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Cocktail History
The Spaghetti Western is a modern cocktail that was created in 2011 by Jessica Gonzalez at Death & Company in New York City, New York. Described as a variation of Death & Company’s famous Oaxaca Old Fashioned, this version of the recipe calls for tequila and mezcal as the base spirits plus some bitters for complexity, but it also adds Amaro Nonino, a citrus-forward Italian liqueur and the “spaghetti” noted in the drink’s name.
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. I used Arette Tequila Reposado.
Mezcal: This is a spirit made in Mexico with agave, sugar, and alcohol that is aged in an underground pit lined with wood. I used Ilegal Mezcal Joven.
Amaro Nonino Quintessentia: This is a bitter liqueur made in Italy with grappa, fruits, herbs, botanicals, and alcohol.
Orange Bitters: This is a food product made with oranges, botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. I used Angostura Orange Bitters.
Grapefruit Twist: This is the peel of a grapefruit that has been twisted into a corkscrew shape.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I 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. I used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I 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. I used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
Peeler: This is used to remove the garnish peel from the citrus. I used the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler Set.
Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Vibrant orange gold hue
• Aroma: Strong grapefruit with notes of agave’s earthiness
• Taste: Strong, dry taste of tequila followed by a unique combination of citrus and smoky mezcal
• Finish: Herbal twinge with amaro bitterness
Kendall’s Take
“The Spaghetti Western is a cocktail that fully embraces a bold, spirits-forward style. Mezcal takes center stage, supported by other strong ingredients that give the drink its distinctive character. It’s the kind of recipe that showcases the depth and intensity mezcal can bring to a cocktail. For anyone who enjoys robust, smoky drinks, I can just about guarantee this one will make a memorable impression.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was found in the book Mezcal + Tequila Cocktails: Mixed Drinks for the Golden Age of Agave by Robert Simonson.
Spaghetti Western
Description
The Spaghetti Western is a modern cocktail created in 2011 by Jessica Gonzalez at Death & Company in New York City. A twist on the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, it blends tequila and mezcal with bitters and Amaro Nonino—the “spaghetti” in the name—for a layered, citrus-forward sip.
Ingredients
Method
Add tequila, Amaro Nonino, mezcal, and bitters to a mixing glass.
Fill mixing glass with cubed ice.
Using a bar spoon, stir for 30-45 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
Add a clear ice cube to a lowball glass.
Using a julep strainer, strain into lowball glass.
Garnish with grapefruit twist.
