Approached by a liquor company to sample a new-to-me liqueur? Oh, fine…I guess it’s my duty as a booze blogger. Of course I happily agreed and so began my awareness into this funky, unique and aphrodisiacal spirit. Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
AGWA de Bolivia originates in, you guessed it, Bolivia. I learned through extensive research (both academic and actual) that lime activates the alkaloids in the Coca Leaf. Yes, did I mention that AGWA de Bolivia is actually made from the coca leaf? That’s the same leaf that is, well, cocaine. And apparently, way up in the Andes, Bolivians have been known to chew on the leaves – and lime – to achieve a very nice oxygen buzz.
But that’s not where this story ends. If so, we would be talking illegal substances, and not artfully distilled, well-traveled and totally legal Coca Leaf Liqueur. After the leaves are selectively picked (can’t have just any coca leaves, now can we?) high up in the mountains, they are shipped under armored guard (you think they’re hiring?) to Amsterdam (a sensible place, right?), where they are hand-crafted, distilled, and mixed with 36 herbs to create this almost-fluorescent colored, visually appealing and intriguingly fragrant spirit.
And what Valentine’s celebration would be complete without some buzzworthy cocktails to kick-start your night? Make sure to stock up on the limes before you start mixing – the PH in our mouths activates the alkaloids to produce the storied buzz. And, no, the champagne doesn’t hurt either.
Try these fizzy, funky and forbidden (not really, but makes it sound more enticing) drinks and let me know if you feel the fun.
AGWA Cupid’s Arrow
- 1.5 oz AGWA de Bolivia Coca Leaf Liquor
- Moet et Chandon Brut Rose
- Maraschino Cherry
Pour chilled Moet et Chandon Brut Rise into a champagne flute, top with AGWA, and garnish with a cherry.
AGWA Sparkling Kiss
- 1.5 oz. AGWA de Bolivia Coca Leaf Liquor
- 5 oz. Chilled Prosecco
- Lime Peel
Pour chilled Prosecco into a champagne flute, top with AGWA, and garnish with a lime peel.
AGWA Berry Kiss
- 1.5 oz. AGWA de Bolivia Coca Leaf Liquor
- 5 oz. chilled Prosecco
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Fresh Blackberries and Raspberries
Combine AGWA, lime juice and chilled Prosecco and shake, garnish with fresh Blackberries and Raspberries
They call these “Kissable Cocktails” – which is pretty interesting, considering the liqueur creates a slight numbing effect as it goes down. That’s yet another differentiating feature in this very differentiated spirit. I liked the unique, herbal and citrusy character of AGWA de Bolivia. And it can work in many other cocktails as well, meaning that you’ll never run out of mind-altering, buzz-inducing fun. So even after the chocolate hearts are all gone, and the red roses have all wilted, this long-lasting, new-found love will still be in your liquor cabinet. What a novel gift idea! Hint, Hint.
Jen Kearney Harris
Scituate, MA
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