Mezcal Old Fashioned

published Oct 10, 2024
angled shot of mezcal old fashion in two rocks glasses garnished with an orange peel
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Brett Regot

Think outside the bourbon box.

Serves1

Prep5 minutes

Jump to Recipe
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
angled shot of mezcal old fashion in two rocks glasses garnished with an orange peel
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Brett Regot

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.
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Brett Regot

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

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

    Simple Syrup

  • 1

    wide strip fresh orange peel

Instructions

Show Images
  1. Place 1 large ice cube in an old-fashioned or rocks glass, or fill the glass halfway with ice.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.