Pineapple Mezcal Old Fashioned

Out with the Old (Fashioned) and in with the new. This fall, try our recipe for a fun twist on the classic Old Fashioned: a smoky pineapple mezcal old fashioned. 

While this may not be a traditional recipe, this pineapple mezcal cocktail is the perfect blend of flavors to ease us into the fall season. The bright and citrusy pineapple mixed with the smokey and earthy mezcal is perfect for sipping on a cool autumn night around the campfire. 

Classic Cocktails With A Twist

Recently we watched a MasterClass by Italian chef Massimo Bottura that really struck a chord with us. He discussed his passion for evolving and modernizing classic recipes, perfectly putting into words what we feel is our approach to cooking. Recipes are meant to guide you, not restrict you, because half the fun of cooking is in the experimentation. 

We’re never ones to let a “traditional” recipe prevent us from putting our own unique twist on the ingredients, method, or flavor profile. So that’s exactly how we approached creating this unique pineapple mezcal cocktail! 

Craft cocktails are one of the best ways for us to experiment with modern takes on classic recipes, and this pineapple mezcal old fashioned is no exception. A traditional old fashioned actually embodies the original definition of a “cocktail” – a drink made of spirits, water, sugar, and bitters. While an old fashioned uses bourbon, water, a sugar cube, and Angostura bitters, our pineapple mezcal old fashioned takes on a slightly different interpretation of these four components.

Whether you are a cocktail enthusiast, or merely a cocktail enjoyer, you have likely seen many different versions of the old fashioned at bars and restaurants. As the old fashioned has been around and much loved since the mid 1800s, it has seen a lot of variation over the decades. 

So naturally, as amateur cocktail enthusiasts, we decided to share our take on this classic cocktail.

Pineapple Mezcal Cocktail Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make our pineapple mezcal old fashioned:

• Espadin mezcal
• Pineapple juice
• Fresh lime juice
• Orange bitters
• Simple syrup
• Pineapple wedge (optional garnish)

Our adaptation of the old fashioned features mezcal as the base ingredient in place of the traditional bourbon. The mezcal provides the same smokiness and depth of flavor as a bourbon or whiskey, but also includes earthy and fruity notes.

We specifically like espadin mezcal for two reasons:

1. It is the most common type of mezcal, so it’s easy to find
2. It has balanced flavor and similar notes to tequila, so it’s a great starter mezcal

Much like how you should only use a bourbon you’re willing to sip alone in an old fashioned, we recommend only using a mezcal you would sip plain in this pineapple mezcal cocktail. You’ll really taste the mezcal in this cocktail, so the quality can make or break this drink.

Instead of using sugar and water, we opted for simple syrup to make this mezcal cocktail recipe easy. We then added lime juice and orange bitters in place of Angostura bitters. The citrusy flavors complement the smoky mezcal and balance the sweetness for a nice, smooth sip.

Add a little pineapple juice, and this citrusy mezcal old fashioned will make you think you’re sitting on the beach enjoying a nice bonfire sunset. 

How To Make The Best Mezcal Cocktail

This pineapple mezcal cocktail recipe is super easy to make. Here are the steps we recommend for making the best mezcal old fashioned: 

1. Choose the right glass – This is extremely important. Much like plating a dinner, cocktail presentation is an art and can change how the cocktail feels and tastes. We recommend a small, modern whiskey or rocks glass for this mezcal cocktail. Since it’s a sipper, choose a glass that properly fits the drink – not overflowing, but not a sad pour. And a modern glass hints at the fresh take on the cocktail inside.
2. Add a small amount of ice to the glass – We love using a single, giant ice cube or sphere for this cocktail. This provides just the right amount of ice to chill the drink, but less surface area than multiple “standard” cubes. This means that your drink will stay cold without getting watered down too quickly.
3. Add the remaining ingredients – mezcal, pineapple juice, lime juice, and a dash of orange bitters and simple syrup.
4. Stir to chill, and serve – optionally garnished with a pineapple wedge!

How Much Is A Dash?

If you are wondering how much is a dash of liquid, you’re not alone. As a dash is mostly used when measuring liquids for cocktails, not everyone has come across the term, let alone had to actually measure it. 

A dash of liquid is generally measured as one bar spoon full. However, it turns out bar spoons also vary in volume, but they generally range from ⅙ of an ounce to ⅛ of an ounce. This gives a good starting point but cocktails aren’t an exact science, so we suggest finding what works best for your taste.