The Oaxacan Old Fashioned stands as one of the most influential cocktails of the modern craft cocktail era. This smoky, sophisticated drink transformed how Americans think about mezcal and elevated agave spirits to new heights.
Unlike traditional Old Fashioned cocktails that rely on whiskey, this Mexican-inspired masterpiece combines the rich complexity of añejo tequila with the earthy smoke of mezcal, creating a drinking experience that is both familiar and daringly different.
Oaxacan Old Fashioned Ingredients
Creating the perfect Oaxacan Old Fashioned requires carefully selected ingredients that showcase the beauty of Mexican agave spirits:
- 1 1/2 oz Añejo tequila (aged 1-3 years in oak barrels)
- 1/2 oz Mezcal (preferably with citrus and smoke notes)
- 1/4 oz Agave nectar or agave syrup
- 2 dashes Chocolate mole bitters (or Angostura bitters as substitute)
- 1 large ice cube (2×2 inches preferred)
- Orange peel for flamed garnish
Oaxacan Old Fashioned Step-by-Step Mixing Guide
- Add the añejo tequila, mezcal, agave nectar, and chocolate mole bitters to an Old Fashioned glass.
- Add one large ice cube to the glass.
- Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled and fully integrated.
- Hold an orange peel skin-side down over the drink, approximately the size of a silver dollar.
- Light a match and hold it a few inches above the drink surface.
- Quickly squeeze the orange peel toward the flame to express oils and create a brief flare over the drink.
- Drop the expressed orange peel into the glass or rest it on the rim as garnish.
- Serve immediately while the aromatic oils are most prominent.
Alternative Ingredients and Substitutes for Oaxacan Old Fashioned
While the traditional recipe calls for reposado tequila, using añejo tequila creates an even richer, more complex flavor profile. Añejo offers the most prominent notes of baking spices, oak, and caramel, which hews closest to what you’d expect in a classic Old Fashioned profile. You can substitute reposado for a lighter, more vanilla-forward experience, or even use extra añejo for ultimate luxury.
For mezcal selection, choose bottles with balanced smoke and citrus notes. Del Maguey San Luis Del Rio works beautifully, but any quality joven mezcal will deliver the desired earthy complexity. Simple syrup can replace agave nectar, though agave creates better flavor harmony with the tequila base. If chocolate mole bitters are unavailable, Angostura bitters work as a reliable substitute, though they provide a different spice profile.
What Makes the Oaxacan Old Fashioned Exceptional
The genius of the Oaxacan Old Fashioned lies in its balanced introduction of mezcal to mainstream cocktail culture. The drink contains just enough mezcal to provide intrigue without overwhelming newcomers to the spirit. The añejo tequila serves as the comfortable foundation, offering familiar oak and vanilla notes while the mezcal adds layers of smoke, earth, and complexity.
This cocktail bridges two worlds – the sophistication of classic American cocktail culture and the rich heritage of Mexican agave spirits. The flamed orange garnish adds both visual drama and aromatic enhancement, while the chocolate mole bitters provide spice notes that complement both spirits perfectly.
Oaxacan Old Fashioned History and Creator
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned was created in 2007 by Phil Ward during his tenure at Death & Co., the legendary East Village cocktail bar in New York City.
Ward later featured the drink prominently at his own agave-focused bar, Mayahuel, which operated from 2009 to 2017. The cocktail emerged during a time when mezcal remained largely unknown in American drinking culture.
The Oaxaca Old Fashioned was created by New York City bartender Phil Ward around 2007 during his time at the legendary East Village bar Death & Co. Ward’s genius lay in creating a gateway cocktail that introduced mezcal gently, wrapped in the security of familiar tequila and classic Old Fashioned structure. The drink’s name honors Oaxaca, the Mexican state renowned for producing the world’s finest mezcals.
Oaxacan Old Fashioned Taste Profile
The first sip of an Oaxacan Old Fashioned reveals layers of complexity that unfold across your palate. The añejo tequila provides a rich foundation of caramel, vanilla, and oak from its barrel aging. The mezcal contributes earthy smoke, minerality, and subtle fruit notes that create depth without overpowering.
The agave nectar adds gentle sweetness that ties both spirits together, while the chocolate mole bitters provide warm spice notes reminiscent of cinnamon, chocolate, and chile. The flamed orange oils create a bright citrus aroma that balances the drink’s earthier elements. The finish is long and warming, with smoke and spice lingering pleasantly.
Serving Suggestions for the Oaxacan Old Fashioned
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is best served in a double Old Fashioned glass or rocks glass over one large ice cube. The single large cube dilutes slowly, maintaining the drink’s integrity while providing proper chilling. The wide rim of the glass allows the aromatic oils from the flamed orange garnish to concentrate and enhance each sip.
This cocktail shines as an aperitif or digestif, particularly during cooler months when its warming qualities are most appreciated. Serve it at sophisticated dinner parties, intimate gatherings, or any occasion where you want to showcase premium agave spirits. The dramatic flamed garnish makes it perfect for impressing guests.
Perfect Appetizers to Pair with Oaxacan Old Fashioned
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned’s complex flavor profile pairs beautifully with rich, smoky, and spiced foods:
- Grilled or smoked meats, especially those with chile rubs
- Dark chocolate desserts or chocolate-covered almonds
- Oaxacan cheese and traditional Mexican charcuterie
- Roasted nuts with chili and lime seasoning
- Mole-based dishes that echo the bitters’ complexity
- Aged cheeses like Manchego or sharp cheddar
- Barbacoa or carnitas tacos with smoky preparation
Oaxacan Old Fashioned Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
A properly prepared Oaxacan Old Fashioned contains approximately 32-35% ABV, making it a spirit-forward cocktail perfect for slow sipping.
The combination of añejo tequila and mezcal (both typically bottled at 40% ABV) with minimal dilution creates a drink with substantial alcohol content that rewards contemplative drinking rather than quick consumption.
Nutritional Values of the Oaxacan Old Fashioned
One Oaxacan Old Fashioned contains approximately:
- Calories: 150-170
- Carbohydrates: 4-6g (primarily from agave nectar)
- Sugar: 3-5g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 2-5mg
The cocktail is naturally gluten-free and relatively low in calories compared to cream-based or juice-heavy cocktails. The agave nectar provides natural sugars with a lower glycemic index than traditional simple syrup.
The Cocktail That Changed Everything
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned represents more than just a delicious cocktail – it stands as a cultural bridge that introduced American drinkers to the sophisticated world of mezcal. This drink proved that agave spirits deserve the same respect given to fine whiskeys and cognacs, paving the way for the current mezcal boom in American cocktail culture.
By using añejo tequila instead of the traditional reposado, you create an even more luxurious version that showcases the full potential of aged agave spirits. The New York bar Mayahuel has introduced countless drinkers to the joys of agave spirits, and this Oaxaca Old Fashioned—created by Phil Ward when he worked at Death & Co.—mixes reposado tequila with mezcal and the chocolate-spice notes of mole bitters. Whether you’re a mezcal newcomer or a seasoned agave enthusiast, this cocktail delivers complexity, sophistication, and that perfect balance of familiar comfort with exotic adventure.
