History & Heritage
“The Spicy Oaxaca Old Fashioned evolved from Phil Ward's acclaimed Oaxaca Old Fashioned, created at Death & Co in 2007. Ward's original paired El Tesoro reposado tequila with Del Maguey mezcal, helping popularize mezcal in the United States. The spicy variation emerged naturally during the craft cocktail movement's embrace of bold flavors, facilitated by the launch of Ancho Reyes chile liqueur in 2012. This provided bartenders with a sophisticated tool for adding nuanced heat, transforming the already innovative Oaxaca Old Fashioned into an even more complex and thrilling experience that celebrates both the smoky agave spirits of Mexico and the growing global appetite for spice.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
1.5 oz
0.5 oz
0.3 oz
0.1 oz
2 dashes
1 dash
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass
Fill mixing glass two-thirds full with high-quality, clear ice cubes
Stir continuously and smoothly for 20-30 seconds until exterior is well-frosted
Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a single large, clear ice cube
Express orange peel oils over the drink's surface, holding skin-side down
Optionally flame the orange peel by holding a lit match between peel and drink while expressing
Place the expressed orange peel in the glass
Glassware
Served on a large cube in a heavy-bottomed rocks glass
Garnish
Wide orange peel, expressed and optionally flamed
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use 100% agave spirits for the best flavor foundation
Pre-chill the rocks glass for optimal temperature maintenance
Stir smoothly to create a silky, viscous texture without over-dilution
Express fresh orange peel for essential aromatic oils
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Spicy Oaxaca Old Fashioned.
Smokier Profile
Increase mezcal to 0.75 oz and decrease tequila to 1.25 oz for more smoke-forward character.
Changes
Extra Spicy
Increase Ancho Reyes to 0.5 oz for more pronounced heat and chile complexity.
Changes
Verde Spicy Oaxaca
Use Ancho Reyes Verde for brighter, more vegetal spice profile.
Changes
Mezcal-Forward Spicy
Use 2 oz mezcal as base spirit, omitting tequila for intense smoky character.
Changes
Spicy Añejo Version
Substitute añejo tequila for deeper oak and vanilla complexity.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Mezcal Old Fashioned
Smoky old fashioned—mezcal stirred with agave nectar and bitters over a large cube.
Oaxaca Old Fashioned
Reposado tequila meets smoky mezcal, agave and bitters for Phil Ward's modern agave spin on the Old Fashioned.
Mezcal Tommy's
A modern classic that elevates its parent cocktail, the Tommy's Margarita, into a more complex and contemplative experience by substituting mezcal for tequila.