Oaxacan Old Fashioned

This spirit-forward cocktail is smooth, smoky, and gently sweet, with earthy mezcal, mellow reposado tequila, and the warm spice of mole bitters. Orange oils brighten the finish, making the drink feel both robust and polished.

Nutrition · per serving

139kcal

0gProtein

4gCarbs

0gFat

0gFiber

2 servings

Ingredients

6 items

Spirit blend

mezcal45 ml

reposado tequila30 ml

agave syrup10 ml

mole bitters4 dashes

For serving

large ice cubes2

orange1 medium

Tips

•For a balanced classic-style build, use a lightly smoky mezcal so it complements rather than overwhelms the tequila and bitters.
•If your agave syrup is very thick, thin it 1:1 with hot water in advance for easier mixing.
•A large clear ice cube melts more slowly, keeping the drink cold without excessive dilution.
•Mole bitters vary in intensity; start with 4 dashes total and adjust upward next time if you want more spice and cocoa depth.

Steps

1
Chill 2 old fashioned glasses if possible. Use a peeler to remove 2 wide strips of orange peel, avoiding too much white pith, then set them aside for garnish.
1 medium orange
2
In a mixing glass, combine the mezcal, reposado tequila, agave syrup, and mole bitters. Stir briefly to integrate the syrup before adding ice; this helps it dissolve evenly rather than pooling at the bottom.
45 ml mezcal30 ml reposado tequila10 ml agave syrup4 dashes mole bitters
3
Fill the mixing glass generously with ice from your bar ice supply and stir for 20-30 seconds until the drink is very cold and lightly diluted. The outside of the glass should feel frosty; that is your cue that the cocktail is ready.
4
Place 1 large ice cube in each serving glass. Strain the cocktail evenly between the 2 glasses.
2 large ice cubes
5
Express 1 strip of orange peel over each drink by pinching it skin-side down over the glass to release the oils, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it in or rest it on top. Serve immediately.
1 medium orange

Origin & History

The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a modern cocktail classic credited to New York bartender Phil Ward in the late 2000s. Built from tequila, mezcal, agave, and bitters, it helped introduce many drinkers to mezcal by framing its smoky character in the familiar structure of an Old Fashioned.

mexican cocktail mezcal tequila vegan classic stirred

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Steps

Chill 2 old fashioned glasses if possible. Use a peeler to remove 2 wide strips of orange peel, avoiding too much white pith, then set them aside for garnish.

1 medium orange

In a mixing glass, combine the mezcal, reposado tequila, agave syrup, and mole bitters. Stir briefly to integrate the syrup before adding ice; this helps it dissolve evenly rather than pooling at the bottom.

45 ml mezcal30 ml reposado tequila10 ml agave syrup4 dashes mole bitters

Fill the mixing glass generously with ice from your bar ice supply and stir for 20-30 seconds until the drink is very cold and lightly diluted. The outside of the glass should feel frosty; that is your cue that the cocktail is ready.

Place 1 large ice cube in each serving glass. Strain the cocktail evenly between the 2 glasses.

2 large ice cubes

Express 1 strip of orange peel over each drink by pinching it skin-side down over the glass to release the oils, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it in or rest it on top. Serve immediately.

1 medium orange