Spaghetti Western

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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 fermented blue agave and yeast, which are distilled and then briefly aged to develop a balanced, slightly oaky flavor.

Mezcal: This is a spirit made in Mexico with fermented agave and yeast, which are distilled after roasting agave hearts in underground pits to develop a smoky, complex flavor.

Amaro Nonino Quintessentia: This is a liqueur made in Italy with a blend of herbs, roots, citrus, and spices, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended, infused, and aged to develop a bittersweet, aromatic flavor.

Orange Bitters: This is a concentrated flavoring made with orange peels, herbs, spices, botanicals, and distilled alcohol, which are macerated or steeped to develop a slightly bitter citrus flavor.

Grapefruit Twist: This is the peel of a grapefruit that has been twisted into a corkscrew shape.

Brands I Used

• 🔗 Arette Tequila Reposado
• 🔗 Ilegal Mezcal Joven
• 🔗 Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
• 🔗 Woodford Reserve Orange Bitters

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface and used for catching spills, providing grip for glasses and tools, and keeping the workspace clean and organized.

Jigger: This is a small double-sided tool with different volume measurements on each side that’s used for accurately portioning ingredients.

Mixing Glass: This is a sturdy glass vessel with a wide opening that’s used for stirring cocktails with ice before straining and serving.

Julep Strainer: This is a round metal strainer with a perforated bowl shape and handle that’s used for straining stirred cocktails from a mixing glass while holding back ice and solids.

Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used for stirring cocktails, layering ingredients, and reaching the bottom of tall glasses and mixing vessels.

Peeler: This is a handheld kitchen tool with a sharp blade that’s used for removing thin strips of peel from fruits and vegetables.

Lowball Glass: This is a short, wide glass with a thick base that’s used for serving cocktails with ice or spirits neat.

Tools I Used

• 🔗 A Bar Above 18×12 Premium Bar Mat
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Japanese Jigger
• 🔗 Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Julep Strainer
• 🔗 Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon
• 🔗 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.