How to Make a Classic Mexican Pasilla Old Fashioned

If you're a fan of classic cocktails and bold flavors, the Pasilla Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on the traditional Old Fashioned. This cocktail, infused with the rich, smoky flavors of pasilla peppers, showcases the beauty of Mexican ingredients while maintaining the sophistication of the classic drink. Follow these simple steps to create your own Pasilla Old Fashioned at home.

Ingredients

To make a Classic Mexican Pasilla Old Fashioned, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 oz. of aged tequila or mezcal
• 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp of simple syrup)
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 dash of orange bitters
• 1 large pasilla chili (dried)
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Pasilla Old Fashioned:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasilla Infusion

Start by infusing the pasilla chili into the tequila or mezcal. To do this, take the dried pasilla chili and gently toast it over a flame or in a dry skillet for a few seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Once toasted, combine the chile with the tequila or mezcal in a jar or container. Allow the mixture to infuse for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a stronger flavor. Strain the infusion to remove the chili pieces before making the cocktail.

Step 2: Mixing the Cocktail

In an Old Fashioned glass, place the sugar cube and douse it with the Angostura and orange bitters. Muddle the sugar cube and bitters together until the sugar dissolves. If you’re using simple syrup, combine it with the bitters instead.

Add the infused tequila or mezcal to the glass and stir gently. This allows the flavors to merge beautifully.

Step 3: Add Ice

Fill the glass with large ice cubes, which melt slower and help maintain the cocktail's integrity. Stir the mixture again to chill and combine the ingredients.

Step 4: Garnish

To finish, express the oils from an orange peel over the top of the cocktail. This adds an aromatic freshness that complements the smoky notes of the pasilla. Optionally, you can add the peel itself to the glass as a garnish.

Enjoy Your Pasilla Old Fashioned

Now that you have prepared your Classic Mexican Pasilla Old Fashioned, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy this innovative cocktail. The interplay of the traditional Old Fashioned ingredients with the deep, smoky flavor of pasilla chili makes for a truly unique drinking experience.

This cocktail is perfect for special occasions, cozy nights in, or whenever you want to impress your friends with your mixology skills. Cheers!