Smoked Old Mexican

Smoked Old Mexican

The Oaxacan old fashioned is the agave world's answer to the whiskey classic: tequila for the backbone, a touch of mezcal for smoke, agave to sweeten, and mole or chocolate bitters for depth. This version, the Smoked Old Mexican, leads with SWOL Añejo for extra oak and richness and lets you dial the smoke with an optional mezcal splash. It is stirred, not shaken, and served over a single large cube with a flamed orange peel. The result is smoky, spiced, and deeply agave-forward.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 oz SWOL Añejo Tequila, the oaky, aged base that gives the drink its richness.
  • 0.25 oz agave syrup, for clean sweetness that matches the spirit.
  • 2 dashes chocolate or mole bitters, for the spiced, savory depth that defines a Oaxacan old fashioned.
  • Optional splash of mezcal, for smoke; add more or less to taste.
  • Orange twist, ideally flamed, for aromatic citrus oil.
  • 1 large ice cube, for slow dilution.
HOW TO PREPARE
  1. Add the Añejo, agave, bitters, and optional mezcal to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir 20 to 30 seconds until chilled and lightly diluted.
  3. Strain over one large cube in a rocks glass.
  4. Express and flame an orange twist over the glass, then garnish.
Style of Glass to use
  • Rocks Glass
Garnishes
  • Orange Peel

The origin and the tequila-mezcal balance

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned was created by Phil Ward at Death and Company, traditionally combining reposado tequila with a smaller measure of mezcal. This version leads with añejo for more oak and body and treats the mezcal as an adjustable splash, so you can keep the smoke subtle or push it forward. A common ratio is roughly four parts tequila to one part mezcal; start light and add.

Mole and chocolate bitters

Bitters are what separate this from a plain agave old fashioned. Mole bitters bring dried chili, spice, and cocoa; chocolate bitters lean sweeter and rounder. Two dashes is the sweet spot. They tie the smoke and the oak together.

The flamed orange peel

Hold a wide strip of orange peel skin-side down over the glass, warm it briefly with a lit match, then squeeze so the oils flash through the flame onto the drink. It adds a caramelized citrus aroma that suits the smoky profile. If you would rather not use flame, simply express the peel over the surface.

Controlling the smoke, and batching

For a whisper of smoke, rinse the glass with mezcal instead of adding it to the mix. For a bolder drink, increase the mezcal splash. To batch, scale the tequila, agave, bitters, and mezcal, add about 0.75 oz water per serving, chill, and pour over large cubes with a flamed peel to order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Oaxacan old fashioned?

It is an old fashioned made with agave spirits, typically tequila with a measure of mezcal for smoke, sweetened with agave and seasoned with mole or chocolate bitters.

What is the difference between a tequila and an Oaxacan old fashioned?

An Oaxacan old fashioned adds mezcal for smoke and usually uses mole or chocolate bitters, giving it a smokier, more savory character than a straight tequila old fashioned.

Can I use añejo instead of reposado?

Yes. Añejo is aged longer, so it brings more oak and body. This recipe is built around SWOL Añejo.

How much mezcal should I add?

Start with a small splash, around a quarter ounce, and adjust. A four-to-one tequila-to-mezcal ratio is a good baseline.

What bitters are best?

Mole bitters for spice and cocoa, or chocolate bitters for a rounder, sweeter note.

Do I have to flame the orange peel?

No. Flaming adds a caramelized aroma, but simply expressing the peel over the drink also works.

How strong is it?

It is spirit-forward with 2 oz of tequila plus optional mezcal and only light dilution, similar to a classic old fashioned.

Smoked Old Mexican TIPS

Big Ice, Bold Bitters

Use a large clear ice cube to chill without diluting — it keeps the cocktail strong and visually striking. For a deeper, spiced complexity, layer chocolate and mole bitters, or add a bar spoon of coffee liqueur for a rich finish. And when expressing your orange peel, warm it first with a match or lighter — it intensifies the oils and brings out that smoky-citrus aroma to complement the aged tequila and optional mezcal.

MADE WITH

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release (750Ml)

750 ML

$124.99

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release is an extremely limited edition; a special release of just 10,000 bottles. Each hand-numbered bottle has a peel-off iron patch which is designed by Los Angeles-based artist Rise Work.

Combining ancient and modern techniques and a deep love and passion for Authentic Tequila, SWOL Tequila comes from Mexico. When two friends journeyed to Mexico...

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