Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned: A Smoky & Fiery Twist on a Timeless Cocktail

Embark on a captivating flavor journey with the Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned, a sophisticated and exhilarating reinvention of the beloved classic. This cocktail masterfully blends the rich, smoky depths of mezcal with an invigorating kick of heat, creating a truly unforgettable drinking experience. At its heart lies spicy infused mezcal, a spirit that delivers a tantalizing dance of warmth and complex notes, designed to awaken your senses. Each sip offers a harmonious balance of robust smokiness and a delightful fiery edge, making it an irresistible choice for those who appreciate cocktails with character. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or looking to explore new horizons, this unique Old Fashioned variation promises to be a recurring delight. This recipe focuses on crafting one perfectly balanced cocktail, ensuring every ingredient shines.

About This Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned

Just a few weeks ago, I embarked on a fun culinary experiment, crafting a batch of spicy infused mezcal. This vibrant spirit has been a delightful addition to my home bar, slowly making its way into various concoctions like zesty margaritas and refreshing palomas. However, I still had a good amount left, inspiring me to create a bespoke cocktail that truly highlights its unique character.

For those who’ve followed my cocktail adventures, you’ll know that the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan have long held a special place in my heart. They were my go-to choices during my frequent visits to Denver’s thriving cocktail scene. After a brief hiatus from the world of spirits due to pregnancy and the demands of Babycakes’ first year, I mostly stuck to wine. Reintroducing cocktails felt a bit overwhelming initially, as my palate had become accustomed to lighter flavors.

But now, I am enthusiastically rekindling my passion for mixology, and honestly, it feels even better than before! This spicy iteration of the classic Old Fashioned has quickly become a summer sensation. The fiery nuances from the infused mezcal introduce a bold, earthy, and distinctly smoky flavor profile to the drink. This isn’t just a hint of smokiness; it’s a profound depth that only mezcal can provide, beautifully complemented by the subtle heat from the infusion. Balanced with a touch of agave nectar for natural sweetness and the dry complexity of Angostura bitters, the result is an incredibly harmonious and dangerously sippable cocktail. You’ll find yourself reaching for another sip almost instinctively.

Key Ingredients for Your Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned

Crafting the perfect Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays in creating its distinctive flavor profile.

• Spicy Infused Mezcal: This is truly the star of our show. The base recipe for this infusion is wonderfully simple, combining your preferred mezcal with fresh jalapeño and serrano peppers. The beauty of this infusion is its speed; you can prepare it just a few hours or a day in advance, allowing you to tailor the spice level to your exact preference. While it’s exceptional in this Old Fashioned, don’t limit its potential – it also elevates margaritas and palomas to new heights! Although you could opt for infused tequila, mezcal’s inherent smoky notes truly complement the spice in a way tequila cannot.
• Agave Nectar: I find that agave nectar’s subtle, natural sweetness perfectly harmonizes with the complex flavors of mezcal in this fiery cocktail. Its liquid consistency also makes it incredibly easy to dissolve, ensuring a smooth, well-integrated sweetness throughout the drink. If agave isn’t readily available, a good quality simple syrup makes for a perfectly acceptable substitute, though it will alter the nuanced sweetness slightly.
• Angostura Bitters: A non-negotiable for any well-stocked bar cart, Angostura bitters are the backbone of countless classic cocktails, including the Old Fashioned. Its concentrated, aromatic blend of herbs and spices adds a layer of depth and complexity that balances the sweetness and rounds out the spirit’s edges. If you don’t already possess a bottle, consider this your essential next purchase – your cocktail game will thank you.
• Dried Orange Rounds: While primarily a visual delight, the dried orange round offers a subtle aromatic contribution that enhances the overall experience. Its gorgeous aesthetic, especially against the rich amber hue of the cocktail, makes it my preferred garnish. Dried citrus peels are also wonderfully convenient; they store well and are versatile enough for almost any citrus-garnished drink. For an extra kick of spice, a thin slice of fresh jalapeño can be a bold and flavorful alternative.

Essential Barware for This Recipe

Creating an exceptional cocktail is often as much about the tools as it is about the ingredients. For this Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned, a few key pieces of barware will elevate your experience.

First and foremost, reach for your favorite old fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass. The substantial weight and wide mouth of this type of glass are perfect for accommodating large ice cubes and allowing the aromas of the cocktail to unfurl beautifully. It’s an iconic vessel that instantly sets the mood for a classic drink.

Next, let’s talk about ice. I highly recommend investing in sphere ice molds or large square ice molds. The larger surface area and slower melt rate of these substantial ice cubes are crucial. They keep your drink perfectly chilled without quickly diluting the carefully balanced flavors, allowing you to savor every smoky, spicy sip at its peak intensity.

Finally, a long-handled cocktail stirring spoon is indispensable. Since the Old Fashioned is a spirit-forward cocktail, it requires stirring, not shaking. Stirring gently chills and blends the ingredients without introducing air, preserving the drink’s clarity and viscosity. The best part? This cocktail is traditionally assembled directly in the glass, which means minimal extra barware to clean, making for an effortless and enjoyable preparation process from start to finish!

How to Craft Your Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned

Crafting this invigorating cocktail is surprisingly straightforward, requiring just a few simple steps to bring together its complex flavors. The beauty of an Old Fashioned lies in its elegant simplicity, and this spicy mezcal variation is no exception. Follow these instructions to create your perfect smoky and fiery drink.

Assemble Your Cocktail

Begin by placing one large ice cube, ideally a sphere or a large square, into a sturdy old fashioned glass. The larger size of the ice ensures minimal dilution and maximum chilling effect. Next, carefully measure and add the spicy infused mezcal, agave nectar, and Angostura bitters directly into the glass. Precision in measurement ensures a balanced flavor profile, so use a jigger for accuracy.

Stir and Garnish for Perfection

With all ingredients in the glass, take your cocktail stirring spoon and gently stir the mixture. Continue stirring until the cocktail is thoroughly chilled, which usually takes about 30-60 seconds. Unlike many other cocktails, an Old Fashioned is traditionally stirred, not shaken. This method preserves the clarity and silky texture of the spirit-forward drink, preventing over-aeration. Once chilled to perfection, complete your masterpiece by garnishing it with a dried orange wheel, adding a beautiful visual appeal and a subtle aromatic lift. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of spice, smoke, and sweetness.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned

While the Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can help you perfect this captivating cocktail and tailor it to your exact preferences:

• Customize the Bitters: The specified recipe calls for 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, providing a classic balance. However, if you possess a particular fondness for the complex, herbaceous notes of bitters, feel free to experiment by adding another dash or two. I wouldn’t recommend exceeding 4 dashes in total, as bitters are quite potent and can quickly overpower the delicate balance of the mezcal and agave. Adjusting the bitters allows you to fine-tune the aromatic depth of your drink.
• Adjusting the Spice Level: If you find your spicy infused mezcal a bit too intense, or if you’re serving guests with varying heat tolerances, consider toning down the spice. One excellent way to do this is by adding a splash of soda water to your Old Fashioned. This not only subtly dilutes the heat but also adds a refreshing effervescence without significantly altering the core flavors. Alternatively, you could infuse your mezcal for a shorter period, or use fewer peppers for a milder base.
• Chill Your Glassware: For an extra touch of sophistication and to keep your cocktail colder for longer, chill your old fashioned glass in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before assembling your drink. A pre-chilled glass significantly slows down the melting rate of your ice, ensuring your drink remains undiluted and perfectly cool throughout your sipping experience.
• The Art of the Large Ice Cube: We’ve emphasized sphere or large square ice molds, and for good reason. Beyond aesthetics, larger ice cubes melt much slower than smaller ones or crushed ice, preventing your cocktail from becoming watery too quickly. This is crucial for spirit-forward drinks like the Old Fashioned, where dilution can drastically alter the intended balance of flavors.
• Batching for a Crowd: Planning a gathering? You can easily prepare the mezcal, agave, and bitters mixture in a larger batch ahead of time. Simply scale up the ingredient quantities, combine them, and store in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, just pour over a large ice cube and garnish. This method makes entertaining a breeze and ensures consistency across all your cocktails.

More old fashioned cocktail recipes to try: Jameson Old Fashioned | Old Fashioned Moscow Mule | Earl Grey Old Fashioned | Smoked Orange Old Fashioned

How is Mezcal Traditionally Enjoyed?

Mezcal, a revered spirit crafted from the agave plant, stands distinctively apart from its cousin tequila due to its characteristic smoky flavor, which results from the traditional method of cooking agave piñas in earthen pits. Traditionally, mezcal is savored neat, often served in small clay cups called “copitas” or a specialized glass designed to capture its complex aromatics. This allows the drinker to fully appreciate the vast spectrum of flavors – from earthy and vegetal to fruity and subtly sweet, often with a lingering smokiness – that vary depending on the agave varietal and the region of production.

It’s meant to be sipped slowly, allowing the spirit to warm on the palate and reveal its layers of complexity. Often, it’s accompanied by slices of orange dusted with Sal de Gusano (worm salt), which surprisingly enhances the mezcal’s natural sweetness and brings out deeper notes. This reverence for sipping is precisely why mezcal excels in an Old Fashioned. As a strong, spirit-forward drink, the Old Fashioned format shines a spotlight on the mezcal itself, allowing its unique character to be the undisputed star, beautifully complemented by minimal supporting ingredients.

Is Infusing the Mezcal Absolutely Necessary?

While infusing the mezcal with peppers is undeniably what gives this particular cocktail its “spicy” designation and unique kick, it is not an absolute requirement for enjoying a mezcal-based Old Fashioned. The infusion process, typically involving jalapeño and serrano peppers, introduces a vibrant heat that beautifully contrasts with mezcal’s inherent smokiness, creating a dynamic and exciting flavor profile.

However, if time is of the essence or if you simply prefer a non-spicy version, you can certainly use your favorite un-infused mezcal instead. When you opt for plain mezcal, the cocktail you are creating is known as an Oaxaca Old Fashioned. This classic variation typically combines mezcal with reposado tequila, agave nectar, and bitters, offering a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet experience without the added heat. So, while the infusion adds a layer of adventure, the core mezcal Old Fashioned remains a deeply satisfying drink, spicy or not!

Choosing the Best Mezcal for Your Cocktail

Selecting the right mezcal is key to the success of your Old Fashioned. The world of mezcal is incredibly diverse, with flavors varying dramatically based on the agave species, region, and production techniques. For a cocktail like the Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned, where the spirit is the star, you want something that offers good character without being overly complex or expensive for mixing.

My top recommendation falls within the mid-range price point, offering excellent value and flavor. Brands like **Montelobos Espadín** are fantastic for this recipe. Espadín is the most common agave used for mezcal, providing a generally approachable smoky and earthy profile that works beautifully with the spicy infusion. On the slightly higher end of the mid-range, **Mezcal Vago Elote** offers intriguing notes and a bit more depth, though it might be more challenging to find. If you’re looking to truly treat yourself and experience mezcal at its finest – perhaps for sipping neat before mixing – consider a premium option like **Del Maguey Tobalá**. Tobalá agave yields a mezcal that is often fruitier, more aromatic, and exceptionally smooth, making it a sublime choice for pure enjoyment. Ultimately, choose a mezcal whose smoky essence you enjoy, as that will be the dominant characteristic in your final cocktail.

Need some more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned

The Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned, with its intriguing blend of smoky depth and fiery spice, is a cocktail that demands thoughtful culinary companions. Its classic structure with a fun, bold twist makes it an ideal choice for a sophisticated happy hour or as a standout offering at your next dinner party. Given its prominent mezcal base and piquant notes, my mind immediately gravitates towards the vibrant and robust flavors of Mexican cuisine, which wonderfully complement the drink’s profile.

For a lively happy hour spread, consider balancing the cocktail’s heat with refreshing and savory bites. A cooling chunky salsa paired with crispy tortilla chips is always a crowd-pleaser, providing a fresh contrast. Another fantastic option is grilled Mexican street corn crostini, offering creamy textures and tangy flavors that cut through the richness of the mezcal. If you’re looking for something more substantial, my recipe for quick carne asada nachos can easily transition from a hearty appetizer to a main dish, providing savory, rich flavors that stand up beautifully to the cocktail.

When hosting a dinner party, the Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned can be the perfect prelude to a Mexican-inspired feast. As you all know, I’m absolutely smitten with tacos! To offer a delightful counterpoint to the cocktail’s spice, try serving fried avocado tacos. Their creamy texture and mild flavor provide a welcome relief and a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, for those who love to grill, easy steak fajita foil packets are an excellent choice. Serve them alongside all your favorite toppings – think fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream – allowing guests to customize their meal while enjoying a perfect pairing with their smoky, spicy drink.

Finally, if you whip up this Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned, I would absolutely love for you to take a moment to give the recipe a rating or leave a comment below! Hearing about your experiences and seeing your creations truly makes my day. I genuinely read and respond to every single comment, so don’t hesitate to drop any questions you might have as well. And for an extra special treat for me, be sure to tag me on Instagram if you share a photo of your cocktail! It’s my favorite thing to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it truly means the world to me!

Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned Recipe Card

This fiery and smoky Old Fashioned delivers a bold, adventurous twist on the beloved classic, perfect for those who crave a cocktail with character and depth.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

No ratings yet

Print

Pin

prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment You’ll Need

• Sphere Ice Molds
• Double Jigger
• Cocktail Stirring Spoons
• Rocks Glasses

Ingredients for One Cocktail

• 2 oz spicy infused mezcal
• 1/2 oz agave nectar
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Garnish: dried orange round

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Combine the spicy infused mezcal, agave nectar, and Angostura bitters in an old fashioned glass filled with one large ice cube. Stir gently but thoroughly until the mixture is well-chilled.
• Garnish your exquisite cocktail with a dried orange round, then serve and savor every smoky, spicy sip.

Category: Booze