If you’re ready to shake up your cocktail game, let me introduce you to the magic of agave wine—the smooth, slightly sweet and refreshingly light alternative to tequila that’s taking the beverage world by storm.
Today I’m diving deep into everything you need to know about agave wine, with a special shoutout to Ola Sol Agave Wine, which I recently tried and absolutely loved. In fact, I couldn’t tell the difference between Ola Sol and the tequila I usually use for margaritas! Plus, I’ll share how I made delicious agave wine margaritas inspired by the legendary Cowboy Buddha Margarita recipe from the Taos Inn.
What Is Agave Wine?
Agave wine is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from the Blue Weber agave plant—the very same plant that gives us tequila and mezcal. But here’s the twist: unlike tequila, which is distilled, agave wine is fermented, not distilled, which means it has a lower alcohol content (usually around 24% ABV for Ola Sol) and a smoother, fruitier flavor profile. Think of it as the lighter, more approachable cousin of tequila, perfect for those who want all the agave goodness without the burn.
Whoa! Made with half the calories and alcohol of tequila
Some of the agave wine mentioned in this post were gifted in partnership with Ola Sol. All opinions and reviews are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, I may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Should you choose to book through any of my links, thank you so much!
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Why Ola Sol Stands Out
I’ve sampled spirits distilled from sotol yucca and agave, but Ola Sol agave wine blew me away. Made in Jalisco, Mexico, from 5-year-old Blue Weber agave, Ola Sol is fermented for 72 hours and then carefully filtered to create a crystal-clear blanco without any sulfites, added sugars or additives.
What really sets Ola Sol apart is that it’s the first premium agave wine designed for crafting cocktails. It’s fortified with 10% agave brandy, giving it a smooth finish and an alcohol content of 24%—half the calories and alcohol of tequila but with the same vibrant agave flavor.
…half the calories and alcohol of tequila
What surprised me most? When I used Ola Sol in my margaritas, I honestly couldn’t tell the difference from my usual tequila. It has that familiar agave aroma and flavor, with a slightly sweeter, silkier finish that makes every sip feel effortless. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO, so it fits perfectly with a clean, health-conscious lifestyle.
RELATED Sotol Yucca vs. Agave: What To Know Before Your Next Drink
How Is Agave Wine Made?
The process starts with harvesting and slow-cooking the Blue Weber agave to extract its sweet aguamiel (honey water). This juice is then fermented naturally, turning the sugars into alcohol without distillation. Ola Sol takes it a step further by filtering the wine extensively to keep it pure and clear, then fortifying it with agave brandy for balance and complexity. This unique production method gives Ola Sol its signature smoothness and subtle sweetness.
Agave Wine vs. Tequila vs. Sotol: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Agave Wine | Tequila | Sotol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant Source | Blue Weber agave | Blue Weber agave | Wild-harvested sotol (Dasylirion) |
| Production | Fermented, not distilled | Fermented and distilled | Fermented and distilled |
| Alcohol Content | Lower (typically 17-24% ABV) | High (typically 35-40% ABV) | Higher (35–55% ABV) |
| Taste | Slightly sweeter, smoother | Stronger, more robust | Grassy, earthy, smoky |
| Calories | Half the calories of tequila | Higher calories | Higher calories |
| Additives | Varies - Ola Sol is additive free - no sulfites, sugars | Varies | Typically none |
| Classification | Wine | Spirit | Spirit |
Ola Sol offers the best of both worlds: all the agave flavor you love, with a lighter, cleaner profile that’s perfect for sipping or mixing.
How to Drink Agave Wine
Agave wine is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks for a light, refreshing sip, or mix it into cocktails for a lower-alcohol alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Agave Wine Margaritas: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic
Now, here’s where I give you my insider tips. I’ve made delicious agave wine margaritas using my favorite recipe from the Taos Inn—the iconic Cowboy Buddha Margarita—and let me tell you, they are a game changer.
By swapping tequila for Ola Sol, these margaritas are smoother, lighter and just as delicious. The recipe calls for fresh lime and a splash of Cointreau, shaken over ice and served with a salted rim.
The result? Perfectly balanced cocktails that are refreshing, easy to drink, and packed with that signature agave sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a party or just unwinding after a long day, agave wine margaritas are your new go-to. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked.
Download your printable AGAVE WINE MARGARITAS recipe now.
Health, Sustainability, and Lifestyle Benefits
Ola Sol isn’t just tasty—it’s also a smart choice for health-conscious drinkers. It contains half the alcohol and calories of tequila, with no added sugars or sulfites.
Plus, Ola Sol’s farm in Jalisco follows sustainable practices like composting agave fibers back into the soil, water conservation and using only all-natural pesticides.
They also support the local community by guaranteeing living wages and job security. So you can sip guilt-free knowing you’re supporting a brand that cares.
Where to Buy Ola Sol Agave Wine
Ola Sol is available online and in select stores across the U.S., with fast shipping options and free delivery on six-bottle cases. Whether you want to stock up for your next party or just try it out, Ola Sol makes it easy to get your hands on this premium agave wine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Ola Sol agave wine gluten-free? Yes, it’s certified gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.
Can I substitute Ola Sol for tequila in cocktails? Absolutely! It’s perfect for margaritas, spritzes, and more.
What’s the shelf life of Ola Sol? Like most wines, best enjoyed within a year of opening.
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Final Thoughts on Agave Wine
Agave wine is the ultimate game changer for anyone who loves agave spirits but wants something lighter, smoother, and more versatile. And if you’re like me, you’ll find Ola Sol Agave Wine to be a standout—delivering all the flavor of tequila with half the alcohol and calories, plus a silky smooth finish. From sipping neat to mixing up my favorite Taos Inn-inspired agave wine margaritas, Ola Sol is my new go-to for celebrating every day without the next-day drag.
So go ahead—grab a bottle, shake up some cocktails, and get ready to be unstoppable.
Cheers,
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey
Download your printable Agave Wine Margarita recipe now.
RELATED: Grande Absente: Absinthe Revival of the French Elixir
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Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. You can count on me for accurate reports and insightful analysis as your trusted travel writer since 2008.
As the author of several spiritual and walking guides, I occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. See my Amazon author page here. You may review my credentials as a professional travel writer on LinkedIn.
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As is common in the travel industry, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the author believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
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4 thoughts on “Sip Smart: Why Agave Wine is the Healthy Tequila Substitute”
I didn’t realize that Agave wine is a lighter alternative to tequila.
It’s all so new to the market!
This is not wine. Wine is fermented fruit. Agave is a succulent. This is a fermented spirit. Cool idea….but not wine.
Thanks for your comment, Sheila! I don’t think wine necessarly has to be made with fruit. But I had to do a bit of research and found that according to Hope Family Wines of Paso Robles, CA, “The truth is wine can be made from any plant that can be fermented. This means that wine does not have to start off as a grape, it can be almost any other fruit or plant as long as they have the ability to go through the fermentation process.” But I would love to hear more from my vintner friends!