Mezcal Old Fashioned Recipe

Mezcal: A smoky, earthy spirit made from agave, similar to tequila but with a distinct flavor profile.

Agave syrup: A natural sweetener derived from the agave plant, offering a mild, honey-like sweetness.

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

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

When preparing a Mezcal Old Fashioned, it's crucial to properly express the orange peel over the drink. This technique involves holding the peel over the glass and gently squeezing it to release the essential oils, which add a burst of citrus aroma and flavor. Make sure to use a fresh, firm orange peel for the best results.

• mezcal - Substitute with smoky scotch whisky: Both have a smoky flavor profile, making smoky scotch whisky a good alternative to mezcal.

• mezcal - Substitute with reposado tequila: Reposado tequila has a slightly aged and complex flavor, which can mimic some of the depth found in mezcal.

• agave syrup - Substitute with honey syrup: Honey syrup has a similar sweetness and viscosity, 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 unique flavor of agave.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters add a citrusy note that complements the flavors in the cocktail, making it a suitable alternative.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with aromatic bitters: Aromatic bitters have a complex flavor profile that can stand in for angostura bitters in most cocktails.

• orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel provides a similar citrus aroma and can be used as a garnish in place of orange peel.

• orange peel - Substitute with grapefruit peel: Grapefruit peel offers a slightly different but still citrusy aroma, making it a good alternative for garnishing.

• To store your Mezcal Old Fashioned, prepare a batch of the cocktail mix (excluding the garnish) and transfer it into a clean, airtight glass bottle. This will keep the flavors intact and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Ensure the bottle is tightly sealed and place it in the refrigerator. The cocktail mix can be stored this way for up to one week, maintaining its freshness and flavor.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the cocktail mix. Pour the prepared mix into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cocktail cubes into a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. This method allows you to enjoy a perfectly portioned Mezcal Old Fashioned whenever you desire.
• When ready to serve, simply place a few cocktail cubes into a rocks glass and let them melt slightly. This will chill the drink while preserving its robust flavors.
• Always store the orange peel separately. Freshly cut orange peel can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the peel in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
• To enjoy a freshly garnished drink, express the orange peel over the cocktail just before serving, ensuring the essential oils enhance the drink's aroma and flavor.

• Pour the mezcal old fashioned into a small saucepan.

• Heat over low flame, stirring gently to avoid burning the agave syrup.

• Once warmed, pour back into a rocks glass over a fresh large ice cube.

• Express a new orange peel over the drink for a fresh burst of citrus aroma.

• Alternatively, pour the mezcal old fashioned into a microwave-safe glass.

• Microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

• Stir gently and pour over a fresh large ice cube in a rocks glass.

• Express a new orange peel over the drink for a fresh burst of citrus aroma.

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

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir the ingredients in the mixing glass until well chilled.

• Jigger: A measuring tool to accurately measure the 2 oz of mezcal and 0.25 oz of agave syrup.

• Strainer: A tool used to strain the mixed drink into the rocks glass, ensuring no ice from the mixing glass gets into the final drink.

• 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 create a twist of orange peel for garnishing the drink.

• Bitters bottle: A bottle with a dropper or dasher top to add precise dashes of angostura bitters.

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

Use a mixing glass: Having a dedicated mixing glass with ice ready will save you from searching for the right tools.

Prep the garnish: Peel the orange and have the twist ready before you start mixing.

Large ice cubes: Use pre-made large ice cubes to quickly chill your drink without diluting it too much.

Batch your drinks: If making multiple servings, scale up the recipe and mix in a larger batch to save time.