Mezcal Old Fashioned Recipe

Mezcal: A smoky, distilled alcoholic beverage made from agave plants native to Mexico.

Agave syrup: A natural sweetener derived from the agave plant, sweeter than honey.

Angostura bitters: A concentrated bitters made of water, alcohol, herbs, and spices, used to add complexity to cocktails.

Orange peel: Used as a garnish to add a citrus aroma and flavor to the drink.

When preparing the mezcal old fashioned, it's crucial to use a mixing glass with plenty of ice to ensure the drink is properly chilled without becoming diluted. Stirring the mixture for about 20-30 seconds will achieve the right balance. Additionally, when expressing the orange peel over the drink, make sure to hold it about an inch above the glass and give it a firm twist to release the essential oils, adding a burst of citrus aroma to the cocktail.

• mezcal - Substitute with smoky scotch whisky: Smoky scotch whisky provides a similar smoky flavor profile that is characteristic of mezcal.

• mezcal - Substitute with tequila: Tequila is a close relative of mezcal and offers a similar agave-based flavor, though it lacks the smokiness.

• agave syrup - Substitute with honey syrup: Honey syrup has a similar viscosity and sweetness, making it a good alternative to agave syrup.

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

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters can add a different but complementary citrus note to the cocktail.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with chocolate bitters: Chocolate bitters can add a unique depth and complexity to the drink, enhancing the smoky notes of the mezcal.

• orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel provides a similar aromatic citrus oil that can brighten up the cocktail.

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

• To store your mezcal old fashioned, pour any leftover cocktail into an airtight container or a mason jar. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
• Keep the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within a few days. The cold temperature will help preserve the flavors of the mezcal and agave syrup.
• If you want to store the cocktail for a longer period, consider freezing it. Pour the mezcal old fashioned into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to enjoy a perfectly chilled drink whenever you desire.
• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen mezcal old fashioned, simply place a few cocktail ice cubes in an old fashioned glass and let them melt slightly. This will ensure that the drink retains its original flavor and potency.
• For an added touch of freshness, store some orange peels in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, express a fresh peel over the drink to release its aromatic oils, enhancing the overall experience.
• Avoid storing the cocktail with the orange peel already in it, as the peel can impart a bitter taste over time. Always add the garnish just before serving.
• If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can pre-mix the mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters and store the mixture in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply pour over a large ice cube and garnish with a fresh orange peel.
• Always label your containers with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness. This ensures that you enjoy your mezcal old fashioned at its best quality.

• Pour the mezcal old fashioned into a small saucepan.
• Gently heat over low flame, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
• Avoid boiling to preserve the integrity of the mezcal and bitters.
• Once warmed, pour back into an old fashioned glass over a fresh large ice cube.
• Express a new orange peel over the drink for a refreshed aroma and garnish.

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

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir the ingredients in the mixing glass, allowing for proper dilution and chilling.

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

• Old fashioned glass: A short, wide glass used to serve the mezcal old fashioned, typically over a large ice cube.

• Large ice cube mold: A mold used to create large ice cubes, which melt more slowly and keep the drink chilled without diluting it too quickly.

• Peeler: A tool used to create a twist of orange peel for garnishing the drink, adding a citrus aroma and flavor.

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

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

Use a large ice cube tray: Prepare large ice cubes in advance to ensure your Mezcal Old Fashioned stays chilled longer without diluting quickly.

Prep the garnish: Peel and store orange peels in an airtight container in the fridge to save time when garnishing.

Batch the syrup: Make a larger batch of agave syrup and store it in the fridge for future use, cutting down on preparation time.