This Mezcal Old Fashioned Recipe Is Easy, Fast, And Fierce

If you’re a fan of smoky cocktails or you’re just curious about mezcal, this Mezcal Old Fashioned recipe brings bold, earthy depth to a timeless classic.

I still remember the first time I tasted mezcal. It was a warm Friday evening, and I was visiting some friends in San Diego. We were sitting on the patio of a beachside cantina that served the kind of tacos you’d gladly wait an hour for. Someone at our table suggested trying their mezcal margarita special, and I figured, why not?

I expected something close to tequila. Instead, that first sip hit with this earthy, smoky depth that stopped me in my tracks. It tasted like summer bonfires and desert air, wrapped up in a cocktail glass.

Ever since then, I’ve kept a bottle on my shelf for when I want to bring something bold to the table. This Mezcal Old Fashioned has become my go-to when I’m craving that smoky twist on a classic, especially on those vacation beach nights when the breeze rolls in off the coast.

What Is Mezcal (And How Does It Compare to Tequila and Whiskey)?

Mezcal is a distilled spirit made from agave, just like tequila. But here’s the key difference: while tequila can only be made from blue agave, mezcal can be made from over 30 varieties of agave. That opens up a much wider range of flavor profiles.

What really sets mezcal apart is how the agave is cooked. For mezcal, the hearts of the agave plants, or piñas, are roasted in underground pits lined with hot stones and wood. This gives mezcal its signature smoky flavor. In contrast, tequila is typically steamed in above-ground ovens, so it tastes much cleaner and more straightforward.

Now, if you’re used to whiskey-based old fashioneds, mezcal might surprise you. Whiskey is warm and woodsy. Mezcal is earthy and smoky, with a bit of funk. But both are strong, flavorful spirits that hold their own against bold ingredients like bitters and citrus. Mezcal works beautifully in an old fashioned because it adds depth without overpowering the simple structure of the drink.

Why This Mezcal Old Fashioned Recipe Works

This mezcal old fashioned recipe is all about balance. It’s strong and smoky, slightly sweet, and a little bitter, with just enough citrus oil to brighten it up. The bitters bring complexity, while the simple syrup smooths out the edges without stealing the spotlight.

Because mezcal has such a distinctive flavor, it shines best in simple recipes where the spirit can take center stage. The old fashioned is perfect for this. Just a few ingredients, stirred together until cold, and served over ice. It’s elegant, moody, and endlessly sippable.

This recipe also gives you room to play. You can try different bitters or syrups to change the character of the drink. I’ve used a spiced cinnamon syrup or even a chili-laced simple syrup for a little heat. Once you have the base down, it’s easy to riff on depending on your mood.

Ingredients For Mezcal Old Fashioned

Here’s what you’ll need to make your mezcal old fashioned:

• 2 oz mezcal (I like Del Maguey Vida or Madre for a balanced, not-too-smoky option)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (or try a cinnamon or chili syrup for extra flair)
• 2–3 dashes Angostura or orange bitters
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Large ice cube or ice sphere

Ingredient Notes:

• Mezcal: Choose a joven (young) mezcal that’s smooth enough to sip. Some are extremely smoky, while others are more mellow. If you’re new to mezcal, start with a lighter one.
• Syrup: Regular simple syrup works just fine, but this is where you can introduce a twist. Try a smoked cinnamon syrup or brown sugar syrup for added richness.
• Bitters: Traditional Angostura is great, but orange bitters bring out the citrus notes in the mezcal beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Mezcal Old Fashioned

1. Prep your glass. Place a large ice cube in a short rocks glass.
2. Combine ingredients. In a mixing glass, combine the mezcal, simple syrup, and bitters. Add ice and stir for about 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain and pour. Strain the mixture into your prepared rocks glass.
4. Garnish. Express the orange peel over the drink by twisting it to release the oils, then rub the peel around the rim of the glass and drop it in.

Technique Tip: Stirring is better than shaking for an old fashioned. It chills and dilutes the drink just enough without clouding it or dulling the flavors.

This Mezcal Old Fashioned Recipe Is Easy, Fast, And Fierce

Yield: 1 cocktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This Mezcal Old Fashioned brings smoky depth to a timeless cocktail. Made with mezcal, simple syrup, bitters, and a citrus twist, it's a bold yet balanced sipper that’s easy to customize.

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Ingredients

• 2 oz mezcal (Del Maguey Vida or Madre recommended)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (or cinnamon/chili infused syrup)
• 2–3 dashes Angostura or orange bitters
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Large ice cube or sphere

Instructions

1. Add mezcal, simple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir for 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Express the orange peel over the glass, rub it around the rim, and drop it in.
5. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier twist, infuse your syrup with jalapeño or chili.

Orange bitters enhance the citrus notes, but mole or chocolate bitters also pair beautifully with mezcal.

Try blending mezcal with bourbon or rye for a split-base variation.

How To Serve Mezcal Old Fashioned

This cocktail is best served in a lowball or rocks glass with a single large ice cube. That slow melt keeps the drink cold without watering it down too quickly.

If you’re serving it for a dinner party or happy hour, you can prep the stirred drink in advance and keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. Just pour it over ice and garnish right before serving.

For snacks, think bold and salty. Here are a few pairing ideas:

• Roasted spiced nuts or pepitas
• Aged manchego or gouda cheese
• Smoky grilled shrimp skewers
• Dark chocolate with sea salt

The mezcal’s smokiness plays well with salty, spicy, and earthy flavors, so lean into that.

How To Store & Re-Use Mezcal Old Fashioned Leftovers

If you have leftover mixed cocktail (no ice added yet), you can store it in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep it chilled and give it a quick stir before serving again.

Extra simple syrup can be stored in the fridge in a jar or squeeze bottle for up to 2 weeks. If you’ve infused it with cinnamon or chili, use it within a week for best flavor.

Leftover orange peels can be frozen for later use in drinks or simmered in water with cinnamon sticks for a cozy stovetop potpourri.

Substitutions & Variations For Mezcal Old Fashioned

You can swap or tweak ingredients depending on what you have on hand or the mood you’re in:

• Bitters: Try mole bitters, chocolate bitters, or chile bitters to bring out different notes in the mezcal. Lavender bitters can also add a surprising floral lift that softens the smokiness.
• Syrup: Infuse your simple syrup with jalapeño, cinnamon, or even rosemary. Brown sugar syrup adds a molasses-like depth. For something citrusy, try a blood orange or grapefruit simple syrup.
• Citrus: Use a grapefruit peel or lemon peel instead of orange for a different aromatic spin. You can even flame the citrus peel for extra complexity.
• Spirit blend: Mix 1 oz mezcal and 1 oz rye or bourbon for a smoky-sweet hybrid version. You could also do 1.5 oz mezcal and 0.5 oz reposado tequila for a layered agave base.
• Spiced ice cubes: Freeze your simple syrup with a dash of cinnamon or clove to subtly infuse the drink as the ice melts.
• Smoked glass: Rim or briefly smoke the inside of your rocks glass with a cinnamon stick or wood chip for an added aromatic boost.

These small changes can shift the personality of the drink without changing its structure. Whether you’re feeling spicy, herbal, floral, or smoky, you can match the drink to your mood and setting.

FAQs About Mezcal Old Fashioned

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this mezcal old fashioned recipe.

What kind of mezcal is best for an old fashioned?
Look for a joven mezcal that’s clean, balanced, and not overly smoky. Del Maguey Vida, Ilegal Joven, and Madre Mezcal are all solid choices. Avoid anything too aged or intensely flavored on your first go unless you already know you love a deep smoky hit.

Can I make a mezcal old fashioned without bitters?
Technically yes, but the drink won’t have the same complexity. Bitters round everything out and add depth. If you don’t have Angostura, try orange bitters or even a drop of herbal liqueur like amaro as a backup.

What’s the difference between mezcal and tequila in cocktails?
Tequila is generally smoother and cleaner, while mezcal is smoky and more robust. In a cocktail, mezcal adds drama. Tequila plays a little nicer with bright or fruity ingredients, while mezcal wants a more structured or bitter partner. A mezcal old fashioned leans into that smoky, sippable character.

Can I batch this mezcal old fashioned ahead of time?
Absolutely. Combine the mezcal, syrup, and bitters in a pitcher or jar, and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir well and serve over ice with your garnish when ready.

How smoky is mezcal really?
That depends on the bottle. Some are light and earthy, others are boldly smoky like a barbecue pit. If you’re new to it, choose a milder mezcal and work your way up. The smoke should complement the drink, not overwhelm it.

Try These Recipes Next

If you enjoyed this mezcal old fashioned, here are a few more cocktail recipes from the blog you’ll want to try:

• Tequila Old Fashioned – A smooth, slightly spicy agave-based riff with warm cinnamon and citrus notes.
• Bourbon Old Fashioned – The classic version that started it all. Warm, simple, and always reliable.
• 10 Best Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipes – A roundup of creative takes and timeless old fashioned twists.

Whether you’re a mezcal convert or just mezcal-curious, this smoky spin is a simple way to keep your cocktail game fresh without overcomplicating things.