The Oaxaca Old Fashioned - as if the old fashioned couldn't get any cooler

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Today we're making the Oaxaca Old Fashioned! This drink, created by Phil Ward in 2007, helped introduce mezcal to the cocktail world. Mezcal’s big flavor can easily overpower a drink, but here it’s tamed with soft tequila. The result is an approachable cocktail with just the right amount of smoke. Of course, feel free to adjust the ratios to fit your perfect level of smokiness. Cheers!
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Video/editing/illustrations by Azusa Inaba 🎥 🎨
TIME STAMPS
Intro: 0:00
Original Grain: 0:32
Backstory: 1:58
The Booze: 4:24
The Recipe: 6:10
Sips & Sign Off: 7:17
THE OAXACA OLD FASHIONED RECIPE 6:20
1.5 oz. (45 ml) Siete Leguas Tequila Reposado
1/2 oz. (15 ml) Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1 bar spoon (5 ml) agave nectar
Expressed grapefruit oil and peel for garnish
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00:00 Intro
00:32 Original Grain
01:58 Backstory
04:24 The Booze
06:10 The Recipe
07:17 Sips & Sign Off

[@AndersErickson]

Now I need to visit Oaxaca 🇲🇽 Use code ANDERS at originalgrain.com/anders to stack 10% off their Mother's Day sale!

[@AlgyFonts]

Vamos

[@1.Lisology]

Unfortunately, the website says the coupon isn’t stackable.

[@chankak]

Oaxaca is magical! My family and I visited a few years back, fell in love and have gone back every year, with some years going more than once. There are countless of guides, but I'd be more than happy to send over our recommendations of neighborhoods, markets, mezcalerías, food, etc.

[@samuelwong1596]

i still can't get to pronounce it right 😭

[@torsloke]

This drink became a huge after-show cocktail among the Muppets. Fozzy Bear would come to Rowlf the Dog’s bar with Kermit and Miss Piggy and order three, “Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Oaxaca!”

[@PhatTrumpet2]

friggin' nailed it

[@bludog4657]

Haaaaahaaaa😂😂😂. Totally thanks for the laugh. CHEERS!!

[@liamblood5239]

Incredible

[@mdh1961]

Oof.m😬

[@dinein1970]

I saw what you did there... well done

[@bludog4657]

No matter what crap is going on, we can raise our glass and give these 2 beautiful people a huge CHEERS!!

[@Mocktailmaking]

yes i agree I have been following them for ages even did a video in honour of them not sure they have seen it yet

[@nateriesen]

Well said. Love these kids

[@Reload7x1]

I got this recipe from you a while back when I asked you how you make it in the comments. Thank you Anders you never disappoint

[@AndersErickson]

Appreciate that. Cheers

[@mph7282]

Wait...Anders takes requests?

[@UnclePete]

Went to Oaxaca a few years ago. SO super fun. Visiting mezcalarias is amazing.

[@AndersErickson]

Sounds like my kind of trip!

[@jschoenack]

TO THE BAR!➡️🥃

[@jamesgilbert124]

Viewers of a certain age, on hearing where this drink comes from: "NEW YORK CITY?!?!?!"

[@FantomMind]

I always used orange bitters for this one.

[@flakes6992]

I love the story and detail you provide behind all the recipes! Excited to try this!

[@akashmittal8694]

Yours is the best channel I have seen on cocktails. Very thorough, clear and easy to follow

[@oldbassman46]

I love this!!! Thanks!!!

[@devrogalyon3220]

HECK YES! Mezcal has become a new personal favorite spirit of mine, and it’s almost a given that I’ll be ordering one of these if a bar has it on their menu. Excited to give yours a try!

[@cartermacw5235]

This drink always has such a beautiful color!

[@tommccafferty5591]

One of my favorite cocktails.

[@MarkRovelli]

perfect cocktail for May 5! thx!

[@MarkRovelli]

used a Tres Agaves tequila and an Ilegal mezcal (am out of Vida!) - a wonderful drink! thinking of trying it with an anejo tequila next.... thx Anders!

[@BernardoPorchini]

I have been waiting for this one. Thank you

[@AlexFromToronto]

Such a great cocktail - a nice variation on my favourite standard order. 🥃

[@11alexstreet]

Yall are the best - love this drink. Thanks for reminding me to make it more often!

[@traceynoringseth5526]

Love the new glass with the logo

[@CityPlannerPlaysChair]

Local bar made these before they closed. Absolutely loved them

[@DaveKaneLounge]

One of my favorite cocktails

[@OldFashionedWays]

I just discovered these recently and have learned to enjoy that funky smokiness. thanks for sharing. cheers

[@ptr1537]

Love the call out for siete leguas. Favorite Tequilla.

[@AlekSearcy]

Sweet sweet B roll. The glass is cool!

[@tapani7533]

Thank you Anders and Ozz. 😊

[@brysonbam679]

Ive swapped in Mezcal and either anejo or reposado for PENICILLIN and its GREAT ‼️🙌🏾

[@alexandraluminitatanef9871]

now you got me thinking of some Mezcal cocktails I can try :) thank you !

[@kristopherkneisler570]

As a philly cocktail bartender of more than ten years: your videos are my phucking favorite! thank you so much for the content, youse. youre awesome and wonderful! vielendank

[@frann.8879]

Easy peasy Anders, and such a beautiful color👌👌👌my kind of drink🤗🤗🤗a superb way to start a weekend!👏👏 Have a great weekend and as always “CHEERS!”❤️❤️🥃🥃

[@VinScam17]

Another excellent drink to add to the rotation. Cheers!

[@deanarmstrong8185]

Glasses are beautiful!

[@seejanecook]

I love your bar mat, but very glad you brought back the battle slide

[@AmberHumphrey81]

I made this today in preparation for tomorrow, so I could see how I liked it. I decided to change my bitters to Black Walnut bitters and was very happy with my decision! Lovely cocktail!

[@GreenWitch1]

That sounds nice! Ive never tried Mescal & this seems a great way to get a taste 😊

[@bearxshark]

One of my favorite drinks out there

[@loonypeat312]

I’ve made this drink in the past just as you explained. And yep! It called for the orange peel heated and spritzed over the top. That being said, I just love your videos! Thanks for a great content!

[@pocketjen4136]

I have a bottle of crema de mezcal, I might try making this drink with it and just not adding agave. I love the grapefruit idea.

[@iancryar6431]

I think I may have to try this cocktail 🎉

[@Kang2112]

I'm definitely gonna make that one.

[@lexingtonluthor5637]

This has been my go to drink forna while now.

[@user-kj9vr9zc2m]

Thank you, and happy Cinco de Mayo.

[@Meatloaf125]

The Oaxaca old fashioned is a long-time favorite of mine. When I make them, I do opt for chocolate bitters (easiest one for me to find is Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters, it's basically like a mole bitters), but for the garnish, I dust one side of an orange slice with a little bit of cinnamon, which I think plays really well with the mezcal.

[@spruceschmickington3005]

One of My favourites.

[@Ncurtis03]

I made this recipe with Hornitos Black Barrel tequila and from the smell alone I knew I was on to something good. Definitely worth a try if you have a bottle.

[@kellenholt6655]

Just re-upped on mezcal specifically with this drink in mind, so this video couldn't have come at a better time! 😄 I will say that just like a regular old fashioned, this template is very riff-able. I am a fan of mole bitters (Bittermans makes a good one) in this drink, and I've also swapped the agave nectar for cinnamon syrup, which I find plays nice with the mezcal. If you like spice, hellfire bitters are good in this one, although a little goes a long way. Definitely recommend experimenting! Most of all, this drink checks all the boxes for me for a "complex" cocktail, especially when you use a quality tequila and mezcal. The combo of a good reposado and the aged notes it brings along with the slight smoke of the mezcal and the spice components from the bitters together really do it for me. It is sometimes tricky to get the balance right on this one, but when you do, it really sings.

[@AndersErickson]

Love the cinnamon syrup move. Cheers

[@gazoo3596]

Anders, gotta say i had my doubts, but DAMN dude that is one awesome drink!!! Thanks...

[@schonphotography3430]

Just made this last night! Bitterman’s mole bitters (or similar like Aztec chocolate) take this to the next level

[@takeitfromageek6879]

The Milk District has a drink called The Ghost of Oaxaca. It is Mezcal with coconut milk, orgeat, and lime. I asked the bartender how they get it and they said they muddle jalapeños in it. Best drink I have ever had.

[@eduardofontes6]

Your channel is the only channel about drinks we need, period!

[@MrMoney331]

MMmmmm that is a damn good drink! Great video as always!

[@juliastrasser3766]

Mescal Negronis also work amazingly well!

[@pamfinter5532]

Are you reading my mind?! Considering buying my first bottle of mezcal & also needing to replenish some reposado, and boom 💥 here you are with the perfect drink for both. Can't wait to try it!

[@skeletonmodel]

Make sure to check his video for 5 different margheritas. The spicy smokey one with Mezcal is a perfect summer drink

[@djr488]

Love this drink. Try it with aztec chocolate bitters!

[@benlittlechilds1192]

Do you have a video on your process making those big chunky clear ices?

[@mxpplrsk]

I made a traditional Old Fashioned last night but with Espanita Anejo (hands down, favorite tequila) instead of whiskey and even though I didn't have the suggested Mole Bitters, it was pretty fantastic. This looks good too. Wouldn't have thought of grapefruit but I dig it.

[@philgaraccio3462]

Loved the ‘Spaghetti Western’ style soundtrack, Cheers Amigos

[@StrixyN]

Always love that sweet sweet b-roll!

[@MartinHensel-kp3dm]

I've made your previous rendition of this drink with the flamed orange round, oh, a gazillion times, maybe. But, I've also made it with grapefruit and, I agree, it is equally good. I have added one additional component and that is a rich agave syrup made with hibiscus for a little more Mexico in the drink. It adds a bit more red color and mellow hibiscus depth. Thanks Anders and Oz.

[@bosshogg8273]

I like your schick. Cheers!!

[@scottlei4]

One of my favorites, although I use Hellfire Shrub bitters to add a little kick to the smoke.

[@daneflanigan]

Cheers Phil and Ebanos Crossing!

[@LukeF]

Oaxaca Old Fashioneds are SO tasty. I love making them with Jalapeño infused tequila to give it a little extra capsaicin kick that works super well with the mezcal smoke.

[@zimbronec]

I’m gonna do it full mezcal, I’m Mexican but can’t drink tequila due to bad experiences, but mezc works just fine. Also division bell & drunk and famous are very good cocktails I do from watching you. Thanks

[@brandonfisher6913]

You should try and do an episode where Az makes your 3 favorite cocktails and then YOU come in and taste them at the end!

[@ewiken5529]

Her worst nightmare.. should be a good time!

[@AlonzoTheArmless]

I love these and much prefer a 1/1 split or just mescal. A local Mexican restaurant makes terrific ones.

[@LyK0sa]

It's a great drink. I tend to go 50/50 with ango and mole bitters, and I've also been known to sneak an extra half ounce of overproof blanco in to amp things up (G4 108 works really well) I'd never considered the grapefruit, it seems like an obvious pairing when you think about it though.

[@als.2983]

Thanks for sharing your grapefruit peel riff rationale on the traditional spec. Anders, you always zig when everybody else zags.

[@AndersErickson]

Gotta keep you on your toes

[@chrisclark9209]

I added a couple of extra barspoons of agave, but this is a cocktail that really grows on you.

[@mell_gif]

I have all these ingredients. 😊 Time to mix up this drink 🥃

[@mell_gif]

Hmm that's delicious 😋 Gonna make another after this one with a cherry 🍒

[@Dr_Bombay]

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned is my favorite Old Fashioned. so yummy.

[@samcalderwood5049]

I've always made this with grapefruit bitters.

[@Cosmitzian]

Meanwhile me, an amateur, after seeing mezcal mentioned here and there, "you know, i should buy a bottle", and straight after tasting it "yooo, lemme make an old fashioned out of this" so iiiii.... WENT TO THE BAR, aka my fridge. And that's how i started drinking mezcal old fashioneds once in a blue moon, as it's such a treat i usually like to savour it. But the agave syrup is a nice idea, will give it a shot next time, i've been sticking with my demerara. Also, i can fully understand why people might need to be eased into it, mezcal kicks and tequila they know.. but 15ml of mezcal ? Feels exactly like just a taste. :))

[@DaveJ188]

I've been adding the same amount to my margaritas as well when I want a bit on of a smokey kick in it.

[@icebergmays]

i have an original grain watch.. form 2 years ago. Very nice looking.

[@alexanderclavijo4824]

Thanks a lot men !

[@CoffeinCowboy]

Have you ever heard of Dr. Sours Bitters? It's Bitters on the base of Mezcal. They have a lot in their productline which work amazing in this drink!

[@Letsbelogicalhere]

If I ever have an ad to run, I will pay literally anything to get Anders.

[@snow_poet_from_Ukraine]

Hi Anders! Can you please share how you make your ice rocks?

[@smashkow6920]

I completely forgot there was a song called "The Bumble Bee Tuna Song" and that intro brought it right back to the surface and now it's stuck in my head 😭

[@Mocktailmaking]

It's so funny when he said the time well spent I thought the joke was references his thyme off mocktail he made a while back. Which I absolutely loved and did a review on it but not uploaded yet to my channel but i will soon

[@arturorivera657]

Saludos desde México! I prefer to drink Mezcal. I recommed you the Mezcal Espadin, Tobala or Pechuga from the Montelobos brand. And please do more Mezcal coctails, they taste better with fruits like tamarind, pineapple, orange or hibiscus (jamaica)

[@scorpiorysing]

I agree, I have the Pechuga, brought it back from Mexico, it's pretty good!

[@mikev.2945]

I really like Banhez Espadin. Great Mezcal. We'll use that to make a spicy shaken "margarita" with a little muddled jalapeño. Going to try the above drink as well, this weekend.

[@chrisconnolly4603]

Love this. How about a paloma with 4 or 5 dashes of tobasco chipotle. Nice twang and the last 3 sips are awesome

[@redz_ca]

Bumblebee tuna; sounds like an original cocktail in the making 😉

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Having worked for Franklin Mortgage and investment guys…I drank many of these👍. The Restraining Order is one of my fav tequila old fashioned riffs ever.

[@stevenkeller3047]

I love Old Fashioneds, I'll have to give this one a try. Hey, Anders, if I need a little help workshopping a cocktail, is there a place I can write you...if I don't use social media? Can't wait for your next video.

[@user-pk9yk3fw7f]

Now that's one very sessionable old fashioned variant, I now want to split my whiskey old fashioned this way with an aged blended scotch and one of the big smoky Islay malts like Ardbeg Uigeadail, thanks Anders.

[@chriskervian8523]

Legit was making “Oaxaca sunshine” Saturday night for the Canelo fight … definitely gotta try this as a mezcal and old fashioned fan 💪💪💪

[@David-hm9ic]

And all of the good merch is out of stock! Love the rocks glasses!

[@AndersErickson]

Just confirmed the rocks glasses are back in stock! Cheers

[@fretless05]

Not all mezcal is heavily smoky... I have made something like this with only mezcal. One of my favorite mezcals is Mi Mama Me Dijo and it's only slightly smoky. I use that mezcal, agave nectar, and a blood orange or grapefruit bitters, garnished with an expressed orange peel. That's my recipe, which I share only to point out that the mixture of tequila and Mezxcal can be adjusted based on the final flavor desired and the smokiness of your mezcal of choice.

[@scravywarhog]

Been waiting all day for this! (Viewer from Europe here)

[@AndersErickson]

Cheers. Enjoy the weekend!

[@maxperkins1166]

The glassware looks great, cocktail looks better. Next paycheck may have to treat myself to some merch...

[@cassanthemum4158]

Oh my giddy aunt, where have you been... ? I love your vids! I'm a 60 yr old gym rat gramma who is finally gonna be a bartender. I've always wanted to be one but allowed myself to be talked out of it. You so totally rock!

[@fisch723]

I first heard of and enjoyed this drink in Philly like 10(?) years ago. Best drink I ever had. The following week I was in a comedy club in NYC and asked if they could make a mezcal old fashioned. Waitress said she would ask. She comes back a few mins later with the drink and says, "Oh my god, everyone in the back says you're a genius." I took the credit.

[@brandenhellman4381]

Mmmmmmmmmm. Yummmmmmeeee

[@parkerparker9622]

What mixing glass brand is this? I love it.

[@DollarDude]

Instead of a cherry, how about a cube of dried guava to fit with the Oaxaca theme?

[@brianherman503]

That outro tune is coooooool

[@woodbut1]

On the intro...I wasn't expecting it to be pronounced like that......also as soon as you said Tequila my taste buds went into overdrive. Thanks' for uploading matey :O)

[@philipschlesinger7595]

For those of us allergic to citrus (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit), what would you suggest as a substitute?

[@bennimaj_]

I like to do a dash each of ango, chocolate and orange bitters in mine

[@mariogonzales5156]

Video suggestion: Best cocktail bars/lounges in different parts of the U.S. or even around the world. I think it’d be cool to see a mix of historic and modern places where we could find the types of cocktails you showcase on your channel. ps Love the channel, keep up the great work!