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Oaxaca, Mexico (agave heartland), via New York · Mexican

Oaxaca Old Fashioned (Tequila, Mezcal & Agave)

The modern-classic agave Old Fashioned: reposado tequila and a little mezcal, agave nectar in place of sugar, and bitters over a big cube. Earthy, smoky and spirit-forward — a Death & Co. creation that became a canon drink.

By Table & Traditions Editors

Published July 11, 2026

An Oaxaca Old Fashioned over a large ice cube with a flamed orange peel, wisps of smoke, moody warm light.

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned was created by bartender Phil Ward at New York's Death & Co. around 2007, and it's become a modern classic — the drink that taught a generation to put mezcal in a stirred cocktail. Reposado tequila gives body, a splash of mezcal brings smoke, and agave nectar sweetens the spirit it came from. Named for the Mexican state that is the soul of mezcal.

Yield
Makes 1
Prep
4 min
Cook
0 min
Total
About 4 min
Difficulty
Easy

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned is the drink that put mezcal in the cocktail canon. Reposado tequila gives it body, a splash of mezcal brings smoke, agave nectar sweetens the spirit it came from, and bitters tie it together — a modern classic born at New York’s Death & Co.

Tequila for body, mezcal for smoke

Keep the mezcal as an accent — a 3:1 ratio of reposado to mezcal is the sweet spot. You get vanilla and weight from the tequila with a clear thread of campfire underneath.

Sweeten in the family

Agave nectar sweetens agave spirits without introducing a foreign flavour. It’s the small detail that makes this feel seamless.

Stir and express

Stir with ice, strain over one big cube, and express (or flame) an orange peel over the top. It’s a stop on the Old Fashioned family tour — same template, a completely different spirit world.

Ingredients

Makes
1
  • 45 ml (1 1/2 oz) reposado tequila Lightly oak-aged reposado gives the drink body and a soft vanilla note.
  • 15 ml (1/2 oz) mezcal A good espadín mezcal brings the signature smoke. Don't overdo it — it's the accent, not the base.
  • 5 ml (1 tsp) agave nectar Sweetening agave spirits with agave nectar keeps everything in the same flavour family.
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • flamed or expressed orange peel, to garnish
  • 1 large ice cube

Method

Tap a step’s number to check it off as you go.

  1. Add the reposado, mezcal, agave nectar and bitters to a mixing glass with ice and stir for 20–30 seconds until well chilled.

    Why: Stirring keeps this earthy, spirit-forward drink silky and clear, and gently rounds the agave.

  2. Strain over one large ice cube in a rocks glass.

    Why: A single big cube keeps it cold and strong, melting slowly instead of watering it down.

  3. Express an orange peel over the top — flame it if you like the show — and drop it in.

    Why: Orange oil lifts the agave and softens the smoke; flaming caramelises the oils for a deeper aroma.

A quick, anonymous tap — no review needed.

Variations

  • Smokier

    Flip the ratio toward more mezcal and less tequila for a bolder, campfire-forward drink.

  • Añejo version

    Use an añejo tequila for a rounder, oakier base closer to a whiskey Old Fashioned.

  • The Old Fashioned family

    Swap the base — whiskey for the original, rum for a Rum Old Fashioned, brandy for a Wisconsin-style.

Serving & Storage

A sophisticated after-dinner or aperitif pour. The smoke stands up to bold, savoury and grilled food.

Pairs with: Mole, Grilled steak, Dark chocolate, Aged Manchego.

Storage: Make to order and serve immediately over fresh ice; stirred drinks don't keep.

Nutrition

Per serving (1 drink (~75 ml))

Calories
175
Protein
0 g
Carbs
7 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
0 g
Sugar
6 g
Sodium
0 mg

Estimated using standard ingredient data. Values vary with brands and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who invented the Oaxaca Old Fashioned?

Bartender Phil Ward created it at Death & Co. in New York around 2007. It's widely credited with popularising mezcal in stirred cocktails and is now considered a modern classic.

How much mezcal should I use?

Keep it as an accent — a 3:1 ratio of reposado tequila to mezcal is the classic balance. That gives you body from the tequila and a clear but not overwhelming thread of smoke. Push toward 1:1 only if you love mezcal.

Why agave nectar instead of sugar?

Agave nectar is made from the same plant as the spirits, so it sweetens the drink while keeping everything in one flavour family. Simple syrup works in a pinch, but agave nectar is more harmonious here.

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