To understand the Old Fashioned is to understand the origins of the cocktail, as well as its evolution. The original definition of a “cocktail” was “spirit of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters.” When bartenders began to experiment with the addition of vermouth and other ingredients in the late 1800’s, customers wanting a cocktail made the old fashioned way would ask for it specifically as an “Old Fashioned”. While whiskey became the assumed spirit, that did not mean they couldn’t ask for it made with other spirits.

While experimenting with a fairly standard “Tequila Old Fashioned”, Phil Ward had an epiphany when he substituted a little Mezcal for some of the Tequila. Not really expecting it to be more than a slight variation of a Tequila Old Fashioned, he instead discovered that it really took the drink to the next level, or as he says it “There is nothing as complex as simplicity, and this is an excellent illustration of that. Sometimes a simple drink just has a secret extra gear you never suspected.”

Phil’s original recipe used El Tesoro Reposado Tequila, and Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal. While substitutions are possible (as you see me do in this video), it is important to make sure you are using good quality products which have the right amount of character and complexity. The stumbling blocks for this cocktail to get enough widespread availability to truly be considered a “modern classic” is the availability of agave syrup and a good quality Mezcal. Both of these ingredients however have been gaining popularity over the last few years,making it far more likely that your favorite bar might be able to make this drink for you.

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Recipe:
1 1/2 oz Tequila Reposado
1/2 oz Mezcal
1 tsp. amber agave syrup
2 dashes aromatic bitters

Instructions:
Stir ingredients with ice.
Strain over ice into an Old Fashioned glass.
Garnish with a flamed orange twist.