Oaxacan Old Fashioned Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Mezcal
Alcohol 25%
Calories 200 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 6g
Prep time 5 minutes

Imagine you’re sitting back on a warm evening, ready to sip on something special. That’s where the Oaxacan Old Fashioned comes in! This cocktail is a twist on a classic, mixing smoky mezcal with sweet syrup to dance on your taste buds. We’ll dive into its rich history, the dance of flavors it offers, and even how to whip up your own. Ready to explore? Let’s go! ⬇️

History

The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a modern take on the traditional Old Fashioned. It was born out of a love for mezcal, a smokey spirit from Mexico. It’s a celebration of culture in a glass.

• The name “Oaxacan Old Fashioned” pays homage to Oaxaca, Mexico, the heartland of mezcal production.
• This cocktail gained popularity in the early 2000s, when mezcal began to make a mark internationally.
• It was created by Phil Ward at the famous New York City bar, Death & Co.

The taste of a Oaxacan Old Fashioned?

A sip of Oaxacan Old Fashioned is like a warm hug with a spicy whisper. It’s a smoky, sweet, and complex drink, with a little kick that makes you sit up and take notice.

I personally love drinking Oaxacan Old Fashioneds because they bring a smoky twist to an old favorite, making it exciting and new.

Interesting facts about Oaxacan Old Fashioned

• The cocktail’s smokiness is thanks to mezcal, which is traditionally made in small batches by local producers.
• Unlike many other cocktails, the Oaxacan Old Fashioned doesn’t hide its spirit’s flavor but rather celebrates it.
• It often features a unique garnish, like a flamed orange twist, adding a theatrical flair to its presentation.

Ingredients

• Mezcal: 1.5 oz (45ml)
• Tequila: 0.5 oz (15ml)
• Agave syrup: 1 tsp (5ml)
• Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
• A flamed orange twist for garnish

A rocks glass is the ideal vessel for a Oaxacan Old Fashioned. Its wide brim allows the aroma of the mezcal to waft to your nose, enhancing the experience. If you don’t have a rocks glass, a lowball glass also works well.

Recipe. How to make Oaxacan Old Fashioned

1. With a mixing glass, combine 1.5 oz of mezcal and 0.5 oz of tequila.
2. Add 1 tsp of agave syrup and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
3. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mix into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube.
5. Garnish with a flamed orange twist to unlock a burst of citrus aroma.

The Oaxacan Old Fashioned, like any good thing, should be enjoyed in moderation. It’s got a bit of sugar from the syrup, and the alcohol content is not shy. For a healthier twist, try swapping in a natural sweetener or trimming down the sweet stuff.

Food Pairings

Finding the right food to match the smokiness of a Oaxacan Old Fashioned can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideal companions for this complex cocktail.

Grilled Meats

The char on grilled steak or pork mirrors the smokiness of the mezcal, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Dark Chocolate

A piece of rich dark chocolate can complement the deep, sweet notes of the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, making for an indulgent pairing.

Spicy Appetizers

A spicy dish, like jalapeño poppers, can stand up to the boldness of the cocktail and even enhance its intricate flavors.

I really dig the smoky vibe of Oaxacan Old Fashioneds—just like sitting by a campfire under the stars.

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Bartender Advice

• Always use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
• For a smoother drink, gently stir the cocktail instead of shaking it.
• Experiment with different types of mezcal to find your preferred level of smokiness.

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s see how you can put your own spin on the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, or try out some interesting variations.

What you could change in Oaxacan Old Fashioned

• Agave syrup: Can be replaced with honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
• Tequila: Opt for a reposado or añejo to add more depth to the flavor profile.
• Garnish: Use a smoked salt rim to enhance the mezcal’s natural characteristics.

Oaxacan Old Fashioned Variations

Smoky Maple Old Fashioned

• Ingredients: Replace agave syrup with maple syrup.
• Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but with the sweet twist of maple.

Spicy Oaxacan Old Fashioned

• Ingredients: Add a slice of fresh jalapeño to the mix.
• Recipe: Muddle the jalapeño slice before adding the other ingredients.

Herbal Oaxacan Old Fashioned

• Ingredients: Include a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme.
• Recipe: Gently bruise the herbs before stirring them in with the drink.

If you’re not in the mood for alcohol but still want to enjoy the essence of the cocktail, try a Virgin Oaxacan Old Fashioned. Just mix agave syrup, fresh orange juice, and a dash of non-alcoholic bitters, then garnish with an orange twist.

Q&A

Can I use bourbon instead of mezcal in an Oaxacan Old Fashioned?

Sure, but it’ll be closer to a classic Old Fashioned then, losing that signature smoky flavor.

Is the Oaxacan Old Fashioned a sweet cocktail?

It’s balanced, with sweetness from the agave and a smoky edge from the mezcal.

What’s the best mezcal to use?

It’s all about personal taste, but for starters, look for a joven mezcal with a moderate smokiness.

Can I make it less strong?

Absolutely, try using more agave syrup or a splash of club soda to mellow it out.

What does ‘flamed orange twist’ mean?

It’s a bartender’s trick where you light the oils from an orange peel on fire for a second, adding a caramelized aroma.

Why is it important to stir and not shake this cocktail?

Stirring gently chills the drink without diluting it too much, keeping the flavors intact and the texture silky.