I’m Obsessed With This Oaxaca Old Fashioned Recipe

This smoky, bold Oaxaca Old Fashioned is a smooth, sultry twist on the classic whiskey cocktail.

I still remember the first time I tasted a Oaxaca Old Fashioned. It was a warm night in Austin, and we’d wandered into this tiny cocktail bar behind a taco place. The kind of spot with low lighting, hushed voices, and bartenders who took their drinks seriously. I saw “Oaxaca Old Fashioned” on the menu and figured, why not?

I like mezcal, I like Old Fashioneds, and I was curious how the two would come together.

That drink was magic. Earthy, smoky, a little sweet, and completely unforgettable.

When I got home, I started testing versions in my own kitchen. I played around with different mezcals, tried a few bitters, and eventually added a little flourish of my own. This version right here has become my go-to when the weather starts cooling down or I want something that feels cozy and a little mysterious.

Why This Oaxaca Old Fashioned Recipe Works

There’s a reason the Oaxaca Old Fashioned has become a bar menu staple, especially in places with a good mezcal selection.

First off, mezcal brings a smoky intensity that gives this drink its signature character. It’s rustic, complex, and full of personality. But we’re not going full mezcal here. We balance it out with a smooth tequila, usually a reposado or añejo, which mellows the sharpness and adds depth.

The drink still follows the classic Old Fashioned blueprint. Spirit, a touch of sweetness, and bitters. But instead of sugar cubes or simple syrup, we’re using agave nectar. It stirs in easily and complements both the mezcal and tequila beautifully. A few dashes of bitters tie it all together, and the final result is smoky, slightly sweet, and wonderfully smooth.

This drink works because it doesn’t try too hard. It stays true to the simplicity of an Old Fashioned but brings in just enough of a twist to keep things interesting. If you’re a fan of mezcal or tequila, this is a must-try.

How This Differs From a Tequila Old Fashioned and Mezcal Old Fashioned

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned finds a flavorful middle ground between the Tequila Old Fashioned and the Mezcal Old Fashioned, blending the best of both spirits in a single glass.

A Tequila Old Fashioned is bright and clean, with a sharper agave-forward profile. It’s smoother and more refreshing, perfect for those who enjoy tequila’s crisp finish without the smoke. On the other hand, the Mezcal Old Fashioned leans fully into that bold, smoky character with mezcal as the sole spirit, making it earthier and a bit more adventurous.

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned uses both. It combines the smoke of mezcal with the smooth richness of aged tequila, resulting in a balanced cocktail that’s layered, warming, and easy to sip. It’s a perfect choice if you want something smoky but not overpowering, with just enough agave sweetness to keep it grounded.

Ingredients For A Oaxaca Old Fashioned

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this cocktail, but the quality of each one makes a big difference.

• 1 oz mezcal – Go for something smooth and not overly smoky. I like Del Maguey Vida or Bozal Ensamble for a balanced profile.
• 1 oz reposado or añejo tequila – Reposado is mellow and warm, while añejo is richer. Either works beautifully.
• 1/4 oz agave nectar – Adds just enough sweetness and blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
• 2–3 dashes aromatic bitters – Angostura is classic, but chocolate mole bitters also work great here.
• Orange peel (for garnish) – Adds aroma and a little flair.

If you really want to elevate the drink, try gently charring the orange peel with a lighter right before garnishing. It brings out a deeper citrus oil and adds a touch of drama.

Step-by-Step Instructions For A Oaxaca Old Fashioned

You don’t need much to make a Oaxaca Old Fashioned at home. Just grab your mixing glass and follow these easy steps:

1. Combine ingredients: In a mixing glass, add 1 oz mezcal, 1 oz tequila, 1/4 oz agave nectar, and 2 to 3 dashes of bitters.
2. Add ice and stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds. You want the drink to be well chilled and slightly diluted.
3. Strain into glass: Use a strainer to pour the drink into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with orange peel: Express the oils from an orange peel over the glass, then drop it in. For a smoky twist, lightly char the peel with a lighter before expressing.

A big cube of ice helps slow down the dilution so you can sip this drink slowly and let all the layers unfold. And don’t skip the orange peel. It really does tie everything together.

I'm Obsessed With This Oaxaca Old Fashioned Recipe

Yield: 1 cocktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This Oaxaca Old Fashioned blends smoky mezcal, smooth tequila, and agave nectar with a splash of bitters for a sultry, spirit-forward twist on the classic cocktail. Garnished with charred orange peel, it’s the perfect sip for cozy nights and cocktail lovers who like a little smoke in their glass.

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Ingredients

• 1 oz mezcal (Del Maguey Vida or Bozal recommended)
• 1 oz reposado or añejo tequila
• 1/4 oz agave nectar
• 2–3 dashes Angostura or chocolate mole bitters
• Orange peel, for garnish (charred optional)
• Large ice cube

Instructions

1. In a mixing glass, combine mezcal, tequila, agave nectar, and bitters.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds until chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Express an orange peel over the drink and drop it in. For extra flavor, lightly char the peel before garnishing.

Notes

You can batch this drink ahead of time by combining the spirits, agave, and bitters in a sealed container and refrigerating for up to 3 days. Stir with ice and garnish just before serving.

Try chocolate or mole bitters for a deeper, richer twist, or go all mezcal if you like a stronger smoky flavor.

How To Serve A Oaxaca Old Fashioned

A Oaxaca Old Fashioned deserves a little ceremony. It’s not something you toss back. It’s a cocktail you sit with, savor, and appreciate.

Serve it in a short, sturdy rocks glass with a single large cube. The large ice cube chills the drink without watering it down too fast, which is important because this cocktail is all about the flavor of the spirits.

This drink shines in cozy settings. It’s perfect for an evening by the fire, a small dinner party, or even a quiet night on the porch. If you’re serving food, try pairing it with something that echoes the smoky or spicy notes:

• Smoked brisket or grilled steak
• Mole enchiladas or dark chocolate with sea salt
• Roasted nuts or spiced olives

It also makes a lovely signature cocktail for a fall gathering or Día de los Muertos celebration.

How To Store & Re-Use Oaxaca Old Fashioned Leftovers

If you’re planning to serve Oaxaca Old Fashioneds at a party or just want to make a few in advance, batching is a great option.

You can mix the mezcal, tequila, agave, and bitters ahead of time. Store the mixture in a sealed container or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure not to add any ice until you’re ready to serve.

When it’s time to enjoy, pour about 2 ounces over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Give it a quick stir and garnish with fresh orange peel.

You can also repurpose leftover batched Oaxaca Old Fashioned into a marinade for skirt steak or a smoky glaze for grilled chicken. The combination of agave and bitters actually works surprisingly well in savory applications.

Substitutions & Variations For A Oaxaca Old Fashioned

There’s a lot of room to make this recipe your own while still keeping that smoky Old Fashioned essence.

• All-mezcal: For a bolder, smokier cocktail, skip the tequila and use 2 oz mezcal.
• Different bitters: Chocolate bitters or mole bitters complement the agave and mezcal flavors beautifully.
• Honey syrup: Swap the agave nectar for a honey simple syrup (equal parts honey and water) for a more floral note.
• Spice it up: Add one slice of fresh jalapeño to the mixing glass while you stir for a bit of heat.
• Citrus twist: Add a dash of orange bitters or finish with a flamed grapefruit peel for an aromatic variation.

The drink is versatile and forgiving, so feel free to play with different proportions until you find your ideal balance.

FAQs About Oaxaca Old Fashioneds

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this Oaxaca Old Fashioned recipe.

What’s the difference between a Oaxaca Old Fashioned and a classic Old Fashioned?

The classic Old Fashioned uses whiskey, usually bourbon or rye, with a sugar cube and bitters. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned swaps the whiskey for a mix of mezcal and tequila, and uses agave nectar instead of sugar. It still follows the same structure, but the flavor is earthier and smokier.

This version also tends to feel a bit more modern and adventurous. The use of mezcal gives it a rustic edge that sets it apart from the smoother, sweeter bourbon-based original.

Can I use only mezcal in a Oaxaca Old Fashioned?

Absolutely. If you’re a big fan of mezcal, using 2 ounces of it instead of splitting with tequila creates a bolder, more smoky cocktail. It’ll lean heavier on the earthy flavors, so you may want to slightly reduce the bitters or increase the agave just a touch to keep the balance right.

Some bars serve it this way as a default, but I like the added smoothness tequila brings when used in equal parts.

What kind of bitters work best in a Oaxaca Old Fashioned?

You can’t go wrong with classic Angostura bitters. They provide just enough spice and herbal depth to round out the flavors.

If you want to get a little creative, chocolate bitters or mole bitters pair beautifully with mezcal and tequila. They add a richness that feels almost dessert-like, especially if you’re garnishing with charred orange peel.

Is it okay to batch Oaxaca Old Fashioneds ahead of time?

Yes, batching works great. Just mix the spirits, agave nectar, and bitters in a bottle or jar and store it in the fridge. Don’t add ice until right before serving.

You can make a batch up to 3 days in advance. It’s a great option for parties because it lets you serve a fancy cocktail without playing bartender all night.

Can I make a non-alcoholic Oaxaca Old Fashioned?

You can make a smoky, spirit-free version that still has a similar profile. Use a smoky non-alcoholic spirit like Lyre’s Agave Blanco and add a drop or two of liquid smoke.

Use agave nectar and bitters (many are alcohol-free or have very low alcohol content). Stir over ice and garnish with a fresh orange peel. It won’t have the same bite, but it’s still a fun, complex drink to sip on.

Try These Recipes Next

If you enjoyed this Oaxaca Old Fashioned, here are a few more smoky or agave-forward recipes to try next:

• Tequila Old Fashioned – A cleaner, brighter take on the original with a splash of agave sweetness.
• Mezcal Old Fashioned – All smoke, all attitude. A bold option for mezcal lovers.
• Best Old Fashioned Recipes – A roundup of 10 unique spins on the classic, including rum, maple, smoked, and more.

Whether you’re a longtime mezcal fan or just dipping your toes into smoky spirits, this drink is a fun way to try something bold and different without straying too far from tradition. It’s got enough character to stand on its own, but still fits right in with the Old Fashioned family.