Oaxaca Old Fashioned Recipe

Place a rocks glass in the freezer for about 5–10 minutes or fill with ice and set aside to chill while you prepare the cocktail ingredients.

Optional mezcal rinse (for extra smoke)

If using the smoked mezcal rinse, pour ~0.1 oz (a teaspoon) of mezcal into the chilled rocks glass, swirl to coat the inside, then discard the excess. This leaves a faint smoky aroma.

In a mixing glass combine the reposado tequila (1.5 oz), mezcal (0.5 oz), agave syrup (0.25 oz), 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and 1 dash orange bitters.

Fill the mixing glass with plenty of ice to properly chill and dilute. Stir with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds until the exterior of the mixing glass feels very cold and the liquid is slightly diluted and clear.

Remove the chilled rocks glass (and discard any rinse if you left liquid). Place a single large ice cube into the glass.

Strain the mixed cocktail over the large ice cube into the prepared rocks glass using a hawthorne or julep strainer for a clean pour.

Express the oils from the orange peel over the surface of the drink by holding it skin-side down about 2–3 inches above the glass and giving it a sharp squeeze so oils spray across the cocktail.

Run the peel around the rim of the glass and then drop the peel into the drink as garnish.

Serve immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the balance of smoky mezcal, warm vanilla from the reposado, bitters, and agave sweetness.