Mezcal Old Fashioned Recipe

Mezcal: A smoky, distilled alcoholic beverage made from agave, offering a unique flavor profile distinct from tequila.

Simple syrup: A sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, used to add a touch of sweetness to the cocktail.

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

Orange peel: Used to express the oils over the drink, adding a citrusy aroma and garnish.

When preparing a Mezcal Old Fashioned, it's crucial to properly express the oil from the orange peel. Hold the peel about an inch above the glass and gently twist it to release the aromatic oils. This step enhances the drink's complexity by adding a subtle citrus note that complements the smoky mezcal.

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

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

• simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup has a similar sweetness but adds a slight agave flavor, which pairs well with mezcal or tequila.

• simple syrup - Substitute with honey syrup: Honey syrup adds a richer, more complex sweetness that can enhance the overall flavor profile of the cocktail.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters can add a citrusy note that complements the orange peel garnish and the overall flavor of the drink.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with chocolate bitters: Chocolate bitters can add a unique, rich undertone that pairs well with the smoky and sweet elements of the cocktail.

• orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel can provide a similar citrus aroma and a slightly different but refreshing twist to the drink.

• orange peel - Substitute with grapefruit peel: Grapefruit peel offers a more bitter and aromatic citrus note, which can add an interesting complexity to the cocktail.

• Store the mezcal in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to maintain its quality and flavor.
• Keep the simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about a month.
• For the angostura bitters, ensure the bottle is tightly sealed and stored at room temperature.
• If you want to prepare the Mezcal Old Fashioned in advance, mix the mezcal, simple syrup, and bitters in a bottle and refrigerate. This mixture can be stored for up to a week.
• When ready to serve, pour the pre-mixed cocktail over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
• Fresh orange peel should be used for garnishing. Store oranges in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer.
• If you have leftover orange peel, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• For a fun twist, you can freeze orange peel in ice cubes. Simply place a twist in each compartment of an ice tray, fill with water, and freeze. This adds a decorative and flavorful touch to your drink.

• First, ensure your mezcal old fashioned is stored properly in an airtight container to maintain its flavor.
• When ready to reheat, avoid using a microwave as it can alter the delicate balance of flavors.
• Instead, pour the mezcal old fashioned into a small saucepan.
• Warm it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Be careful not to let it boil.
• Once warmed, pour it back into a rocks glass over a fresh large ice cube.
• Express the oil of a fresh orange peel over the glass to revive the citrus aroma, then drop in the peel as garnish.
• Enjoy your reheated mezcal old fashioned with the same complexity and depth of flavor as when it was first made.

• Mixing glass: A vessel used to combine the mezcal, simple syrup, and bitters with ice, ensuring they are well-chilled and properly mixed.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir the ingredients in the mixing glass, allowing for thorough mixing without over-diluting the drink.

• Strainer: A tool used to strain the mixed drink from the mixing glass into the rocks glass, ensuring that no ice or unwanted particles make it into the final cocktail.

• Rocks glass: A short, wide glass used to serve the Mezcal Old Fashioned, typically accommodating one large ice cube to keep the drink chilled without excessive dilution.

• Large ice cube mold: A mold used to create a single large ice cube, which melts more slowly than smaller cubes, keeping the drink cold without watering it down too quickly.

• Peeler: A tool used to create a twist of orange peel, which is then expressed over the drink to release its oils and add a fragrant citrus note.

• Jigger: A measuring tool used to accurately measure the 2 oz of mezcal and 0.25 oz of simple syrup, ensuring the correct proportions for the cocktail.

Pre-make simple syrup: Prepare a batch of simple syrup in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time when making multiple cocktails.

Use a jigger: Measure your mezcal and simple syrup with a jigger for quick and accurate pours.

Chill your glass: Keep your rocks glass in the freezer so it's ready to use and keeps your drink colder longer.

Pre-cut orange peels: Prepare and store orange peels in an airtight container to quickly garnish your drink.

Batch your cocktails: If serving multiple guests, mix a larger batch of the Mezcal Old Fashioned in advance and store it in a pitcher.