Alright, folks, gather ’round! Today, I’m diving into a little experiment I cooked up in my humble home bar: a Mezcal Old Fashioned… without the tequila! Yeah, I know, sounds kinda weird, right? But trust me, it’s a flavor bomb waiting to happen.
The Inspiration: So, I was staring at my liquor cabinet the other day, feeling a bit adventurous. I had this bottle of smoky mezcal staring back at me, and the thought just popped into my head: “What if I swapped out the tequila in an Old Fashioned for this bad boy?”
The Prep: First things first, gotta gather the troops. Here’s what I snagged:
- Mezcal (duh!) – I used a Del Maguey Vida.
- Angostura bitters – gotta have that classic spice.
- Agave nectar – for a touch of sweetness.
- Orange peel – essential for that aromatic zest.
The Execution: Now, for the fun part! I started by muddling a couple dashes of Angostura bitters with about a teaspoon of agave nectar in a rocks glass. I don’t have a fancy muddler, so I just used the back of a spoon – works like a charm!
Next, I added a hefty two ounces of the mezcal. This is where things get interesting. The mezcal’s smoky notes immediately started playing with the bitters and agave – it was like a little flavor symphony right there in the glass.
Then, ice! A big ol’ ice cube is the way to go here. Stir it all together gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture. Don’t overdo it, you want to keep that bold flavor intact.
Finally, the pièce de résistance: a generous orange peel, expressed over the glass to release those citrus oils. Give it a good rub around the rim, then drop it in. Boom! Done.
The Verdict:
Okay, so here’s the honest truth: it was amazing! The mezcal’s smokiness added a whole new dimension to the classic Old Fashioned. It wasn’t just sweet and boozy; it was complex, intriguing, and downright delicious. The agave nectar worked perfectly to complement the mezcal’s earthiness, and the orange peel tied everything together beautifully.
What I Learned: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Swapping out ingredients in classic cocktails can lead to some seriously tasty discoveries. This Mezcal Old Fashioned is definitely going into my regular rotation.
Final Thoughts: If you’re a fan of mezcal and you’re looking for a new way to enjoy it, give this a try. You might just surprise yourself. Cheers!
