Oaxacan Old Fashioned
A groundbreaking modern classic that introduced America to mezcal cocktails. Reposado tequila and smoky mezcal create an agave-forward twist on the Old Fashioned template.
- 1½ ozreposado tequila
- ½ ozmezcal
- 1 tspagave nectar
- 2 dashesangostura bitters
- Flamed orange twistgarnish
- 1Add all ingredients to an Old Fashioned glass with one large ice cube.
- 2Stir until well chilled and ingredients are fully integrated, about 20-30 seconds.
- 3Cut a coin of orange peel and hold it over the drink.
- 4Light a match and warm the skin side of the peel, then squeeze to express oils through the flame.
- 5Drop the flamed orange twist into the drink.
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Created in 2007 by bartender Phil Ward at Death & Co in New York City, the Oaxacan Old Fashioned is credited with opening American eyes to the potential of mezcal in cocktails. Ward's eureka moment came when he realized smoky mezcal could accent tequila the way peated Scotch accents blended whisky. The drink became Death & Co's most requested cocktail and sparked countless imitations worldwide. Ward later opened Mayahuel, a pioneering agave spirits bar, further cementing his role in the mezcal revolution.
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