Oaxaca Old Fashioned
The Oaxaca Old Fashioned: A Modern Agave Spirit Classic
The Oaxaca Old Fashioned was created by bartender Phil Ward in 2007 at Death & Co in New York City. Ward developed the drink while experimenting with agave spirits, creating what would become one of the most influential tequila cocktails of the modern era, according to Punch.
The cocktail combines reposado tequila with mezcal, agave nectar, and Angostura bitters. This pairing allows the tequila to provide the base while mezcal adds smoky complexity, with agave nectar reinforcing the agave character rather than using simple syrup, as noted in Liquor.com.
The name references Oaxaca, the Mexican state famous for mezcal production. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned helped popularize mezcal in American cocktail culture and demonstrated how agave spirits could work in classic cocktail templates, according to Difford's Guide.
The drink quickly became a modern classic, appearing on cocktail menus worldwide within years of its creation. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned represents the craft cocktail movement's successful integration of traditional Mexican spirits into contemporary drinking culture.
RECIPE:
1.5 oz reposado tequila
1/2 oz mezcal
1 barspoon agave nectar
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange twist for garnish
Method:
Add tequila, mezcal, agave nectar, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well-chilled, about 30 seconds.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Express orange twist over the drink and garnish.