Sweet treats don’t always have to have so much sugar. Agave has been around for thousands of years, but its been just recently that Americans have really started taking advantage of this plant. OK, you’re right, we have been drinking tequila for many years, that is true… but it’s the sweeter side of Agave that many people are now discovering. Agave nectar is produced from the juice of the Agave plant; filtered, then heated, the juice is concentrated into a syrup-like liquid resembling a watery honey. The syrup can be used as a very simple substitute for any sugar addition.

There are a number of agave syrups out there (Xagave is one)… try one out as a substitute for sugar in your next cocktail to warm up those cold winter nights. By using agave syrup, you can save calories and cut sugar out of these delicious drinks.

Hot Frothy Eggnog:Hot Eggnog
½ oz of Brandy
½ oz dark rum
½ oz agave
1 egg
3 oz of boiling milk

Hot Tottie:
3/4 c black tea
1 oz of whiskey
1 t of agave
Dash of lemon
Finish with a cinnamon stick

Kiss Under the Mistloe:

1 oz Milk
¼ oz agave
1 oz Kahlua
1 oz vanilla vodka
Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg top and finish with a candy cane to stir

Buttery Spice Apple Cider:
3 oz Apple Cider
1 t agave
1 t unsalted butter
1 oz spiced rum

Irish CoffeeIrish Coffee:
½ oz agave
1 oz Irish whiskey
3 oz coffee

Peppertini Mint:
1 oz Rumplemintz Peppermint liqueur
1 oz Kahlua
½ oz Baileys
½ t agave

Whipped Cream:
1 pint heavy whipping cream
2 T agave
1 t  vanilla (optional)
Beat ingredients with a whisk or electric beater until thick and creamy.

-bryan