Mezcal Old Fashioned

Try this alternative to the classic old fashioned cocktail, which substitutes mezcal for whiskey. The drink has a smokey flavor from the mezcal, which is balanced by the anejo tequila, which also gives it a golden tint and notes of oak that make it taste like whiskey.

Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Servings: 1
Yield: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

  1. ¼ ounce simple syrup
  2. 2 dashes bitters (such as Angostura®), or more to taste
  3. 1 cup ice cubes
  4. 1 (3 inch) piece orange peel
  5. 1 ounce mezcal
  6. 1 ounce anejo (aged) tequila
  7. 1 Luxardo® cherry (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine simple syrup and bitters in an old fashioned glass. Fill the glass with ice. Squeeze the orange peel over the glass to express the oils, then place peel in glass. Add mezcal and tequila and stir until the drink is ice cold and alcohol has mellowed, about 20 seconds. Garnish with cherry.
  2. You can substitute 1 sugar cube and 1 teaspoon of water, muddled, for the simple syrup.
  3. I find mezcal on its own to be overpowering, hence the addition of anejo tequila, but feel free to play around with the ratios to suit your tastes.
  4. Use 1 large ice ball instead of ice cubes for a nicer presentation.

 

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