Oaxaca Old Fashioned
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 ozA reposado (rested) tequila provides a smooth, slightly oaked base that complements the mezcal.
- Mezcal15 ml / 0.5 ozChoose a quality artisanal mezcal, as its smoky character is central to the drink's profile.
- Agave Nectar5 ml / 1 teaspoonAdjust to taste. Can be substituted with simple syrup, but agave nectar is traditional and complements the base spirits.
- Angostura Bitters2 dashesProvides 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.
Variations
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