Mezcal Old Fashioned
Think outside the bourbon box.
Serves1
Prep5 minutes
I am a bourbon girl. I don’t only drink bourbon, but I mainly drink bourbon. When faced with a cocktail menu full of house-made concoctions, I’ll often order one of two classic cocktails: a Manhattan or an old-fashioned. Even though these are two of my all-time favorite drinks, it’s nice to mix it up every once in a while.
Recently, I was delighted to discover that mezcal — a liquor that I enjoy, but don’t drink often — can stand in for the bourbon in an old-fashioned, creating a delightfully smoky twist on the classic. I liked it so much, it’s become one of my go-to cocktails.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a surprising twist on a classic. Swapping in a combination of smoky mezcal and añejo tequila gives this classic cocktail new life.
- It’s dead simple. An old-fashioned is an easy drink to make, with no special equipment needed and finished with a simple garnish of orange peel.
Key Ingredients in a Mezcal Old-Fashioned
- Mezcal. Mezcal is a term for any distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. It has a signature smoky flavor that sets it apart from tequila.
- Tequila. Añejo tequila balances out the smokiness of the mezcal and also adds the signature golden color (typically supplied by bourbon or rye) that you’d expect in an old-fashioned.
- Bitters. Opt for classic Angostura bitters here.
- Simple syrup. A little sugar rounds out the strong flavors in the drink.
- Orange peel. Orange is a foundational flavor in an old-fashioned cocktail. A strip of fresh orange peel, twisted to release its oils, adds a welcome citrus aroma.
How to Make a Mezcal Old-Fashioned
- Mix and strain the cocktail. Add mezcal, tequila, bitters, and simple syrup to a mixing glass and stir until combined. Strain into a lowball glass with ice.
- Garnish. Cut a 3-inch strip of orange peel. Twist it over the cocktail to release the oils. Garnish with the twisted peel and serve.
Helpful Swaps
- You can swap blanco tequila for añejo tequila, but the drink will not have the same amber color.
- You can swap agave syrup for simple syrup.
Mezcal Old-Fashioned Recipe
Think outside the bourbon box.
Prep time 5 minutes
Serves 1
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
Ice
- 1 ounce
añejo tequila
- 1 ounce
mezcal
- 2
dashes angostura bitters
- 1 teaspoon
- 1
wide strip fresh orange peel
Instructions
Place 1 large ice cube in an old-fashioned or rocks glass, or fill the glass halfway with ice.
Place 1 ounce añejo tequila, 1 ounce mezcal, 2 dashes angostura bitters, and 1 teaspoon simple syrup in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Add enough ice to fill the mixing glass halfway. Stir until combined and very cold, about 30 seconds.
Pour the cocktail through a strainer into the glass. Hold 1 wide strip orange peel over the glass and twist to release the oils. Garnish with the strip of peel.