Mezcal Old Fashioned Recipe

Mezcal: A smoky, earthy spirit made from agave, essential for the unique flavor of this cocktail.

Agave syrup: A natural sweetener derived from the agave plant, it balances the smokiness of the mezcal.

Angostura bitters: A concentrated bitters made from herbs and spices, adding complexity and depth to the drink.

Orange peel: Used for garnish, it adds a citrusy aroma and a touch of elegance to the cocktail.

When preparing a Mezcal Old Fashioned, it's crucial to pay attention to the stirring process. Stirring the mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters with ice should be done gently and consistently to ensure the drink is well-chilled without diluting it too much. Aim for about 20-30 seconds of stirring to achieve the perfect balance. Additionally, when expressing the orange peel over the glass, make sure to hold it about an inch above the drink and give it a firm twist to release the essential oils, which will enhance the aroma and flavor of your cocktail.

• mezcal - Substitute with smoky scotch whisky: Smoky scotch whisky can mimic the smoky flavor profile of mezcal, providing a similar depth and complexity to the drink.

• mezcal - Substitute with reposado tequila: Reposado tequila offers a smoother, slightly aged flavor that can complement the other ingredients while still maintaining a hint of agave.

• agave syrup - Substitute with simple syrup: Simple syrup is a common sweetener in cocktails and can easily replace agave syrup, though it lacks the distinct agave flavor.

• agave syrup - Substitute with honey syrup: Honey syrup adds a rich, floral sweetness that can enhance the overall flavor profile of the cocktail.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters provide a citrusy twist that can complement the smoky and sweet elements of the drink.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with chocolate bitters: Chocolate bitters add a unique depth and complexity, pairing well with the smoky notes of mezcal or its substitutes.

• orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel offers a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that can refresh the drink while still providing a similar garnish.

• orange peel - Substitute with grapefruit peel: Grapefruit peel adds a slightly bitter and aromatic citrus note that can enhance the overall complexity of the cocktail.

• To store your Mezcal Old Fashioned, ensure you use an airtight container. This will help maintain the integrity of the mezcal and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
• If you plan to enjoy your cocktail within a few days, keep it in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will preserve the freshness of the agave syrup and the bitters.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Pour the Mezcal Old Fashioned into an ice cube tray. This way, you can pop out a cube or two whenever you crave a perfectly chilled drink.
• When freezing, remember to leave some space at the top of your container or ice cube tray. Liquids expand when frozen, and you don't want any spills or cracks.
• Before serving a frozen Mezcal Old Fashioned, let it thaw slightly. This will help the flavors meld back together beautifully.
• Always garnish fresh. Even if you've stored or frozen your cocktail, add a freshly expressed orange peel just before serving to ensure that burst of citrusy aroma and flavor.

• Pour the mezcal old fashioned into a small saucepan.
• Gently heat over low flame, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
• Avoid bringing it to a boil to preserve the delicate flavors of the mezcal and bitters.
• Once warmed, pour back into a rocks glass over a fresh large ice cube.
• Express a new orange peel over the glass for a fresh burst of citrus aroma before serving.

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

• Bar spoon: Essential for stirring the ingredients in the mixing glass to ensure they are well-chilled and properly mixed.

• Strainer: Helps to strain the mixed drink into the serving glass, ensuring that no ice or unwanted particles make it into the final cocktail.

• Rocks glass: The serving glass for the Mezcal Old Fashioned, designed to hold the drink and one large ice cube.

• Large ice cube mold: Used to create a single large ice cube that will keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.

• Peeler: Utilized to create a twist of orange peel for garnishing the cocktail and adding a hint of citrus aroma.

• Jigger: A measuring tool to ensure precise amounts of mezcal and agave syrup are used in the cocktail.

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

Use a mixing glass: A dedicated mixing glass with a spout can make stirring and pouring easier and faster.

Large ice cubes: Keep a tray of large ice cubes ready in the freezer to quickly chill your drink without excessive dilution.

Pre-cut garnishes: Prepare your orange peel garnish in advance and store it in an airtight container to save time during assembly.