My 4-Ingredient Tequila Cocktail Is the Perfect Twist on an Old Fashioned

I am a bourbon girl. I don’t only drink bourbon, but I mainly drink bourbon. When faced with a cocktail menu full of house-made concoctions, I’ll often order one of two classic cocktails: a Manhattan or an old-fashioned. Even though these are two of my all-time favorite drinks, it’s nice to mix it up every once in a while.

Recently, I was delighted to discover that mezcal — a liquor that I enjoy, but don’t drink often — can stand in for the bourbon in an old-fashioned, creating a delightfully smoky twist on the classic. I liked it so much, it’s become one of my go-to cocktails.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s a surprising twist on a classic. Swapping in a combination of smoky mezcal and añejo tequila gives this classic cocktail new life.

• It’s dead simple. An old-fashioned is an easy drink to make, with no special equipment needed and finished with a simple garnish of orange peel.

Key Ingredients in a Mezcal Old-Fashioned

• Mezcal. Mezcal is a term for any distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. It has a signature smoky flavor that sets it apart from tequila.

• Tequila. Añejo tequila balances out the smokiness of the mezcal and also adds the signature golden color (typically supplied by bourbon or rye) that you’d expect in an old-fashioned.

• Bitters. Opt for classic Angostura bitters here.

• Simple syrup. A little sugar rounds out the strong flavors in the drink.

• Orange peel. Orange is a foundational flavor in an old-fashioned cocktail. A strip of fresh orange peel, twisted to release its oils, adds a welcome citrus aroma.

How to Make a Mezcal Old-Fashioned

1. Mix and strain the cocktail. Add mezcal, tequila, bitters, and simple syrup to a mixing glass and stir until combined. Strain into a lowball glass with ice.

2. Garnish. Cut a 3-inch strip of orange peel. Twist it over the cocktail to release the oils. Garnish with the twisted peel and serve.

Helpful Swaps

• You can swap blanco tequila for añejo tequila, but the drink will not have the same amber color.

• You can swap agave syrup for simple syrup.

Mezcal Old-Fashioned Recipe

Think outside the bourbon box.

Prep time 5 minutes

Serves 1

Ingredients

• Ice

• 1 ounce añejo tequila

• 1 ounce mezcal

• 2 dashes angostura bitters

• 1 teaspoon Simple Syrup

• 1 wide strip fresh orange peel

Instructions

1. Place 1 large ice cube in an old-fashioned or rocks glass, or fill the glass halfway with ice.

2. Place 1 ounce añejo tequila, 1 ounce mezcal, 2 dashes angostura bitters, and 1 teaspoon simple syrup in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Add enough ice to fill the mixing glass halfway. Stir until combined and very cold, about 30 seconds.

3. Pour the cocktail through a strainer into the glass. Hold 1 wide strip orange peel over the glass and twist to release the oils. Garnish with the strip of peel.

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