Mezcal Old Fashioned

Try this twist on the traditional old fashioned cocktail, which uses mezcal instead of whiskey made by France Cevallos. The mezcal gives it a smoky flavor, while the anejo tequila balances out the smoke while giving the drink a golden hue with hints of oak, reminiscent of whiskey.

Ingredients:

• ¼ ounce simple syrup

• 2 dashes bitters (such as Angostura®), or more to taste

• 1 cup ice cubes

• 1 (3 inch) piece orange peel

• 1 ounce mezcal

• 1 ounce anejo (aged) tequila

• 1 Luxardo® cherry (optional)

Instructions:

Combine simple syrup and bitters in an old fashioned glass. Fill the glass with ice. Squeeze the orange peel over the glass to express the oils, then place peel in glass. Add mezcal and tequila and stir until the drink is ice cold and alcohol has mellowed, about 20 seconds. Garnish with cherry.

Cook Notes:

You can substitute 1 sugar cube and 1 teaspoon of water, muddled, for the simple syrup.

I find mezcal on its own to be overpowering, hence the addition of anejo tequila, but feel free to play around with the ratios to suit your tastes.

Use 1 large ice ball instead of ice cubes for a nicer presentation.

Attributions:

Recipe: France Cevallos

Origin: Allrecipes