Herradura Agave Syrup

Herradura Agave Syrup is a non-alcoholic cocktail mixer from Jalisco, listed at 0.0% ABV. It is a sweetener made from agave, not a tequila or mezcal, so it has no Blanco, Reposado or Añejo expressions and no barrel aging. It is meant to sit alongside those spirits. Agave syrup typically tastes clean and lightly floral, with a faint vegetal note that echoes the plant tequila is distilled from. It is usually thinner than honey and pours more easily than most table syrups. Because it is liquid, it blends into a cold drink without the stirring that granulated sugar needs. The syrup is most useful in the classic agave cocktails. In a Margarita, the usual ratio is two parts tequila to one part lime juice and a half part syrup. Start there, then adjust to taste, since the syrup is often sweeter by volume than simple syrup. A Tommy's-style Margarita uses only tequila, lime and agave syrup, with no orange liqueur. The syrup also works in a Paloma, where it softens the bitterness of grapefruit soda or fresh grapefruit juice with lime. A small spoonful in a Ranch Water of tequila, lime and sparkling water adds some body without turning the drink sweet. For spirit pairings, a Blanco tequila keeps the peppery, citrus-forward agave edge and suits shaken drinks. A Reposado, with its light oak and vanilla notes, goes well in stirred drinks and in an Old Fashioned built with agave syrup in place of a sugar cube. Mezcal and agave syrup are a natural match, and the smoke offsets the sweetness. Serve shaken drinks over fresh ice in a rocks glass, with a salted or Tajín rim for Margaritas. Highballs belong in a tall glass. Outside the bar, the syrup stirs easily into iced tea, lemonade and coffee, and it can be drizzled over fruit or yogurt. Keep the bottle capped and use it within the storage guidance on the label.