Spaghetti Western
A smoky and bitter tequila cocktail ∙ Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 31.4% ABV ∙
The Spaghetti Western is a stirred, spirit-forward cocktail of tequila reposado, Amaro Nonino, and mezcal, finished with a grapefruit twist.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Tequila reposado 30 mlAmaro Nonino Quintessentia 25 mlMezcal 15 mlOrange bitters 1 dash
- Strain into the ice-filled glass (preferably over a large cube or chunk of block ice)
- Express a grapefruit twist over the cocktail and use as garnish
Tips
- Stir for about 30 seconds; that's enough water to tame the mezcal's smoke without washing out the amaro.
History
The Spaghetti Western was created in 2011 by Jessica Gonzalez, a bartender at Death & Co in New York City. It is described as a variation on the bar's own Oaxaca Old Fashioned, with Amaro Nonino bringing a bittersweet, herbal edge to the tequila-and-mezcal base.
Both drinks descend from the Old Fashioned, the whiskey, sugar, and bitters template dating to the 19th century, rebuilt here with agave spirits and an Italian amaro in place of the whiskey and sugar.
FAQ
What is a Spaghetti Western cocktail?
A stirred, spirit-forward drink of tequila reposado, Amaro Nonino and mezcal, created at Death & Co in New York in 2011. At about 31.4% ABV, it is strong and meant for slow sipping.
How do you make a Spaghetti Western?
Stir 30 ml tequila reposado, 25 ml Amaro Nonino, 15 ml mezcal and a dash of orange bitters with ice for about 30 seconds. Strain over a large ice cube in an old-fashioned glass, then express a grapefruit twist over the top and drop it in.
