If you’re a fan of craft cocktails and looking to shake things up, sotol is the perfect spirit to explore. While tequila and mezcal often steal the spotlight, sotol offers a unique flavor profile that can elevate a variety of cocktails. One of the most popular ways to enjoy sotol is in a refreshing Ranch Water, but there’s so much more you can do with this versatile spirit. Let’s dive into the world of sotol cocktails and discover some exciting recipes.

What is Sotol?

Before we jump into the cocktails, it’s important to understand what sotol is. Sotol is a distilled spirit made from the Dasylirion plant, also known as the desert spoon, which grows wild in in the Chihuahuan Desert in Northern Mexico. Unlike tequila, which is made from agave, sotol has an earthy, herbal, and slightly smoky flavor that adds depth to any drink. Its unique taste makes it a fantastic base for a wide range of cocktails.

The Classic Sotol Ranch Water

Ranch Water is a simple yet incredibly refreshing cocktail that originated in West Texas. Traditionally made with tequila, the sotol version adds a distinct twist that brings out the earthy and herbal notes of the spirit.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Acrónimo Sotol Blanco
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• Topo Chico (or any sparkling mineral water)
• Ice
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour in the sotol and lime juice.
3. Top off with Topo Chico or your preferred sparkling mineral water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

Why It Works: The clean, crisp bubbles of the mineral water complement the earthy undertones of sotol, while the lime adds a zesty kick that makes this drink incredibly refreshing. Perfect for a hot day or a casual get-together, Sotol Ranch Water is a must-try.

Sotol Paloma

The Paloma is another classic Mexican cocktail that traditionally uses tequila, but substituting sotol adds a new dimension to this beloved drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Acrónimo Sotol Blanco
• 2 oz grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional)
• Sparkling water or grapefruit soda
• Ice
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Grapefruit wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim your glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in coarse salt.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. In a shaker, combine sotol, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using).
4. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
5. Top with sparkling water or grapefruit soda.
6. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and enjoy!

Why It Works: The sotol brings a complex herbal note that pairs beautifully with the bright citrus flavors of the grapefruit and lime. The result is a cocktail that is both refreshing and intriguing, perfect for sipping on a warm evening.

Sotol Old Fashioned

For those who enjoy a more robust, spirit-forward cocktail, the Sotol Old Fashioned is a great way to experience the rich flavors of this unique spirit.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Acrónimo Sotol Blanco
• 1/4 oz simple syrup (or a sugar cube)
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine the sotol, simple syrup (or sugar cube), and bitters.
2. Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.
5. Sip and savor!

Why It Works: The earthy and smoky notes of sotol shine in this classic cocktail, balanced by the sweetness of the simple syrup and the aromatic bitters. It’s a sophisticated drink that highlights the depth of sotol.

Sotol Margarita

No cocktail list is complete without a Margarita. The Sotol Margarita offers a delightful twist on this classic, with the sotol adding complexity and depth to the drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Acrónimo Sotol Blanco
• 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 oz agave syrup or simple syrup
• Ice
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim a glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in salt.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. In a shaker, combine sotol, Cointreau, lime juice, and agave syrup.
4. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy!

Why It Works: The sotol brings a new level of complexity to the Margarita, with its earthy and slightly smoky profile complementing the citrus and sweetness perfectly.

Sotol Negroni

The Negroni is a timeless cocktail, and swapping in sotol for gin gives it an exciting twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Acrónimo Sotol Blanco
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Ice
• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine sotol, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
2. Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
4. Garnish with an orange twist and enjoy!

Why It Works: The herbal and slightly smoky qualities of sotol provide an interesting contrast to the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth, resulting in a well-balanced and intriguing cocktail.

Conclusion

Sotol is a versatile spirit that can be used to craft a wide range of cocktails, from the light and refreshing Ranch Water to the bold and complex Sotol Negroni. Whether you’re new to sotol or already a fan, these cocktails are a great way to explore the unique flavors of this ancient spirit. So next time you’re in the mood for something different, try one of these sotol cocktails and experience the rich heritage and taste of Northern Mexico in your glass.

If you want to explore more recipes please visit our cocktails section! You will find an interesting mix of signature cocktails to delight your senses (add link to cocktails section).