Mezcal Old Fashioned Recipe

Mezcal: A smoky, distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of agave plant native to Mexico.

Agave syrup: A sweetener derived from the agave plant, often used as a healthier alternative to sugar.

Angostura bitters: A concentrated bitters made of water, alcohol, herbs, and spices, used to add depth and complexity to cocktails.

Orange twist: A strip of orange peel used to garnish and add a citrus aroma to the drink.

When preparing the mezcal old fashioned, it's crucial to use a mixing glass with plenty of ice to ensure the drink is well-chilled without becoming diluted. Stirring the mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters for about 20-30 seconds will achieve the perfect balance. When expressing the oil from the orange twist, hold it over the drink and give it a gentle squeeze to release the aromatic oils, enhancing the cocktail's complexity.

• mezcal - Substitute with smoky scotch whisky: Smoky scotch whisky can mimic the smoky flavor profile of mezcal.

• mezcal - Substitute with reposado tequila: Reposado tequila offers a similar agave base with a smoother, aged flavor.

• agave syrup - Substitute with honey syrup: Honey syrup provides a similar sweetness and viscosity, though with a slightly different flavor.

• agave syrup - Substitute with simple syrup: Simple syrup is a common sweetener in cocktails and can easily replace agave syrup.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters add a citrusy note that complements the other ingredients well.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with chocolate bitters: Chocolate bitters can add a unique depth and complexity to the drink.

• orange twist - Substitute with lemon twist: A lemon twist provides a similar aromatic citrus note.

• orange twist - Substitute with grapefruit twist: A grapefruit twist offers a slightly different but still refreshing citrus aroma.

• Ensure your mezcal is stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. This helps maintain its unique smoky flavor and prevents it from deteriorating.

• Keep your agave syrup in a tightly sealed container at room temperature. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it to extend its shelf life, but it may become thicker and harder to pour.

• Store your angostura bitters in a cool, dark place as well. Bitters have a long shelf life due to their high alcohol content, so they should remain potent for years.

• For the orange twist, you can prepare these in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen.

• If you want to pre-mix the mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters for convenience, combine them in a bottle and store in the refrigerator. This mixture can last up to a week. Just remember to give it a good stir before using.

• To freeze the entire Mezcal Old Fashioned, mix the mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters together and pour into an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag. When ready to serve, simply place a cube in a rocks glass and let it melt slightly before adding the orange twist.

• Always use fresh ice when serving your Mezcal Old Fashioned. Large ice cubes are preferable as they melt slower, keeping your drink chilled without diluting it too quickly.

• Place the Mezcal Old Fashioned in a heat-resistant glass.
• Submerge the glass in a bowl of warm water for a gentle, even reheat.
• Alternatively, use a sous-vide machine set to a low temperature to warm the drink without altering its flavor.
• Avoid using a microwave, as it can disrupt the balance of the mezcal and bitters.
• Stir gently to ensure the agave syrup is evenly distributed after reheating.
• Garnish with a fresh orange twist to revive the aromatic oils.

• Mixing glass: A vessel used to combine the mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters with ice for proper chilling and mixing.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir the ingredients in the mixing glass until well-chilled.

• Strainer: A tool used to strain the mixed drink from the mixing glass into the rocks glass, ensuring no ice or unwanted particles make it into the final drink.

• Rocks glass: A short, wide glass used to serve the Mezcal Old Fashioned, typically over a large ice cube.

• Large ice cube mold: A mold used to create a large ice cube that will chill the drink without diluting it too quickly.

• Peeler: A tool used to create the orange twist for garnishing the drink.

• Jigger: A measuring tool used to accurately measure the 2 oz of mezcal and 0.25 oz of agave syrup.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a jigger: A jigger helps you quickly and accurately measure your mezcal and agave syrup.

Prep garnish: Prepare the orange twist in advance to save time when assembling the drink.

Batch cocktails: If making multiple drinks, mix larger quantities of mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters in a pitcher and stir with ice before serving.

Chill glassware: Keep your rocks glass in the freezer so it's ready to use and keeps your drink cold longer.