The Rise of the Virgin Margarita in NYC

In the bustling and ever-evolving cocktail scene of New York City, trends come and go, but one movement has been gaining momentum and capturing the attention of both bartenders and patrons alike - non-alcoholic agave cocktails.

The rise of agave-based cocktails has paved the way for an exciting shift in the landscape, resulting in the increased popularity of virgin agave-based cocktail variations such as the virgin paloma, virgin picante, and virgin margarita.

Let's delve into this trend, explore the stories behind the creation of these delightful concoctions, and understand why the virgin margarita has become the toast of the town.

Embracing the Agave Wave

Agave spirits, including tequila and mezcal, have become beloved staples in the cocktail world. The growth of tequila sales in the United States, with an annual increase of approximately 6%, reflects the evolving preferences of consumers.

Mezcal, with its smoky and complex flavors, has experienced a staggering 291% growth in sales from 2016 to 2020.

These figures illustrate the profound impact of agave spirits on the North American market, and when combined with the macro trend of more consumers looking for high quality non-alcoholic cocktails, this sets the stage for the emergence of non-alcoholic versions of classic agave cocktails.

Let’s look at three of the classics! 

The Virgin Paloma

Virgin Seaside Paloma Recipe With Everleaf Marine

Everleaf Marine’s refreshing notes of kelp and olive leaf are the perfect pairing for this zesty serve. Combine the Everleaf, lime juice and agave nectar in a mixing glass to stir, before straining into a wine glass full of ice and top with grapefruit soda. Garnish with grapefruit,

• 2 parts Everleaf Marine
• 1/2 part lime juice
• 1/2 part agave syrup
• 4 parts grapefruit soda

Top tip: Swap Everleaf Marine for Everleaf Mountain for a Cherry Blossom Paloma

The Virgin Picante

Inspired by the fiery spirit of mezcal, we embarked on a quest to create a non-alcoholic cocktail that would deliver the same exhilarating heat.

Through careful experimentation, we crafted this drink using Everleaf Marine, jalapeno pepper, coriander, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and a dash of spice.

Virgin Picante Recipe With Everleaf Marine

A non-alcoholic interpretation on the classic Picante. Everleaf Marine’s savoury umami notes are the perfect pair for this spicy serve. Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake, before double straining into a rocks glass with ice cubes. Garnish with coriander and chili.

• 2 parts Everleaf Marine
• 1 part lime juice
• 1/2 part agave nectar
• Pinch of fresh chili pepper
• Pinch of fresh coriander

Top tip: Use Everleaf Forest for a saffron picante, with enticing flavors of vanilla and orange blossom.

The Virgin Margarita

A staple in the New York bar scene, the margarita, a carefully balanced mix of tequila, lime juice and triple sec, lives in the mind of all bartenders.

Virgin Margarita Recipe With Everleaf Marine

The ultimate virgin margarita recipe using Everleaf Marine. Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a salt rim and a lime wedge.

• 2 parts Everleaf Marine
• 1 part freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 part agave syrup

Top tip: Try adding a couple of slices of watermelon to the cocktail shaker for a tropical non alcoholic margarita twist.

This recipe is quick and easy for you to make at home. If you’d like to experience pushing the boundaries of what creativity tastes like, head to HiLot in the East Village and ask for the “Magic Carpet Ride” cocktail.

"On my first taste, the bergamot notes of Everleaf Marine instantly reminded me of a jasmine syrup my colleague Erika had created for one of HiLot’s reserve menu cocktails. By rounding out the floral flavors with fresh lemon and grapefruit, we were able to create a sour cocktail for summer that is tart, botanical and easily sessionable." - Ben Hopkins, HiLot (https://hilot.nyc/) 

Pushing the Boundaries of Creativity

In conclusion, the rise of agave-based cocktails has set the stage for the emergence of excellent non-alcoholic variations in NYC.

With intriguing stories behind their creation and expert mixologists pushing the boundaries of creativity, these non-alcoholic agave cocktails are transforming the way we enjoy refreshing drinks. 

Embrace the trend, savor the flavors, and embark on a journey of delightful experiences in the vibrant cocktail landscape of New York City.

If you aren’t close to the big apple - there is no reason why you can’t make these at home using the specs in this article.

Why not take a pic and tag @everleafdrinks - we’d love to see them!