Citrus-Pressed Mezcal Old Fashioned
A smoky and balanced Old Fashioned using mezcal, highlighted by fresh citrus oils and a touch of agave sweetness. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs mezcal, agave nectar, dashes Angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1/4 oz agave nectar
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 oz mezcal, 1/4 oz agave nectar, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters into a mixing glass filled halfway with large ice cubes.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 3: Strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express the oils of 1 wide orange peel over the surface by holding it skin side down above the glass and twisting firmly, then rub the peel around the rim and rest it on the ice as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Pressed Mezcal Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Pressed Mezcal Old Fashioned?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mezcal from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Pressed Mezcal Old Fashioned?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Pressed Mezcal Old Fashioned for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus-Pressed Mezcal Old Fashioned?
Cocktails quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
