Oaxacan Old Fashioned Recipe: Reposado Tequila and Mezcal

By Aquarium Guides Editorial Team · Updated November 10, 2026

Last Updated: November 10, 2026

An Oaxacan old fashioned is made with 1.5 ounces of reposado tequila, 0.5 ounce of mezcal, 1 teaspoon of agave nectar and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, stirred over ice and served over a large cube with a flamed orange peel. It follows the format of a classic old fashioned, which is spirit, sweetener and bitters, but swaps whiskey for agave spirits. The result is smoky, lightly sweet and warming, with oak and vanilla from the aged tequila and campfire notes from the mezcal.

What Sets It Apart From a Whiskey Old Fashioned

The structure is identical to the old fashioned many people know: a strong spirit, a small amount of sweetener, aromatic bitters and an orange peel. Changing the base changes everything else. Reposado tequila is aged in oak for a period of months, so it gives vanilla, baking spice and soft caramel without the heavy grain character of whiskey. Mezcal contributes the smoke and a savory edge. Agave nectar is a natural fit because it comes from the same plant family as the spirits and tastes more neutral and earthy than a sugar cube.

The name nods to the Mexican state of Oaxaca, where most mezcal is produced. It is a modern riff, so there is no strict traditional version, but the recipe below is the widely used standard.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz reposado tequila
• 0.5 oz mezcal
• 1 teaspoon (about 0.25 oz) agave nectar
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice for stirring and one large cube for serving
• 1 orange, for a peel garnish

Instructions

1. Chill a double rocks glass by filling it with ice and water for a minute.
2. In a mixing glass, add the agave nectar and bitters. Stir them together with a bar spoon to loosen the nectar.
3. Add the reposado tequila and mezcal.
4. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for about 25 seconds.
5. Empty the rocks glass and add a large ice cube.
6. Strain the cocktail over the cube.
7. Cut a wide orange peel, hold it a few inches above the drink with the skin facing the glass, and squeeze to release the oils. For a flamed peel, pass a lit match between the peel and the drink as you squeeze.
8. Rub the peel around the rim and drop it in.

Understanding the Agave Sweetener

A teaspoon of agave nectar is enough for most palates, but its sweetness varies by brand and color. Light agave is mild; amber agave tastes more like caramel. If the nectar is too thick to blend cleanly, make a 1:1 agave syrup by whisking equal parts nectar and warm water, then use 0.25 ounce of that syrup in place of the teaspoon. This also keeps well in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.

Balance and Ratios

Variations

Añejo Version

Use añejo tequila instead of reposado. It has been aged longer, so the drink tastes richer, with deeper oak, dried fruit and a smoother finish.

Mole Bitters Twist

Replace one dash of Angostura with chocolate or mole bitters. This adds subtle cocoa and spice that suits the smoke.

Smoked Rim or Smoke Cloche

For a dramatic presentation, smoke the glass with a wood chip using a handheld smoker before pouring. This amplifies the smoky note, so reduce the mezcal slightly.

Coffee Accent

Add 0.25 ounce of coffee liqueur in place of agave. It makes the cocktail taste like dessert.

Maple Swap

Use a teaspoon of maple syrup instead of agave for a toastier, more autumnal flavor.

Garnish and Glassware

A double rocks glass with a single large cube is ideal. The cube melts slowly so that the drink stays strong and cold for the length of a conversation. The orange peel is essential, as citrus oils brighten the oak and smoke. Some bartenders add a dehydrated orange wheel for decoration, and a brandied cherry is another option, though it adds sweetness.

Flaming a peel is optional and should be done carefully, away from your face and any flammable items. Without flame, a firm squeeze still gives plenty of aroma.

Food Pairings

• Grilled steak or carne asada: The smoke and oak echo the char of the meat.
• Mole dishes: Chocolate and chile notes bridge easily with the agave spirits.
• Roasted nuts: Salted pecans and almonds are an easy snack.
• Aged cheeses: Hard, nutty cheeses suit the vanilla and caramel.
• Dark chocolate: Bittersweet squares make a simple dessert pairing.

Tips for a Better Drink

• Choose a reposado that tastes pleasant neat. Cocktails with few ingredients reveal the quality of the base.
• Keep the mezcal modest at first. It is easy to add more smoke but impossible to remove it.
• Stir, never shake. Shaking adds air and makes spirit-forward drinks cloudy.
• Use a single large cube so the drink does not turn watery.
• Taste after stirring. Adjust sweetness with a few drops of agave syrup if needed.

Batching and Serving

This is one of the easiest cocktails to batch because it contains no juice. For eight drinks, combine 12 ounces of reposado, 4 ounces of mezcal, 8 teaspoons of agave syrup (about 2 ounces of 1:1 syrup) and 16 dashes of Angostura bitters in a bottle, then add 6 ounces of water. Refrigerate, and pour 3.5 ounces over a large cube for each guest. Express an orange peel over each glass just before serving. The batch keeps for a couple of weeks refrigerated, although the citrus oils on the peel must always be fresh.

Guests who prefer a milder smoke can be served a version with only a quarter ounce of mezcal. Set out an extra bottle of bitters so people can add a dash or two to taste.

FAQ

What does an Oaxacan old fashioned taste like?

It tastes smoky and slightly sweet, with oak, vanilla, orange peel and baking spice. The agave sweetness is subtle, and the finish is warm with a faint smoky edge.

Can I use blanco tequila?

You can, but the drink will taste lighter and more vegetal, without the vanilla and oak of aged tequila. Reposado or añejo is better for this cocktail.

Do I need both tequila and mezcal?

The two work together. Using only reposado gives a milder drink, while using only mezcal makes it much smokier. The split gives balance, but you can adjust the ratio to match your taste.

Is it a stirred or shaken drink?

It is stirred. Like all old fashioned variations, it contains no juice or dairy, so stirring gives a silky, clear drink with controlled dilution.

Please drink responsibly and enjoy cocktails in moderation.

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