Agave Syrup: Threat or Menace?

“Agave? I don’t know what that is, agave.” That’s what Oprah Winfrey said in a 2004 episode in which Dr. Oz warned of the threats of refined sugar and listed his suggestions for substitute sweeteners. Agave nectar was top of his list. It was the endorsement heard round the world, and sales have been climbing since. So why would some bartenders suggest banning the ingredient? It’s a sticky subject on this week’s episode of Agave Road Trip!

Thanks to road-tripper Joshua Perez for asking the question, “How does nectar industry effect agave populations? Environment?” Do you have a question about agave, agave spirits, or rural Mexico? Send it to us and we’ll make up some bullshit for you, too!

Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. It’s hosted by Lou Bank and Chava Periban. 

Episode Notes

“Being Happy with Sugar,” by James Hablin, The Atlantic, June 5, 2014

“Adelitas and Palenque Ditching Processed Sugar and Agave Syrup in All Cocktails,” by Laura Shunk, Westword, April 24, 2017

“Why You Should Stop Using Agave Nectar,” by Dr. B.J. Hardick, Huffington Post, August 6, 2015

 
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