Oaxaca Old Fashioned
A smoky and sweet cocktail ∙ Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 28.2% ABV ∙
The Oaxaca Old Fashioned is an Old Fashioned made with tequila reposado and mezcal instead of whiskey, with agave syrup and Angostura bitters.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Tequila reposado 40 mlMezcal 15 mlAgave syrup 10 mlAngostura aromatic bitters 2 dashes
- Strain into the ice-filled glass
- Garnish with a flamed orange twist
Tips
- Stick with reposado rather than blanco; its time in the barrel sits better with the mezcal's smoke.
History
The Oaxaca Old Fashioned was invented in 2007 by bartender Phil Ward at Death & Co in New York City's East Village. Ward built it as a tequila-and-mezcal riff on the whiskey classic, and it is widely credited with driving mezcal's rise in American bars in the years that followed. He later carried the drink onto the menu of Mayahuel, the East Village agave-spirits bar he opened in 2009, where its popularity accelerated further.
The drink takes its name and template from the Old Fashioned, keeping its spirit, sweetener and bitters structure but swapping reposado tequila and mezcal for the whiskey, which gives it a smoky, agave-forward character.
FAQ
What is the difference between an Old Fashioned and an Oaxaca Old Fashioned?
An Old Fashioned is whiskey, sugar and bitters. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned uses tequila reposado and mezcal instead of whiskey, and agave syrup instead of sugar. The mezcal is the big change: it gives the drink a smoky flavor the whiskey original never has.
What does an Oaxaca Old Fashioned taste like?
Smoky and strong. The mezcal smoke comes first, the agave syrup takes the edge off, and the Angostura adds a dry spice note. At about 28.2% ABV it is warming, with a long, smoky finish.
How do you make an Oaxaca Old Fashioned?
Stir tequila reposado, mezcal, agave syrup, and two dashes of Angostura with ice, strain into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass, and garnish with a flamed orange twist.
What is in an Oaxaca Old Fashioned?
Tequila reposado (40 ml), mezcal (15 ml), agave syrup (10 ml), and two dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters.
What is the best mezcal for an Oaxaca Old Fashioned?
A joven (unaged) mezcal made from espadin agave is the classic choice: its smoke comes through without fighting the reposado's barrel notes. Pick one with moderate smoke; a heavily smoky, ashy bottle will bury the tequila.
