A mezcal old-fashioned is a refined, smoky take on the classic Old Fashioned. Reposado tequila and mezcal combine to deliver agave-forward character with smoky, earthy notes, while agave syrup and bitters preserve the familiar sweet-and-bitter balance of the original cocktail.
Looking for a smoky twist on a classic Old Fashioned recipe?
Much like a mezcal margarita, this version swaps out straight bourbon or rye for mezcal and reposado tequila to give the drink an unmistakable Mexican agave profile. The result is an earthier, smokier cocktail that still leans on the simple Old Fashioned framework: spirit, sweetener, and bitters.
If you want to give your cocktail lineup a Mexican-inspired option, the Mezcal Old Fashioned is a smart choice. It blends mezcal’s smoke, reposado tequila’s rounded agave and oak notes, agave syrup’s smooth sweetness, and bitters’ aromatic complexity for an easy sipper that feels both familiar and new.
What Is a Mezcal Old Fashioned?
Also called an Oaxaca Old Fashioned, this cocktail replaces the whiskey base with mezcal for smoky depth and adds reposado tequila to round out the agave flavor. Agave syrup stands in for simple syrup, and bitters provide the balancing bitter edge typical of an Old Fashioned.
What You Need to Make an Oaxacan Old Fashioned
- Reposado tequila – Adds mellow oak and agave depth; aged at least two months.
- Mezcal – Brings earthy, smoky character from traditional pit-roasting of agave.
- Agave syrup – A smooth sweetener that complements agave spirits.
- Bitters – Classic Angostura or orange bitters both work well depending on the flavor direction you want.
- Orange peel – For garnish and a bright citrus aroma.
How to Make a Mezcal Old Fashioned
- Fill a mixing glass with ice, add the reposado tequila, mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters. Stir until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Place a large ice cube in an Old Fashioned glass and strain the chilled cocktail over it.
- Express the oils from an orange peel around the rim, then drop the peel into the glass as garnish.
Expert Recipe Tips
- If you don’t have agave syrup, simple syrup is a fine substitute.
- Use a large ice cube to slow dilution and keep the drink smooth as you sip.
- Choose a mezcal that matches your smoke preference: a smokier mezcal intensifies the smoky profile, while a milder mezcal keeps the drink subtler.
- Adjust bitters to taste—extra dashes add complexity and can balance sweeter syrups.
How to serve this cocktail
Serve the Mezcal Old Fashioned in a lowball (Old Fashioned) glass over a large ice cube, finished with an orange peel for aroma. Its smoky, balanced profile makes it an ideal nightcap or a contemplative sipper for relaxed evenings.
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Embrace the agave spirit with this Mezcal Old Fashioned—smoky, balanced, and an excellent alternative when you want a tequila-forward cocktail that isn’t a margarita. If you make it, consider leaving feedback so other readers can benefit from your experience.
Mezcal Old Fashioned
American, Mexican
Equipment
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Stirring spoon
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Alcohol measuring cup
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Cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz reposado tequila
- 1 oz mezcal
- 1 oz agave syrup
- 2 dashes bitters
- Orange peel – to garnish
Instructions
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Fill a mixing glass with ice and add all the ingredients. Stir until chilled.
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Add a large ice cube to a glass and strain the cocktail into the glass.
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Run the orange peel along the edge of the glass and drop the peel into the glass.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 23g
Nutritional information provided as an approximation and will vary based on exact ingredients used.
Recipe FAQs
A Mezcal Old Fashioned tastes smoky and complex, with agave-driven sweetness and a slightly bitter finish from the bitters—familiar yet distinct from a whiskey-based Old Fashioned.
Yes. Omit the tequila, reduce the mezcal, or add a splash of club soda to lighten the drink while retaining flavor.