Oaxaca Old Fashioned

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned was created by New York City bartender Phil Ward around 2007 during his time at the legendary East Village bar Death & Co. It calls for reposado tequila, mezcal, agave nectar, and Angostura bitters.

Largely credited with helping bring mezcal into the American mainstream, Ward later brought his take on the classic Old Fashioned to the menu at his template to agave spirits Mayahuel, and despite the bar closing in 2017, this drink’s legacy remains strong today. Many credit the Oaxaca Old Fashioned as a key part in popularizing the smoky, complex profile of the spirit. 

It’s easy to get creative with classic cocktail recipes by using mezcal. Some of our favorite riffs include tart Sour Cherry Negroni and Mezcal Margarita, but it also combines well with genepy and Aperol to make a Naked & Shameless, a riff on the classic Naked & Famous cocktail.  

What makes the Oaxaca Old Fashioned work?

A riff on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, this drink swaps out the whiskey component for a mixture of mezcal and tequila. The combination of spirits helps mimic the signature smoky notes many drinkers crave in a traditional Old Fashioned. 

The choice of reposado tequila instead of añejo tequila is key, as the reposado adds much-needed citrus-forward notes to the cocktail. While going the extra mile for a flamed orange peel garnish might seem like a lot of effort, doing so adds a punch of smoky flavor that helps accentuate the mezcal’s natural flavor. Plus, it looks cool.