The Oaxaca Old Fashioned: When Kentucky Meets Oaxaca

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces mezcal
• 1/2 ounce reposado tequila
• 1/4 ounce agave nectar
• 2 dashes angostura bitters
• Garnish with an orange peel

Directions

• Add agave nectar and bitters to a rocks glass.
• Stir to combine the agave nectar and bitters.
• Add mezcal and reposado tequila to the glass.
• Add a large ice cube and stir gently until well-chilled.
• Garnish with an orange peel.

When Kentucky Meets Oaxaca

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned is Phil Ward's split-base Old Fashioned, combining reposado tequila and mezcal with agave nectar and bitters. It keeps the classic template intact while shifting the drink's weight from whiskey to roasted agave.

The Birth of a Modern Classic

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned was developed in the late 2000s at Death & Co., a venue that has become synonymous with the modern craft cocktail movement. Phil Ward, inspired by the rich tradition of Mexican spirits and the classic Old Fashioned structure, created this cocktail as a way to showcase mezcal's complexity while honoring the original's elegant simplicity.

Mezcal: A Spirit of Tradition

Mezcal, the star ingredient, has a rich history dating back centuries in Oaxaca, Mexico. Made from roasted agave hearts, mezcal is known for its distinctive smoky character and complex flavor profile. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned cleverly uses mezcal's smokiness as a foundation, building upon it with reposado tequila to create a drink that's both traditional and innovative.

The Old Fashioned Connection

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned maintains the classic Old Fashioned structure—spirit, sweetener, and bitters—while replacing bourbon with a blend of mezcal and tequila. This approach demonstrates how modern bartenders can honor classic cocktails while introducing new ingredients and flavors. The result is a drink that feels both familiar and excitingly new.

A Celebration of Mexican Spirits

What makes the Oaxaca Old Fashioned particularly compelling is its ability to showcase the diversity and quality of Mexican spirits. By combining mezcal's smokiness with tequila's smoothness, the cocktail creates a complex flavor profile that honors both spirits while creating something entirely new. This approach has helped introduce many drinkers to the world of premium Mexican spirits.

The Agave Revolution

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned arrived during a pivotal moment when agave spirits were gaining recognition among cocktail enthusiasts. The cocktail's success helped establish mezcal as a legitimate cocktail ingredient, demonstrating that the spirit could be used in sophisticated drinks that appealed to discerning palates.

Global Influence

Since its creation, the Oaxaca Old Fashioned has gained popularity worldwide, appearing on menus from New York to London to Tokyo. Its appeal transcends cultural boundaries, making it a favorite among both professional bartenders and home enthusiasts. The cocktail's success has helped establish Mexican spirits as essential ingredients in modern mixology.

A Testament to Innovation

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation of the modern cocktail renaissance. By combining traditional Mexican spirits with classic cocktail structure, it creates a drink that honors both traditions while creating something entirely new and exciting.

Enduring Popularity

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned's enduring popularity lies in its perfect balance of tradition and innovation—it honors the classic Old Fashioned while celebrating the rich tradition of Mexican spirits. Whether enjoyed in a sophisticated cocktail bar or recreated at home, it serves as a reminder that the best modern cocktails often bridge different cultures and traditions. 🍹🌵🇲🇽

Best in group settings, from celebratory toasts to long evening hangs. 🌵🥃