Sotol: Mexico’s best-kept secret spirit is finally having its moment and it’s putting Chihuahua on the travel radar.

Move over tequila and mezcal. There’s a new spirit captivating the palates of adventurous travellers and spirit connoisseurs alike. Meet sotol, the ancient, artisanal distillate native to northern Mexico, now emerging as the next big thing in Mexico’s dynamic spirits scene.

While tequila mainly hails from Jalisco (western Mexico) and mezcal from Oaxaca (southern Mexico), sotol is deeply rooted in the wild desert landscapes of Chihuahua, where the Dasylirion plant (often called “desert spoon”) grows untamed. Indigenous peoples of the region have been crafting sotol for over 800 years, long before European distillation methods arrived.

Now, sotol is stepping into the international spotlight — and with it, the raw beauty and cultural richness of its home state.


A spirit with soul and a story

Unlike agave-based spirits, sotol is distilled from a different desert plant entirely, lending it a uniquely earthy, herbaceous flavour profile. Each bottle captures the terroir of the Chihuahuan Desert, from its high-altitude grasslands to its sun-baked canyons.

“Sotol isn’t just a drink. It’s a story in a glass,” says Julio Chávez, Director of the Chihuahua Tourism Board. “It’s about tradition, sustainability, and the pride of a region that is finally being recognized for its depth and authenticity.”


Discover sotol at the source

As travellers seek more meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experiences, Chihuahua is becoming a must-visit destination for those who want to sip their way into the heart of Mexico’s lesser-known regions. Visitors can tour boutique sotol distilleries, walk through wild sotol fields, meet master sotoleros preserving centuries-old techniques, and of course — taste the spirit straight from its source. Many of these experiences are easily accessible from Chihuahua City, the state’s vibrant capital, and its scenic surroundings.

Complementing the sotol experience is Chihuahua’s stunning natural landscape: from the breathtaking Copper Canyon (larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon) to indigenous Rarámuri culture, vibrant colonial towns, and savory norteño cuisine.



Why Sotol Should Be on Your Radar

Sotol isn’t just Mexico’s next great spirit — it’s an invitation to explore a region rich in tradition, flavour, and untamed beauty. Tucked away in the vast northern state of Chihuahua, this unique drink offers travellers a deeper, more authentic taste of Mexico — far from the usual tourist trails. Whether you're a foodie, a nature lover, a culture seeker, or simply someone who loves discovering hidden gems, sotol is your gateway to an unforgettable journey through one of the country’s best-kept secrets.


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