Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:4g
Alcohol:22%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Oaxaca cocktail, also known as the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, was created by Phil Ward at Death & Co. in New York City. It is a modern twist on the classic Old Fashioned, incorporating the flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy the smoky flavor of mezcal and the sweetness of agave nectar.
The Oaxaca cocktail is a complex and well-balanced drink with a smoky, sweet, and slightly bitter taste. It has a rich and velvety texture, with a hint of spice and a lingering warmth.
A soulful spirit with a smoky hint that provides a robust backbone to the cocktail. Use 2oz to not overpower other flavors. Less smoke, more joke? Nope, it’s key here! Skip it and you'll lose the Oaxaca vibe. Swap with more tequila for a less smoky drink.
Aged and nuanced, the 0.5oz of añejo tequila adds depth without stealing the show. It’s like adding a dash of wisdom to youthful exuberance. Too much and you'll overage it, too little and you miss the complex notes. Bourbon could be an alternative, changing the profile to more vanilla and oak.
Sweet but not cloying, 1tsp rounds out the edges. Too much sweetness and we're in candy land, too little and the cocktail may be too harsh. Without it, the balance crumbles. Honey could be a substitute, offering a floral twist.
The cocktail’s spice rack in 2 dashes – a little goes a long way in adding complexity. Like a pinch of salt in a stew, omitting bitters would leave the drink feeling one-dimensional. No Angostura? Try orange bitters for a citrus kick.
The twist of citrus oils from 1 peel brightens and contrasts the dense flavors. Without it, you’d miss that zesty greeting. It’s the smile of the cocktail! Other citrus peels work too, but the bitter-sweet orange peel is the classic choice.
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Swap agave nectar for pineapple syrup. The tropical notes will dance with the smoke, taking you from Oaxaca to a beach bonfire.
Add a slice of jalapeño to the mix and rim the glass with chili salt. The heat will add a kick that makes you crave for a siesta under the sun.
Replace the agave nectar with a small cube of piloncillo (raw sugar) and a splash of water. Muddle with Angostura bitters before adding the spirits for an old-school twist with a Mexican touch.
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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The Oaxaca cocktail is best savored slowly, taking time to enjoy the complex flavors and the aroma. Take small sips and let it rest on your palate to experience the smoky mezcal and sweet agave nectar.
Yes, you can. The garnish in this cocktail, the orange peel, provides an enhanced citrus aroma, but the cocktail can still be enjoyed without it.
Yes, the ingredients in the Oaxaca cocktail are devoid of any animal products making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Cocktails like Oaxaca can be paired with a variety of foods, especially Mexican dishes that complement the flavors of the drink, such as tacos or tamales. However, individual preferences vary widely.
The Oaxaca cocktail is versatile and can be enjoyed on a variety of occasions. Its complexity and uniqueness make it a great choice for cocktail parties and special celebrations.
The Jalisco High Tea cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors. The sweetness of the agave nectar and the tartness of the lime juice create a perfect harmony, while the tequila adds a bold, earthy undertone. The addition of green tea and mint leaves lends a refreshing, aromatic finish to the drink.
The Machu Picchu cocktail is a delightful balance of sweet and sour, with a hint of minty freshness. The Pisco provides a strong, fruity base, while the grenadine adds a sweet touch. The orange juice brings a tangy twist, and the mint leaves a refreshing aftertaste.
The Pepito cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and slightly spicy flavors. The sweetness of the pineapple juice and agave nectar is balanced by the tartness of the lime juice, while the tequila adds a smooth, earthy undertone. The addition of jalapeño gives the drink a subtle kick, making it a truly unique and exciting cocktail.
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a complex, smoky, and slightly sweet cocktail with a rich, velvety texture. The mezcal provides an earthy, smoky backbone, while the agave syrup adds a touch of sweetness and the Angostura bitters bring a subtle bitterness to balance the flavors.
The Polar Bear is a cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's strong, with the mezcal providing a smoky base, while the vermouth adds a touch of sweetness. The creme de menthe gives it a refreshing minty taste, and the angelica tincture or celery bitters add a hint of bitterness. It's a cocktail that's both refreshing and warming, perfect for a cold winter's night.
The Quaker's Cocktail has a complex and well-rounded taste, with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. The combination of gin, apricot brandy, and lemon juice creates a refreshing and slightly tart flavor, while the addition of aromatic bitters adds depth and complexity.
The Bonfire cocktail has a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. It is a well-balanced drink with a hint of warmth and a smooth finish.
The Burnt Martini has a bold, smoky flavor with a subtle hint of citrus. It is a strong, dry cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture and a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Hellfire cocktail is a spicy, smoky, and intense drink with a hint of sweetness. The heat from the chili peppers is balanced by the smokiness of the mezcal and the sweetness of the agave syrup, creating a complex and intriguing flavor profile.
The Eclipse cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors. The añejo tequila provides a rich, oaky base, while the Aperol adds a touch of bitterness. The Heering cherry liqueur imparts a sweet, fruity note, and the lemon juice brings a refreshing tang. The mezcal, although used sparingly, adds a distinctive smoky flavor that lingers on the palate.
The Peyote cocktail offers a complex and intriguing taste profile, with sweet, sour, and herbal notes. The sweetness of the agave syrup balances the tartness of the lime juice, while the earthy flavors of the mezcal and cactus juice create a unique and memorable experience.
The Southwest cocktail is a complex and flavorful drink, with a spicy kick that lingers on the palate. It is both sweet and sour, with a hint of smokiness from the mezcal. The heat from the jalapeño is balanced by the cooling freshness of the cucumber and lime, making it a refreshing and invigorating drink.
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Cognac Old Fashioned has a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet taste with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. The cognac provides a warm, full-bodied flavor, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
The Woodford Reserve cocktail is rich, smooth, and slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness. The flavors of the bourbon are complemented by the sweetness of the sugar and the brightness of the citrus, creating a well-balanced and complex taste profile.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
