Smoky, citrusy, and just the right amount of sweet—this cocktail is a little bold, a little mysterious, and totally irresistible. The Oaxaca cocktail (pronounced wah-HAH-kah) brings the earthy, smoky magic of mezcal into your glass, balanced with bright lime and a touch of sweetness.
Oaxaca
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. It’s simple, but it always feels like a special treat.
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Old-fashioned or rocks glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) mezcal
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
– ½ oz (15 ml) agave syrup
– 1 dash orange bitters
– Ice
– Orange peel (for garnish)
Equipment
– Cocktail shaker
– Jigger or measuring spoons
– Old-fashioned glass
– Strainer
– Lighter or match (for the garnish)
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your old-fashioned glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you make the drink. This keeps everything nice and cool.
- Add the ingredients to a shaker. Pour in the mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup, and orange bitters.
- Fill the shaker with ice. Then shake it hard for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold. You’re waking everything up and getting it icy-cold.
- Strain into your chilled glass. Fill the glass with fresh ice first, then strain the cocktail over it.
- Garnish with a flamed orange peel. Hold a strip of orange peel over the drink. Warm it with a lighter until you smell the oils, then give it a quick squeeze over the glass to release them. Drop it in or rest it on the rim.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lime juice. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same zing.
– Chill your glass. It keeps the cocktail crisp and balanced longer.
– Try different mezcals. Some are smokier than others—find what you like best.
– Flaming the orange peel adds aroma and a little drama. Don’t skip it!
Make-Ahead Notes
If you’re making drinks for a group, mix the mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup, and bitters in a pitcher ahead of time (without ice). Keep it chilled and shake individual servings with ice when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredient Swaps
– No agave syrup? Use honey or simple syrup. Honey adds a slightly richer flavor.
– Want less sugar? Try a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
– No orange bitters? A dash of Angostura will still work, though the citrus note will be softer.
– Looking for a twist? Swap lime for grapefruit juice for a tangier version.
Storage
Once mixed, it’s best to enjoy your Oaxaca fresh. But if you’ve pre-batched it for a party (without ice), it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir well before pouring.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with food. Here are a few ideas:
Grilled Meats
The smoky mezcal and charred steak or grilled chicken are a match made in heaven.
Seafood
Try it with shrimp tacos or ceviche. The lime in the drink balances the richness of the seafood.
Dark Chocolate Desserts
A small piece of dark chocolate or a flourless chocolate cake brings out the drink’s depth. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
I’ve made this drink countless times—here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: start with less agave syrup and taste as you go. Mezcal brands vary, and a touch more or less sweetness can make all the difference.
Variations to Try
Smoky Margarita
– Swap the agave syrup for ½ oz (15 ml) triple sec
– Rim the glass with salt
– Shake and serve over ice
Sunset Oaxaca
– Add ½ oz (15 ml) cranberry juice
– Garnish with a lime wheel
– Adds a fruity twist and beautiful color
Herbal Oaxaca
– Muddle a sprig of rosemary or thyme with the lime juice
– Adds an earthy, aromatic layer to the drink
Virgin Oaxaca
– Use strong brewed lapsang souchong tea instead of mezcal
– Mix with lime juice and agave syrup
– Shake with ice and serve like the original
It’s a great option if you’re skipping alcohol but still want that smoky, citrusy vibe.
FAQs
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests. Mix everything but the ice in a pitcher and keep it cold. Shake individual servings with ice before pouring.
How do I flame an orange peel?
Hold a strip of orange peel over your cocktail. Warm the peel with a lighter for a few seconds, then squeeze it gently to release the oils. You’ll see a quick spark and smell the citrus instantly.
Is bottled lime juice okay?
It’ll do in a pinch, but fresh lime juice really makes a difference in flavor.
What’s the best mezcal for this cocktail?
Look for a joven (young) mezcal—it’s clear and typically smoother. Brands like Del Maguey Vida or Banhez are great starters.
Can I tone down the smokiness?
Yes! Use 1 oz mezcal and 1 oz tequila to mellow the smoke while keeping the agave flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Oaxaca cocktail is simple to make but big on flavor. Whether you’re new to mezcal or already a fan, this drink is a great way to explore its smoky charm. It’s bold, balanced, and surprisingly easy to fall in love with. Perfect for sipping slowly and savoring.
Want to make it a full evening? Serve it with grilled carne asada, a side of guacamole, and finish with dark chocolate truffles. Or just enjoy it solo—you really can’t go wrong.
