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Cocktail History
The Sabueso Old Fashioned is a Sips From Scripts original cocktail that was created as a variation of the Oaxaca Old Fashioned by Phil Ward of Death & Company. The recipe uses a smoky and sweet combination of agave spirits and dessert flavors, most of which come from a caramel coffee syrup. This special ingredient was also the inspiration for the drink’s name: “sabueso” is Spanish for the word “hound” and was chosen as a nod to both the syrup company’s canine-inspired branding and the cocktail’s tequila and mezcal base.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Tequila Reposado: This is a type of tequila made in Mexico with blue agave, sugar, and alcohol that is aged from two to twelve months. We used Arette Tequila Reposado because it has a light and peppery flavor. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Ritual Zero-Proof Tequila Alternative in place of the tequila.
Mezcal: This is a spirit made in Mexico with agave, sugar, and alcohol that is aged in an underground pit lined with wood. We used Del Maguey Vida Mezcal because it has a palatable mezcal flavor with notes of ginger, cinnamon, and tangerine. For a mocktail version of this drink, try MONDAY Zero Alcohol Mezcal in place of the mezcal.
Caramel Coffee Syrup: This is a sweetener made with caramel, coffee, sugar, and water. We used JACK Cocktail Syrups Caramel Coffee Syrup because it’s rich and flavorful and $1 for every bottle purchased is donated to animal charities.
Coffee & Cocoa Bitters: This is a food product made with coffee beans, cocoa, botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. We used Crude Bitters & Sodas “Big Bear” Coffee & Cocoa Bitters.
Orange Peel: This the peel of an orange that is cut into a strip.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Mixing Glass: This is used to hold the ingredients while they’re being stirred. We used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. We used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is stirred. We used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
Ice Mold: This is used to make a clear ice cube. We used the BERLINZO Premium Clear Ice Cube Maker Mold.
Peeler: This is used to remove the garnish peel from the citrus. We used the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler Set.
Tasting Notes
The Sabueso Old Fashioned features prevalent smoky and citrus aromas and a hit of the agave spirits in the first taste, followed by sweet caramel and dark coffee notes as it lingers in the mouth and the sting of mezcal plus the bitterness of coffee as you swallow.
Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: Although a fairly simple beverage, wow, is the Sabueso Old Fashioned ever delicious—even to Kendall who doesn’t usually drink Old Fashioneds, mezcal, or coffee-flavored anything! The syrup adds a flavorful and sweet coffee backbone to it that’s brightened up immensely with just a drop of complementing bitters. The smokiness of the mezcal is also present in the swallow but fairly subdued elsewhere by the flavors of the syrup, making it a very pleasant drink that’s almost dessert-style in its profile.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Recipe
Add tequila, mezcal, caramel coffee syrup, coffee & cocoa bitters, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a lowball glass over a clear ice cube.
Garnish with orange peel.
Ingredients
Directions
Add tequila, mezcal, caramel coffee syrup, coffee & cocoa bitters, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a lowball glass over a clear ice cube.
Garnish with orange peel.
Make It a Mocktail: Use Ritual Zero-Proof Tequila Alternative in place of the tequila and MONDAY Zero Alcohol Mezcal in place of the mezcal to try a booze-free version of this drink.
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More Tequila Cocktails
If you like this tequila-based cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
Wild Rose: A tequila and dry sparkling wine cocktail made with pineapple gum syrup, maraschino liqueur, Angostura aromatic bitters, and a orange twist
Mexican Firing Squad: A pineapple jalapeño tequila cocktail made with lime juice, grenadine, Angostura aromatic bitters, and a lime wedge
Salted Sage Paloma: A tequila cocktail made with grapefruit juice, lime juice, salted sage syrup, soda water, and sage
Mocha Spiked Horchata: A tequila cocktail made with horchata, cold-brew coffee, chocolate bitters, and ground cinnamon
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