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The Mezcal Old Fashioned, also called the Oaxaca Old Fashioned is a smoky agave version of the classic Old Fashioned Cocktail. Made with oaky reposado tequila and smoky mezcal, this cocktail is definitely a slow sipper, but in all the best ways.
Mezcal Old Fashioned
The Mezcal Old Fashioned, aka the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, originated in NYC (where all great things do) in 2007 by Phil Ward, a bartender and tequila specialist at Death & Co. in the East Village. Ward later added his signature cocktail, among a variety of other agave cocktails, to the menu at his own bar, Mayahuel (no longer open).
The Mezcal Old Fashioned is largely credited with igniting the newfound popularity of mezcal in the United States. And it makes sense. Ward took a familiar cocktail—whiskey old fashioned—and gave it a makeover. The key to encouraging people to try something new is to package it up as something they already recognize.
Even though this cocktail is made with completely different ingredients, it’s recognizable and still features the expected oaky flavor from reposado tequila instead of whiskey. The original cocktail featured just half an ounce of mezcal to two ounces of tequila, a soft introduction to the smoky agave spirit.
My version of the Oaxaca Old Fashioned features a whole ounce of mezcal to one and a half ounces tequila. I like the smokiness, but if you prefer cocktails to be light on the mezcal, start with a half an ounce.
Oaxaca Old Fashioned Ingredients
- Reposado Tequila
- Mezcal
- Agave Syrup
- Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- Large ice cube (for serving)
- Rocks glass
Mezcal Tip
Not sure what kind of mezcal to use? In some places, you’re lucky to have two options. But If you’re fortunate enough to have a large variety to choose from, check out this article on what is mezcal—we share our favorites.
How to Make The Perfect Oaxaca Old Fashioned
- Combine liquors and a couple dashes of bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Stir until well chilled (do not shake).
- Strain cocktail into a rocks glass with one large ice cube (or three standard ice cubes).
- Light a match and flame the orange peel over the glass (this warms the oils in the peel and releases the flavor into the drink). Drop the charred orange peel in the cocktail and serve.
Oaxacan Old Fashioned Recipe Variations
This is a classic, straight-forward cocktail recipe. But if you’re interested in switching it up, here are some ways to play around with it.
- Use a Añejo or blanco tequila.
- If you’re a die-hard mezcal fan, use just mezcal, no tequila. I think this would be over-powering, but try it if you’re curious.
- Swap the tequila out for Sotol which is a Mexican spirit made from a shrub commonly known as desert spoon.
- Swap the agave syrup out for simple syrup.
More Mezcal Cocktails to Try
Drinks & Cocktails
Smoky Mezcal Whiskey Sour Cocktail
Drinks & Cocktails
Spicy Mezcal Margarita
Drinks & Cocktails
Mezcal Margarita
Make sure to tag me @ZESTFULKITCHEN ON INSTAGRAM or comment below if you make this Mezcal Old Fashioned!
Mezcal Old Fashioned
Description
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces Reposado tequila
- 1 ounce mezcal
- 1 teaspoon agave syrup
- 2 dashes angostura bitter or mole bitters
- 1 orange peel
Instructions
- Combine tequila, mezcal, agave, and bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Stir until thoroughly chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with one large ice cube or three standard ice cubes.
- Flame orange peel with a lit match by running it along the orange side and edges. Drop orange peel in glass and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
