SOTOL FAQ
Unfamiliar with sotol? Don’t worry, we were too! But as we learned more about this unique distilled spirit (and more importantly, when we tasted it), we fell in love with this homegrown desert beauty that’s both smooth and rebellious (hey, you try growing up in the wilds of Texas).
1. What is sotol, and how is it different from tequila or mezcal?
Sotol is a distillate made from a spiny succulent of the wild and untamed Dasylirion genus, also known as desert spoon. Unlike agave, the field-grown source for tequila and mezcal, sotol grows wild in the harsh wilderness of Northern Mexico and parts of Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. Its flavor is eerie and complex, with whispers of pine, earth, and a wisp of smoke. Making sotol is an ancient process rooted in fire and transformation—primal and wildly delicious.
2. How is sotol made?
Sotol originally hails from the rugged landscapes of Northern Mexico, where it’s been crafted for centuries—its unique lore would rival any folk tale. The Rarámuri people were among the first to tame this wild spirit, fermenting its essence long before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. Harvested from desolate lands, the desert spoon plant is dragged to pit ovens, where it’s burned and broken, releasing its spiritual essence. The sotolero—like a modern-day sorcerer—ferments the liquid in wooden vats before distilling it in copper or steel.
3. Is sotol environmentally sustainable?
Is sotol environmentally sustainable?
As befitting a spirit made for horror enthusiasts, sotol is a survivor. Unlike agave, which must be uprooted entirely to make tequila and mezcal, sotol’s roots remain intact when harvested, allowing it to rise again and again like a movie baddie in sequel after sequel. Agave fields must be repeatedly replanted, but sotol thrives in the wild without the need for cultivation. This makes sotol a tenacious spirit that endures through time – sustainable, untamed, and always vigilant. (Okay, it might not be vigilant.)
4. How do I drink sotol?
As Find Familiar’s original Master Blender Ale Ochoa used to say: “however you want!” Sotol is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed many different ways, depending on your preference and experience with similar potables like tequila and mezcal. A few suggestions from us:
- Neat or on the Rocks
The best way to fully appreciate sotol’s complex flavors is to sip it neat (room temperature) or over ice. High-quality sotol has a grassy, earthy, and slightly smoky character that develops as you sip. Use a copita (small clay or glass cup) or a whiskey glass to enhance the aromas. - In Cocktails
Sotol works well as a substitute for tequila or mezcal in cocktails, offering a unique twist to classic drinks. Try sotol instead of whiskey for a smoky, herbal take on a classic Old Fashioned, or mix sotol with grapefruit soda, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a refreshing Sotol Paloma. For a more herbaceous and grassy profile, swap gin for sotol and make a Sotol Negroni. And yes, it works brilliantly in a margarita. Swap tequila with sotol for an earthier version and don’t forget the salt. - With a Simple Mixer
You can never go wrong with a simple sparkling water or tonic, or fresh lime juice and a splash of soda. We like it with pellet ice, if you can find it. Or try ginger beer for a smoky, spicy mule-style drink. Copper cup optional. - Traditional Yet Bold
In Mexico, sotol is often enjoyed neat paired with orange slices sprinkled with sal de gusano, a.k.a. “worm salt.” Find Familiar’s Director of Operations David Cohen swears by this method!
5. This is all well and good, but we expect some nerdier facts from you guys.
You’re right. A couple of cool tidbits about sotol: the dasylirion is classed in the Nolinaceae subfamily of the Asparagaceae family, which means it’s a relative of… asparagus (thankfully without some of that plant’s, uh, quirkier effects). It experienced a boom during Prohibition, thanks to its proximity to the border, but well-financed and better-connected rum, brandy, and tequila producers quashed it once legal production began again in the United States. It’s had a long and storied history worthy of the movies already, and we’re excited to add to its next chapter!
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