A distinctive, red-and-white liveried can might have conveyed cool once upon a time in Americana, but nowadays that iconic
Agwa de Bolivia ticks all those boxes, so much so it’s apparently jealous of its own panache, glowing a vibrant, violent green. This emerald elixir is a true original; the first – and, thus far, the only – coca leaf liqueur in the world. It’s a complex concoction, using a cacophony of 37 various herbs and botanicals to render a flavour that’s surprisingly harmonious.
Sipped neat, Agwa de Bolivia is almost gin-like – dry, and perfumed; clean and refreshing. Some of that colour comes from the pure coca leaf distillate, enhanced by the addition of similarly-verdant ingredients including green tea, African mint and cucumber. Ginseng and guarana make it extra-stimulating, and the addition of lavender happily avoids the’old lady’s knicker-drawer’ inference.
If you prefer your drink a little more adulterated, try a’Green Goblin’ – enhancing the liqueur’s colour even more by adding Midori. It’s a sociable old sop, a happy chappy whether mingling with lemonade or cranberry; soda or ginger beer. And adding it to cocktails is a recipe for success, adding a savoury herbal nuance to a multitude of mixtures.
According to the boffins at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, the liqueur boasts a’very complex nose with herby, minty notes, dry tobacco, bay leaf and a hint of eucalyptus; sweet in the mouth with a long-lasting peppery sensation on the tongue and a dry finish’. I’m not sure I get all that, but it certainly finds a happy home in my mouth, my glass, and my drinks cabinet.
Agwa de Bolivia costs £23.99 for a 750ml bottle, available from www.backstreet-merch.com
For more information on Agwa de Bolivia, visit www.proofdrinks.com