Shaking Things Up for the Holidays

When people first meet me, they often assume I’m an extrovert. I’m comfortable speaking in public, I can facilitate a lively group conversation, and I usually have something to say. But the truth is, those were learned skills. I’ve grown more social with time, sure, but even in my twenties, I found the most energy and clarity during long bike rides and meditative swims.

That said, I do love a good cocktail party. As someone who enjoys the culture around food and drink, I tend to focus less on what I’m wearing or how the room is decorated and more on what’s being served and where it came from. I like a good playlist, but I really like knowing the story behind my ingredients. Lately, that curiosity extends to who farmed them, but I’ll save that for another post.

While I always appreciate a batched Negroni waiting in the fridge, there’s something special about mixing drinks to order. It makes breaking the ice easy. At a recent Diwali celebration, I was asked to bring a cocktail. I didn’t have time to pre-batch, so I built each drink on the spot. And while the children in their finest Indian garb stole the show, my Turmeric-Cumin Margarita turned out to be a fitting compliment for the evening. Guests gathered around the kitchen, chatting while I stirred and shook. The anticipation made their cocktails taste even better.

As you plan your own holiday gatherings, we thought we’d help with a few ideas. These cocktails were created by some of our favorite bartenders, people with great palates, generous spirits, and a deep love for agave. And the star of each one is Agua del Sol Espadín, a mezcal that captures the essence of Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, a town often called the world capital of mezcal.

Agua del Sol Espadín comes from the Monterrosa family palenque, where production remains rooted in tradition. Mature agaves are roasted slowly in an earthen oven dug into the ground, their hearts caramelizing over hot stones before being crushed and left to ferment with ambient yeast. The resulting mash is double distilled in small copper alembic stills before it’s proofed to 48% ABV, striking a balance between intensity and elegance, making it perfect for sipping neat or building into cocktails.

This Espadín has a way of grounding a moment; it’s both versatile and expressive, familiar yet deeply tied to the place and people who made it. Whether stirred into an Old Fashioned, shaken into a Carajillo for one of those mornings, or simply enjoyed with good company, it brings a sense of connection to every pour.

So if you’re a mezcal lover like we are, save this link and order a bottle of Agua del Sol Espadín before your next gathering. Mix, taste, and share something meaningful this holiday season.