Jeremiah and I were enjoying the evening sunset by the pool at our ocean-side apartment on the south coast of Puerto Vallarta. We were struck by thirst. ‘Let’s make Old Fashions.’ Then I realized we’d ran out Bourbon, their main component. But we did have Mezcal, so I thought hmmm…. Why not give it a try? The result was a smokier and delicious version on the classic Old Fashion. It’s been one of our favorite cocktails ever since.

A few days later we were dining at Joe Jack’s Fish Shack in the center of town, and the bartender asked what we’d like. We ordered Mezcal Old Fashions. I walked him through how we had made them. His were perfect and delicious and so much so that Jack, the owner, stopped by and wanted to try one as well. Then for a long time after it was on the menu “JT’s Mezcal Old Fashion.”