Oaxaca Jim Cocktail Recipe

Few cocktails capture the smoky soul of Oaxaca quite like the Oaxaca Jim. This mezcal-forward creation marries the earthy complexity of agave spirits with the bitter sophistication of Italian amaro, creating a drink that’s both deeply rooted in Mexican tradition and thoroughly modern in its approach. The cocktail showcases mezcal’s distinctive smokiness while tempering it with herbal notes and citrus brightness.

The Oaxaca Jim delivers a flavor journey that begins with smoke and ends with warmth. Each sip reveals layers of roasted agave, dried herbs, and subtle spice, balanced by the gentle bitterness of amaro and the brightness of fresh lime. This isn’t a cocktail for the timid palate—it’s bold, complex, and unapologetically intense.

Named after the Mexican state famous for its mezcal production, this cocktail represents the growing appreciation for agave spirits beyond tequila. It’s become a favorite among bartenders who want to showcase mezcal’s versatility and complexity, proving that this ancient spirit can hold its own in sophisticated cocktail applications.

Oaxaca Jim Ingredients

• 2 oz (60 ml) mezcal
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) yellow Chartreuse
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
• 0.25 oz (7.5 ml) agave nectar
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Lime wheel for garnish
• Coarse sea salt for rim (optional)

How to Make an Oaxaca Jim

Equipment needed: cocktail shaker, jigger, fine-mesh strainer, rocks glass

1. If using salt rim, run lime wheel around the rim of your rocks glass and dip into coarse sea salt
2. Add one large ice cube or several smaller cubes to the glass
3. Pour mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar into cocktail shaker
4. Add orange bitters to the mixture
5. Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds
6. Double strain the mixture over fresh ice in your prepared rocks glass
7. Express oils from lime wheel over the drink by giving it a gentle squeeze
8. Drop the lime wheel into the glass as garnish

Alternative Ingredients and Substitutes

• Mezcal alternatives: Reposado tequila works but loses the signature smokiness. Sotol provides earthiness with different mineral notes. Del Maguey Vida or Montelobos are excellent entry-level mezcals.
• Chartreuse substitutions: Green Chartreuse intensifies herbal complexity but increases proof significantly. Bénédictine offers honeyed sweetness with less herbal bite. Strega provides similar herbal notes with vanilla undertones.
• Lime juice replacements: Fresh lemon juice works but changes the citrus profile completely. Grapefruit juice adds complexity but requires reducing the quantity to 0.25 oz.
• Agave nectar alternatives: Simple syrup lacks the earthy agave connection. Honey syrup adds floral notes that complement the herbal elements. Maple syrup creates an interesting fall variation.
• Orange bitters options: Angostura bitters work but lack citrus brightness. Chocolate bitters add depth for winter variations. Mole bitters enhance the Mexican flavor profile dramatically.

History and Origins

The Oaxaca Jim emerged during the craft cocktail renaissance of the early 2000s, when bartenders began exploring mezcal as more than just tequila’s smoky cousin. Most accounts trace the cocktail’s development to bartenders working in New York and Los Angeles who were experimenting with yellow Chartreuse as a modifier rather than a base spirit.

The name pays homage to Oaxaca, the Mexican state that produces roughly 90% of the world’s mezcal. The region’s indigenous Zapotec people have been distilling agave for centuries, using traditional methods that remain largely unchanged today. The addition of “Jim” in the cocktail’s name is believed to reference the American bartenders who adapted these traditional flavors for contemporary palates, though the exact origin of this naming convention remains unclear.

The cocktail gained prominence as mezcal importation increased throughout the 2010s. Brands like Del Maguey, which began importing single-village mezcals in the 1990s, helped educate American bartenders about the spirit’s complexity. The Oaxaca Jim became a gateway cocktail for drinkers intimidated by mezcal’s intensity, offering familiar citrus and sweetness alongside the spirit’s distinctive character.

Flavor Profile

The first sip of an Oaxaca Jim hits with mezcal’s characteristic smoke, but this initial intensity quickly gives way to more nuanced flavors. The yellow Chartreuse contributes herbal complexity—notes of chamomile, verbena, and honey that weave through the agave’s earthiness. This herbal layer prevents the smoke from overwhelming the palate while adding sophistication to each sip.

The lime juice provides necessary acidity that brightens the heavier elements, while the agave nectar offers sweetness that feels natural alongside mezcal’s roasted agave base. Orange bitters add subtle citrus oils and spice that bridge all the components together. The finish reveals the cocktail’s complexity most clearly—lingering smoke mingles with herbal notes, while the citrus fades to leave earthy agave warmth.

What makes this cocktail particularly compelling is how the flavors shift with temperature. As the ice melts and dilutes the drink slightly, different herbal notes from the Chartreuse become more pronounced, while the mezcal’s smokiness becomes more integrated rather than dominant.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Oaxaca Jim in a rocks glass over a single large ice cube, which melts slowly and maintains proper dilution without over-watering the cocktail. The wide mouth of the rocks glass allows the aromatic compounds from both the mezcal and Chartreuse to reach the nose, enhancing the drinking experience significantly.

Temperature plays a crucial role in this cocktail’s success. Serve immediately after shaking while the drink is still properly chilled. The contrast between the cold liquid and the warm, lingering finish creates part of the cocktail’s appeal. Room temperature ingredients will result in a drink that tastes flat and overly alcoholic.

The Oaxaca Jim works best as an evening cocktail, particularly during fall and winter months when its warming qualities feel most appropriate. It’s ideal for dinner parties where you want to serve something sophisticated but approachable, or as a pre-dinner cocktail that won’t overwhelm the palate. The drink also works well at outdoor gatherings where the smoky flavors complement grilled foods and fire pit settings.

Food Pairings

• Grilled octopus with chimichurri: The char on the octopus echoes mezcal’s smokiness while herbs complement Chartreuse
• Dark chocolate mole enchiladas: Both the cocktail and dish share earthy, complex flavor profiles with bitter chocolate notes
• Lamb barbacoa tacos: The meat’s richness balances the cocktail’s intensity while maintaining Mexican flavor connections
• Roasted bone marrow with herbs: The unctuous marrow plays beautifully against the cocktail’s herbal and citrus elements
• Aged manchego with quince paste: The cheese’s nuttiness complements agave flavors while quince echoes the honeyed Chartreuse notes
• Wood-fired pizza with wild mushrooms: Smoky crust and earthy mushrooms create harmony with mezcal’s roasted character
• Grilled pineapple with chile powder: The fruit’s sweetness balances intensity while chile adds heat that works with mezcal’s spice
• Oaxacan cheese quesadillas: Regional cheese connection enhances the cocktail’s Mexican identity while providing creamy contrast

Alcohol Content and Nutrition

• ABV: 24-26% (approximately 1.8 standard drinks)
• Calories: 180-200 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 8-10 grams (primarily from agave nectar and Chartreuse)
• Sugar: 6-8 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: Variable depending on salt rim usage (0-200mg)

Popular Variations

• Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Substitutes simple syrup for agave nectar and adds a flamed orange peel for extra aromatics
• Smoky Bee’s Knees: Increases agave nectar to 0.5 oz and adds fresh lemon juice for a sweeter, more approachable version
• Green Chartreuse version: Uses green instead of yellow Chartreuse for increased herbal intensity and higher proof
• Oaxaca Jim Sour: Adds egg white and increases lime juice to 0.75 oz for a frothy, lighter texture
• Spiced Oaxaca Jim: Includes muddled jalapeño or habanero for heat that complements mezcal’s natural spice
• Oaxaca Jim Spritz: Tops with sparkling water and serves in a wine glass for a lighter, more refreshing version

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using low-quality mezcal: Since mezcal is the base spirit, cheap versions with harsh smoke or artificial flavors will ruin the cocktail. Invest in at least mid-tier bottles.
• Over-shaking the cocktail: Excessive shaking can make the drink too frothy and diluted. Stick to 12-15 seconds of vigorous shaking.
• Skipping the double strain: Chartreuse can leave particles that affect texture. Always use a fine-mesh strainer in addition to your shaker strainer.
• Using bottled lime juice: Fresh lime juice is absolutely essential. Bottled versions taste artificial and lack the bright acidity needed to balance the other ingredients.
• Heavy-handed with Chartreuse: More isn’t better with this potent herbal liqueur. The 0.5 oz measurement provides complexity without overwhelming the mezcal.
• Wrong ice choice: Small ice cubes melt too quickly and over-dilute the drink. Use one large cube or a few medium cubes for proper temperature and dilution control.

Conclusion

The Oaxaca Jim stands as a testament to mezcal’s versatility and the creativity of modern bartending. This cocktail successfully bridges traditional Mexican spirits with European herbal liqueurs, creating something entirely new while respecting both traditions. The drink rewards adventurous drinkers with complex flavors that evolve throughout the drinking experience, making each sip a small discovery.

For those new to mezcal, the Oaxaca Jim provides an ideal introduction that showcases the spirit’s distinctive character without overwhelming the palate. The herbal notes from Chartreuse and brightness from lime create a supporting framework that allows mezcal’s unique qualities to shine. Remember to enjoy responsibly and savor the complex flavors that make this cocktail special.