for it when you want smoke, depth, and a little drama, like in a Mezcal Mule or Mezcal Negroni.

Raicilla and bacanora bring funk and minerality to the glass. They’re awesome in stirred drinks that let their complexity shine. And sotol? Wild, grassy, and a little smoky; it’s perfect in adventurous spins on sour cocktails.

Balance is everything

Agave syrup is sweet and soft but doesn’t go overboard. The trick is to let the syrup lift the agave spirit, not bury it. Start small (half an ounce is often plenty) and taste as you go. Pair that sweetness with fresh citrus to add brightness.

Lime and grapefruit are natural partners for tequila and mezcal, while orange and lemon can soften the bite in a more spirit-forward drink. And don’t forget bitters! Just a dash can round things out and add extra complexity without overpowering the base.

Don’t forget to garnish

Agave cocktails love a little drama on the rim. A lime wedge is great but think beyond the basics. A smoked salt rim can pull out mezcal’s earthy edge. Dehydrated citrus slices add visual punch and a hit of aroma. Even a sprig of rosemary or a charred jalapeño can change the whole experience.

Presentation matters, and these spirits deserve to be dressed up. Use a clear rocks glass or a coupe, and let the cocktail speak for itself.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It depends on the vibe you’re going for. Tequila is clean and citrusy, great for Margaritas and Palomas. Mezcal brings smoky depth to drinks like the Mezcal Negroni or Mezcal Mule. Bacanora and raicilla are perfect for spirit-forward sippers. And if you’re feeling bold? Try sotol in a sour or Old Fashioned-style drink.

Agave syrup is sweeter and thicker than simple syrup, with a subtle caramel note that adds more personality to your drink. While simple syrup is neutral, agave gives cocktails a smooth, rounded sweetness that plays especially well with tequila, mezcal, and whiskey. Use less than you would with simple syrup—start with about half an ounce and build from there.

Yes, and it’s often easier to work with. Agave syrup dissolves quickly, even in cold cocktails, unlike honey, which needs dilution. Flavor-wise, honey is richer and more floral, while agave is mellow with a soft caramel vibe. It’s a smart swap in drinks like the Agave Sour or a Tommy’s Margarita.

Tequila is made from blue Weber agave and usually tastes smooth and slightly sweet. Mezcal can be made from over 40 agave varieties, often roasted underground for a smoky, earthy profile. Tequila comes mainly from Jalisco, while mezcal is most associated with Oaxaca.

Try the Toto Sour or a smoky-sweet sip, or the Raicilla Lime Spritz if you’re in the mood for something bubbly and low-ABV. The Cucumber Agave Cooler is light and zesty, perfect for warm days.