Mezcal Old Fashioned
- Glass
- Rocks
- Difficulty
- Easy
- ABV
- ~30%
Ingredients
- 2 ozmezcal60 ml
- ¼ ozagave syrup7 ml
- 2 dashesangostura bitters2 dashes
- 1 dashmole bitters1 dash
Instructions
Add the agave syrup and both bitters to a rocks glass. Add a small splash of water — about a barspoon — and stir briefly to combine. Add a large, clear ice cube or a generous handful of ice. Pour the mezcal over the ice. Stir for 20–25 rotations, letting the ice chill and dilute the drink. Flame an orange peel over the surface — hold the peel skin-side down about 4 inches above the glass, hold a lit match between the peel and the glass, then squeeze the peel sharply to spray the oils through the flame. The brief flash of fire caramelizes the citrus oils and adds a subtle smoky note that complements the mezcal beautifully.
Sips & Tips
Technique
The flamed orange peel is the finishing touch that elevates this drink — the brief flash of fire caramelizes the citrus oils and adds a subtle smoky note that complements the mezcal. Hold the peel skin-side down, position a lit match between the peel and the glass, and squeeze sharply. The oils spray through the flame and land on the surface of the drink. Mole bitters (Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters) add chocolate and spice notes that work beautifully with mezcal.
Balance
Use a lightly smoky mezcal — Del Maguey Vida or Banhez are excellent choices. An intensely peaty mezcal can overwhelm the other ingredients. Agave syrup is the natural sweetener here; it amplifies the mezcal's agave character in a way that simple syrup cannot. Use a 1:1 agave syrup (equal parts agave nectar and water) for easy mixing.
History
The Mezcal Old Fashioned is a modern riff on the classic format, applying the Old Fashioned's elegant simplicity to mezcal — a spirit that has exploded in popularity over the past decade. As mezcal moved from a niche curiosity to a bar staple, bartenders naturally began applying classic cocktail formats to it. The result is a drink that feels both ancient and contemporary.
The Mezcal Old Fashioned is the Old Fashioned for people who want more smoke, more complexity, more character. The agave, the mole bitters, the flamed orange peel — it all comes together beautifully. Cheers.
Variations
Split-Base Mezcal Old Fashioned
Use 1 oz mezcal and 1 oz reposado tequila instead of 2 oz mezcal. The tequila softens the smokiness and adds a brighter agave character. This is essentially the Oaxacan Old Fashioned — a slightly different balance.
Chocolate Mezcal Old Fashioned
Add ¼ oz of dark crème de cacao alongside the agave syrup. The chocolate amplifies the mole bitters and creates a rich, dessert-like quality. Use a heavily peated mezcal for maximum drama.
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Mezcal Old Fashioned
Glass: Rocks | Difficulty: Easy | ABV: ~30%
Ingredients
- 2 oz mezcal
- ¼ oz agave syrup
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 dash mole bitters
Instructions
Add the agave syrup and both bitters to a rocks glass. Add a small splash of water — about a barspoon — and stir briefly to combine. Add a large, clear ice cube or a generous handful of ice. Pour the mezcal over the ice. Stir for 20–25 rotations, letting the ice chill and dilute the drink. Flame an orange peel over the surface — hold the peel skin-side down about 4 inches above the glass, hold a lit match between the peel and the glass, then squeeze the peel sharply to spray the oils through the flame. The brief flash of fire caramelizes the citrus oils and adds a subtle smoky note that complements the mezcal beautifully.