{"id":12430,"date":"2022-04-12T07:59:51","date_gmt":"2022-04-12T11:59:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/?p=12430"},"modified":"2022-04-27T15:37:14","modified_gmt":"2022-04-27T19:37:14","slug":"why-agave-based-spirits-are-the-hottest-cocktail-trend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/2022\/04\/12\/why-agave-based-spirits-are-the-hottest-cocktail-trend\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Agave-Based Spirits Are the Hottest Cocktail Trend"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Agave-based beverages are having their moment in the sun. Whether it is popular tequila or chic raicilla, Mexican spirits are leaving the frat house behind. In this article, we will discuss the premiumization of agave-based beverages including terroir and DO-protected status. Then we will take a closer look into individual agave-based spirits and how you can easily leverage this trend in your bar or restaurant with the right glassware<\/strong> that delivers performance and reliability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Endeavor<\/a>
Endeavor by Libbey<\/a> is designed for durable stacking to maximize your space. Endeavor\u2019s heavy sham contrasts with an avant-garde shape to add style and stability to your bar or restaurant. For spirits served neat, the small-capacity rocks glass<\/a> is a perfect choice.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Distill Status & Reputation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Premiumization is the process of making a brand or product more appealing to consumers by emphasizing its superior quality and exclusivity.<\/strong> In the agave-based beverage category, making a brand more appealing, and therefore more expensive, could come in the form of new packaging, artisanal production, higher-quality ingredients, new flavors, and social\/environmental messaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Hobstar 12 Ounce Glass by Libbey<\/a> is a perennial favorite for today\u2019s top-shelf culture. Treat your guests to a sophisticated embossed design as they explore a new world of flavor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For over two decades, consumers have taken an increasing interest in alcohol premiumization<\/a>, trading in their well drinks for top-shelf alternatives. At present, the pandemic has sparked an interest in premiumization as more people stay in and splurge on higher-end beverages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that bars and restaurants are serving indoors again, market experts predict<\/a> that consumers will continue to opt for high-end spirits when dining out. A perfect example of premiumization is agave-based beverages.<\/strong> Their appeal and fandom continue to skyrocket with no slowdown in sight. In some cases, the growth of agave-based fandom has outpaced Mexico\u2019s natural resources<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Blue<\/a>
Inspecting blue Weber agave in Amatit\u00e1n, Mexico<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Agave-Based Spirits’ Meteoric Rise <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The global demand for agave-based spirits has boomed<\/strong> in recent years. Agave plants<\/a> are spiny desert succulents that grow in arid and semi-arid climates, particularly in Mexico and the Caribbean. The genus has been around for over 1000 years and includes over 200 species of agave, many which are of extremely important to Mexico\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, there are some new agave-based players coming to your town. These relatively unknown spirits attract patrons who seek out novel experiences and exclusivity.<\/strong> They are on hunt for unique treasures and want to be the first to discover a brand\/spirit. Adding raicilla<\/a> and bacanora<\/a> to your restaurant or bar is one easy way to satisfy your customers seeking out a new flavor adventure.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Flashback Double Old Fashioned Glass by Libbey<\/a> is a durable retro style that showcases any drink beautifully. Its textured sidewalls and bottom is a perfect match for heritage-brand mezcal because of its vintage charm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Raicilla<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Having only been legally available in the United States since 2014, raicilla is a bit of a mystery to most of us. As of 2019, raicilla is Mexico\u2019s newest Denomination of Origin<\/a> (DO-) protected spirit. Earning a Denomination of Origin defines a product as exclusive to a specific region as well as strictly defined modes of production. DO-protected spirit regulations protect consumers from low-quality imitations<\/strong>, and allow them to purchase consistent, high-quality products. Denomination of Origin increases consumer confidence because they know their purchase is the real, authentic deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raicilla is sweeter than tequila and has a more tropical flavor to it, which makes it a great starter beverage for those flirting in the agave space. There are two main categories of raicilla, Costa (coast) and Sierra (mountain). Like wine, raicilla\u2019s flavor is heavily influenced by terroir<\/a>, including climate and soil type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Orbital<\/a>
Orbital glasses by Libbey<\/a> have stackable, space-saving designs that serve up convenient class. It\u2019s contemporary take on traditional stemless pairs well with new agave-based cocktail creations.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bacanora<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For a dry, peppery taste of Sonora, bacanora is your spirit. Compared to tequila, it has a smokier flavor but is similar in smoothness. Made exclusively with Agave Pacifica, bacanora received its DO-protected status in 2000. Prior to this time, it was outlawed as moonshine<\/a> due to a regional prohibition, and illegal until 1992.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to its outlawed past, bacanora is the bad boy of agave-based spirits and is an excellent choice to add to your bar. Its underground reputation and hard-to-come-by nature make this spirit especially attractive to customers looking for an artisanal drink with a dangerous past.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
Quality spirits are meant to be savored. The Heavy Base DOF Glass by Libbey<\/a> captures complex flavors and scents, allowing your guests to experience high-end spirits like a pro.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Top-Shelf Players: Mezcal and Tequila<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now we\u2019ll dig into the major agave-based players: mezcal and tequila. These two spirits are sometimes confused for each other in the United States. However, they are easily distinguishable when you take a closer look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Tequila and Mezcal the Same Mexican Spirit?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An old Oaxacan proverb dictates, \u201cTequila is to wake the living, Mezcal is to wake the dead.\u201d This does draw a poetic distinction, however, there is much more to the story. The first thing to understand about these two popular spirits is their classification. That is, just as bourbon and scotch are both types of whiskey<\/a>, tequila is a type of mezcal. However, just like there are other kinds of whiskey aside from bourbon and scotch, there are other varieties of mezcal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The major differentiation between the two is mezcal, meaning \u201coven-cooked agave\u201d, can be made from any variety of agave plant.<\/strong> Tequila, however, is type of mezcal that is only made from blue Weber agave, a sweet variety grown in five Mexican states. Blue agave is easy to grow<\/a> and has a shorter maturation time than other varieties of agave plant. Additionally, it cooks faster because of the high concentration of sugars found within the plant. Now that we\u2019ve covered the basics, let\u2019s take a closer look at mezcal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Citation<\/a>
Citation Gourmet 9 Ounce Margarita Glass by Libbey<\/a> adds specialty cocktail flair and a well-proportioned design to compliment your creations.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mezcal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every year, mezcal rises in popularity with a global audience. In Mexico, most mezcal is sipped and consumed neat. Mixologists in the United States, however, enjoy integrating it into craft cocktails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DO-Protected
DO-Protected Artesanal Mezcal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mezcal falls into three main categories based on modes of production: Ancestral, Artisanal, and no label other than \u201cMezcal\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n