Oaxaca Old Fashioned Recipe
Reposado tequila and a mezcal float, sweetened with agave and stirred down silky — an agave Old Fashioned with smoke at the edges. Created by Phil Ward at Death & Co., New York, in 2007; now a widely recognized modern classic riff on the Old Fashioned.
What Makes It Special
Reposado tequila and a mezcal float, sweetened with agave and stirred down silky — an agave Old Fashioned with smoke at the edges. Built on tequila, it shows the old fashioned format at its best: boozy and smoky, finished rocks.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Reposado tequila
- 0.5 oz Mezcal (something smoky but not overpowering)
- 1 tsp Agave nectar (cut 1:1 with warm water if very thick)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Flamed orange coin, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add agave nectar and bitters to a mixing glass with a splash of the tequila; stir until the nectar dissolves.
- Add the remaining tequila, the mezcal, and plenty of ice.
- Stir for 20-30 seconds until well chilled with light dilution.
- Strain over one large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Flame an orange coin over the drink, then drop it in as garnish.
The History Behind the Recipe
Created by Phil Ward at Death & Co., New York, in 2007; now a widely recognized modern classic riff on the Old Fashioned.
Presentation and Visual Appeal
Serve rocks in rocks glass, garnished with flamed orange coin. Expect a deep amber pour over one large cube.
Pro Tips and Variations
Dissolve the agave before adding ice; cold agave seizes and never fully integrates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mezcal works best here?
A balanced joven with clear smoke rather than a bomb. The mezcal seasons the drink; the reposado is still the base.
Can I use honey or simple syrup?
Agave keeps the flavor coherent. Simple syrup works in a pinch; honey pulls the drink in a different direction.
