Desert Daiquiri

ABV 19% / 2 Alcoholic Units

Primary Spirit: Sotol

A Brief History of the Desert Daiquiri

Rooted in the sun-drenched traditions of the Caribbean, the Daiquiri has long been a symbol of laid-back luxury. Originating in Cuba, this iconic cocktail gained popularity in the early 20th century and has since evolved into a canvas for mixologists to showcase their creativity.

The Desert Daiquiri is a contemporary adaptation and inspired by the classic daiquiri three ingredient formula, and whilst rum is not present, its name pays homage to the origins of a daiquiri. A modern twist created by ourselves at Cotswold Cocktail School introduces Sotol, a distinctive Mexican spirit made from the Dasylirion plant, celebrated for its earthy, grassy, and herbal flavours. With deep cultural roots and a unique production process, sotol offers a fascinating alternative to other traditional Mexican spirits. 

Taste and Flavour Profile

Sotol has a flavour profile that typically includes earthy, grassy, and herbal notes with a hint of minerality. Depending on the terroir and production methods, it can also have smoky, floral, or citrusy undertones. When paired with lemon, with a distinctive taste characterised by its bright, tangy, and tart flavour, Sotol is a natural, invigorating and refreshing partner. 

The result is a cocktail that's crisp and clean with herbal, grassy notes, and lashings of sweet citrus tartness. 

Bar Equipment:

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine sieve
• Coupe glass

Ingredients

• 50ml Sotol Reposado
• 20ml  Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 15ml Lemon oleo saccharum*
• Garnish: lemon twist
• Ice

*Oleo saccharin recipe and method: Peel an unwaxed lemon leaving as much of the pith as possible. Add the peel into a jar with 45g sugar, shake and leave over night. The next day squeeze in the juice of the peeled lemon and shake/stir until all sugar has dissolved, removing the peel.  Refrigerate and store for up to 10 days. One lemon will make approximately 45ml of oleo saccharum.

Method

• Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and double strain into a chilled coupe glass
• Garnish with a lemon twist or lime wheel for nostalgia!

What's the best Sotol for a Desert Daiquiri?

One of the highly regarded sotol reposados is Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol Reposado. This sotol is produced by Hacienda de Chihuahua, one of the most respected brands in the sotol industry. It is aged for several months in French oak barrels, which imparts additional complexity and smoothness to the spirit.

Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol Reposado is a top choice for those looking to explore the rich and complex flavours of aged sotol. Its careful aging process and balanced flavour profile make it an excellent representation of what a high-quality sotol reposado should be.