Oaxaca Old Fashioned

Name: Oaxaca Old Fashioned
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 45 ml / 1.5 oz Reposado Tequila; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Mezcal; 5 ml / 1 teaspoon Agave Nectar; 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Ingredients Instructions

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned is a celebrated modern classic that revolutionised the way bartenders approached agave spirits. By splitting the base between the smooth, familiar notes of reposado tequila and the smoky, complex character of mezcal, it creates a perfectly balanced and deeply flavorful drink. Sweetened with agave nectar and seasoned with Angostura bitters, it is a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail that appeals to both whiskey and tequila lovers alike.

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned is firmly categorized as a cocktail, specifically a 'Modern Classic'. It utilizes the traditional Old Fashioned template but swaps the base spirit, earning its place among iconic contemporary drinks.

Serving

Served cold in an Old Fashioned glass (or rocks glass) over a large ice cube to minimize dilution, this is a potent, spirit-forward cocktail.

Serving size

Approx. 90 ml / 3 oz

Alcohol content

Approx. 32-36% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Old Fashioned Glass

Glass treatment

None

Backstory

This influential cocktail was created in 2007 by Phil Ward at the legendary New York City bar, Death & Co. His creation helped popularize mezcal in the United States and showcased its potential beyond simple shots. The drink's success inspired a new generation of agave-based cocktails and cemented its place as a modern staple on menus worldwide.

Origin

Created in 2007 by Phil Ward at Death & Co. in New York City, USA. The name pays homage to Oaxaca, Mexico, the primary region for mezcal production.

Oaxaca Old Fashioned

The drink is almost universally known by its original name, the Oaxaca Old Fashioned. However, it is sometimes colloquially referred to as a Mezcal Old Fashioned, although this term could also describe a similar drink made with only mezcal.

Original name

Oaxaca Old Fashioned

Alternative name

Mezcal Old Fashioned

Characteristics overview

This is a rich, silky cocktail with a beautiful amber hue, known for its dominant smoky aroma and flavor balanced by the sweetness of agave and the zest of orange.

Flavor

Smoky, Agave, Sweet, Earthy, Orange, Spiced

Aroma

Smoky, Orange Zest, Agave, Warm Spices

Taste balance

Sweet, Bitter, Spirit-forward

Aftertaste

Long, Smoky, Warming, Slightly Bitter

Fizziness

Still

Color appearance

Amber, Golden, Clear

Texture

Silky, Smooth, Rich

Seasonality

Year-round, Warming

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is alcohol-forward and intense, dominated by smoky mezcal notes, balanced by a gentle sweetness, moderate bitterness, and a hint of fruit from the garnish.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail is built on a split base of reposado tequila and mezcal, sweetened with agave nectar, and balanced with a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters.

Reposado Tequila45 ml / 1.5 oz
A reposado (rested) tequila provides a smooth, slightly oaked base that complements the mezcal.
Mezcal15 ml / 0.5 oz
Choose a quality artisanal mezcal, as its smoky character is central to the drink's profile.
Agave Nectar5 ml / 1 teaspoon
Adjust to taste. Can be substituted with simple syrup, but agave nectar is traditional and complements the base spirits.
Angostura Bitters2 dashes
Provides aromatic spice complexity and balances the sweetness.

Ice type

Cubed ice for stirring, one large cube or sphere for serving

Mixing equipments

Standard stirring equipment is required: a mixing glass and bar spoon to chill and dilute the drink, and a strainer to pour it neatly into the serving glass.

Mixing Glass: For combining and chilling the ingredients.
Bar Spoon: For stirring the cocktail to the correct dilution and temperature.
Jigger or Measuring Tool: For accurate measurement of liquids.
Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne): To hold back the stirring ice when pouring.

Instructions

The method is straightforward stirring: combine all liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir until chilled, and strain into a glass with fresh ice before garnishing.

1. Place a large ice cube or sphere into an Old Fashioned glass to chill.

2. Combine the reposado tequila, mezcal, agave nectar, and Angostura bitters in a mixing glass.

3. Fill the mixing glass with cubed ice.

4. Stir continuously for about 20-30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and properly diluted.

5. Strain the cocktail into the prepared Old Fashioned glass over the large ice cube.

6. Take a wide swath of orange peel. Hold it over the drink, pith-side facing you, and squeeze to express the oils over the surface of the cocktail.

7. For a flamed peel, carefully hold the peel over the drink and pass a lit match or lighter flame between the peel and the drink as you squeeze. This will ignite the oils for a brief, aromatic flare.

8. Drop the peel into the glass and serve immediately.

Garnishing

The signature garnish is a flamed orange peel, which adds a spectacular visual element and a lightly caramelized citrus aroma that complements the smoky spirits.

Flamed Orange Peel: A wide swath of orange peel, expressed over the drink and then lit briefly before dropping it in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.

✓ Contains alcohol

✓ Caffeine-free

✓ Dairy-free

✓ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✓ Nut-free

✓ Gluten-free

✓ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a spirit-forward cocktail, so most calories come from the alcohol. Carbohydrate and sugar content is low, derived entirely from the small amount of agave nectar used.

Calories

Averagely 190-220 kcal / 795-920 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Averagely 4-6 g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Averagely 4-6 g

Sugar level

Occasions

This is an excellent cocktail for sophisticated evening sipping. It serves well as a pre-dinner drink during cocktail hour or as a contemplative nightcap to end the day.

Cocktail Hour
Evening Sipping
Nightcap

Pairing suggestions

The smoky and complex profile of the Oaxaca Old Fashioned pairs exceptionally well with rich, savory, and smoky foods. It complements grilled meats, complex Mexican dishes like mole, and can even stand up to the strong flavors of aged cheese or dark chocolate.

Smoky BBQ Ribs
Mole Poblano Dishes
Aged Cheeses (like Manchego)
Dark Chocolate

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned: A Modern Smoky Masterpiece

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned is a testament to modern mixology, a simple yet profound twist on an undisputed classic. By introducing the smoky, earthy notes of mezcal to the familiar Old Fashioned framework, creator Phil Ward crafted a perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying cocktail. It is spirit-forward, aromatic, and complex, offering a journey of flavor from the first smoky scent to the last warming sip. A must-try for any cocktail enthusiast, it rightfully holds its place as a modern classic.