Mezcal Old Fashioned

Andrea Rivera Wawrzyn
Andrea Rivera WawrzynAssociate Food Editor, The Kitchn
Andrea is the Associate Food Editor at The Kitchn. She is a lifelong Chef and full-time clog enthusiast. Her passions include grabbing more books at the library than she can read in the time allotted and the relentless pursuit of the perfect burrito. She lives in Salem, MA with…read more
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
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angled shot of mezcal old fashion in two rocks glasses garnished with an orange peel
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Brett Regot

This recipe is a part of 24 Days of Holiday Cocktails. Come back every day to reveal a new festive drink and stay holly jolly all season long.

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

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  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.