Mezcal Old Fashioned Recipe

Mezcal: A smoky, distilled alcoholic beverage made from agave, providing the base spirit for this cocktail.

Agave syrup: A natural sweetener derived from the agave plant, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the drink.

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

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

When preparing the mezcal old fashioned, ensure you use a high-quality mezcal to fully appreciate its smoky flavor profile. When adding the agave syrup, make sure it is well-mixed to avoid any overly sweet spots in the drink. Stirring the mixture thoroughly with ice is crucial to achieving the right dilution and temperature. Finally, when expressing the oil from the orange peel, hold it over the glass and give it a firm twist to release the essential oils, adding a fragrant citrus note that complements the mezcal.

• 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.

• agave syrup - Substitute with honey syrup: Honey syrup offers a similar sweetness and viscosity, though it will impart a slightly different flavor that can add a unique twist to the cocktail.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters can add a citrusy note that complements the other ingredients while still providing the necessary bitterness.

• orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel can provide a similar aromatic quality and a fresh citrus note, though it will be slightly more tart.

• To store your Mezcal Old Fashioned, ensure you use an airtight container. This will help maintain the integrity and flavor of the mezcal and agave syrup.
• 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 orange peel oils and the bitters.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the cocktail. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. This method is perfect for preparing batches ahead of time.
• When ready to serve, thaw the cocktail in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients.
• Always garnish with a fresh orange peel when serving. This ensures the vibrant citrus aroma and flavor are at their peak.
• If you prefer, you can pre-mix the mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters and store them together. Add the ice and orange peel garnish only when you're ready to enjoy your drink.
• For an extra touch of sophistication, consider freezing the cocktail in individual serving sizes. Use silicone ice cube trays to create perfectly portioned Mezcal Old Fashioned cubes. When you're ready to indulge, simply place one in a rocks glass and let it melt slightly before sipping.

• Pour the mezcal old fashioned into a small saucepan.
• Heat over low heat, stirring gently, until just warmed. Be careful not to overheat as it can alter the flavors.
• Alternatively, place the mezcal old fashioned in a microwave-safe glass.
• Microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to ensure it doesn't get too hot.
• If you prefer, you can also use a double boiler method. Place the mezcal old fashioned in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until warmed.
• Once warmed, pour the drink back into a rocks glass over a fresh large ice cube.
• Express the oil of a fresh orange peel over the glass and drop it in for garnish.

• Mixing glass: A vessel used to combine the mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters with ice.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring the ingredients until well-chilled.

• Strainer: A tool to strain the mixed drink into the rocks glass, ensuring a smooth pour without ice shards.

• Rocks glass: A short, wide glass used to serve the Mezcal Old Fashioned over a large ice cube.

• Large ice cube mold: A mold to create large ice cubes that melt slowly, keeping the drink chilled without diluting it too quickly.

• Peeler: A tool to peel the orange, providing a piece of orange peel for garnish.

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

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

Use a mixing glass: Have your mixing glass and ice ready to go for quick assembly.

Garnish prep: Pre-cut the orange peel for garnish to save time during the final steps.

Batch cocktails: If making multiple drinks, batch the mezcal and agave syrup together to speed up the mixing process.