Discover the Spirit Behind Our Orange Agave Liqueur
From Mexican Agave to Beechmont Oranges: An Australian-Made Agave Liqueur
At Tamborine Mountain Distillery, some of our most interesting creations begin by asking a simple question: what happens if we do things a little differently?
Our Orange Agave Liqueur begins with certified organic agave syrup from Mexico, which we ferment and distil here at our distillery on Tamborine Mountain, Queensland.
Then comes the Australian twist.
We infuse the spirit with zest from oranges grown in nearby Beechmont, creating a bright, citrus-forward liqueur that brings together the earthy character of agave and the aromatic freshness of local oranges.
Why Isn't Our Agave Spirit Called Tequila?
It's one of the first questions people ask us.
Why don't we just call it tequila?
Tequila is much more than the name of a style of spirit. It is a geographically protected Mexican product, with rules governing where and how it can be produced.
Because our agave spirit is fermented and distilled here in Queensland, Australia, it isn't tequila — and we don't pretend that it is.
Instead, we've taken inspiration from agave spirits and created something distinctly our own: an Australian-made agave-based spirit transformed into a citrus liqueur with locally grown orange zest.
How We Make Our Orange Agave Liqueur
1. Fermenting the Agave
Our process begins with certified organic agave syrup imported from Mexico.
The syrup is diluted with water before being fermented with a neutral yeast strain. Fermentation typically takes around five to seven days, during which the sugars are converted into alcohol and a flavourful agave wash develops.
2. Distilling on Tamborine Mountain
Once fermentation is complete, the agave wash is distilled in our large copper reflux still.
Reflux distillation allows us to carefully refine the spirit, producing a clean and smooth distillate while retaining the character we're looking for from the agave.
The result is a crystal-clear agave spirit ready for the next stage of its journey.
3. Infusing with Beechmont Orange Zest
This is where our agave spirit takes a distinctly local turn.
We infuse it with zest from Beechmont-grown oranges, hand-harvested from mature trees more than 60 years old.
The untreated fruit provides intensely aromatic zest rich in citrus oils, bringing a fresh, vibrant orange character to the spirit.
4. Balancing & Resting
Finally, we add a touch of dark agave nectar to balance the citrus and agave flavours.
The finished liqueur is then given time to rest before bottling, allowing its citrus, agave and sweetness to come together into a smoother, more integrated flavour.
What Does Orange Agave Liqueur Taste Like?
Think bright citrus with an earthy agave backbone.
Nose: Fresh orange zest, gentle floral aromas and underlying agave sweetness.
Palate: Vibrant citrus, subtle herbal notes and a smooth texture with restrained sweetness.
Finish: Clean and fresh with a lingering citrus tang.
It's refreshing enough for summer cocktails but has enough depth to enjoy throughout the year.
How to Drink Orange Agave Liqueur
Our Orange Agave Liqueur can be served simply or used as the foundation for cocktails.
Try it chilled or over ice, lengthened with soda, paired with grapefruit or lime, or used to put a Tamborine Mountain twist on agave-inspired cocktails.
Its combination of citrus and earthy sweetness also makes it an interesting after-dinner sip.
What Food Pairs with Orange Agave Liqueur?
The bright citrus character makes this liqueur surprisingly versatile with food.
Try it with:
- Goat's cheese or blue cheese — citrus provides a fresh contrast to rich, creamy flavours.
- Dark chocolate — particularly chocolate paired with orange peel or sea salt.
- Seafood — prawns, scallops and citrus-led seafood dishes work particularly well.
- Charcuterie — the fresh orange character complements salty cured meats.
Cocktail Spotlight: Tamborine Paloma
A bright, refreshing cocktail that brings together orange, grapefruit and agave flavours.
Ingredients
- 60ml Tamborine Mountain Distillery Orange Agave Liqueur
- 30ml Pompelmocello
- 30ml grapefruit juice
- Dash of fresh lime juice
- 60ml soda water
- Pink salt for the rim
- Dehydrated grapefruit to garnish
Method
Rim a whisky glass with pink salt and fill with ice. Add the Orange Agave Liqueur, Pompelmocello, grapefruit juice and lime juice. Top with soda water and garnish with dehydrated grapefruit.
Bright, zesty and refreshing — a little Tamborine Mountain sunshine in a glass.
From Agave to Orange, Mexico to Tamborine Mountain
Our Orange Agave Liqueur is a meeting of two places.
It begins with agave from Mexico, is fermented and distilled here on Tamborine Mountain, and gets its vibrant citrus character from oranges grown just down the road in Beechmont.
The result isn't tequila.
It's something of our own.
Whether you're looking for a vibrant cocktail ingredient, something different to sip over ice or a bottle with a story behind it, Orange Agave Liqueur brings together agave, citrus and a distinctly Queensland sense of place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orange Agave Liqueur tequila?
No. Tequila is a protected Mexican spirit produced according to specific geographical and production requirements. Our agave spirit is fermented and distilled in Queensland, Australia, before being transformed into our Orange Agave Liqueur.
What is Tamborine Mountain Distillery's Orange Agave Liqueur made from?
We begin with certified organic agave syrup from Mexico, which is fermented and distilled on Tamborine Mountain. The resulting spirit is infused with zest from Beechmont-grown oranges and balanced with dark agave nectar.
Where is the Orange Agave Liqueur made?
Our Orange Agave Liqueur is made at Tamborine Mountain Distillery in Queensland, Australia, using Mexican agave syrup and locally grown orange zest from nearby Beechmont.
What does Orange Agave Liqueur taste like?
It has a bright orange aroma and lively citrus flavour supported by subtle herbal and earthy agave notes, gentle sweetness and a clean citrus finish.
How do you drink Orange Agave Liqueur?
Enjoy it chilled or over ice, lengthen it with soda, or use it in cocktails with complementary flavours such as grapefruit and lime. It's particularly good in our Tamborine Paloma.
What is the difference between agave spirit and tequila?
Tequila is a specific type of agave spirit protected by Mexican geographical and production regulations. Agave-based spirits made outside the recognised tequila-producing regions cannot simply be labelled tequila, which is why our Queensland-distilled creation is described as an agave spirit and Orange Agave Liqueur.
