1pt Veracruz Old Fashioned Recipe

1pt Veracruz Old Fashioned
This Old Fashioned throws tradition to the side, reaching for tequila instead of whiskey, and pulling in flavors that run deep in Veracruz - where vanilla was first used by the indigenous Totanacs. Infused with dark vanilla, clove, and allspice, the tequila turns smoky and rich, with just a hint of sweetness to round it out. This one's made to be batched for a crowd, the kind of cocktail that fills the room with good energy. And with a mocktail version that packs the same punch, everyone gets to taste something unapologetically bold, with a story worth savoring.

STEP 1 - Easy All-Natural Infusion

Infuse Your Spirit:
Combine a 1pt Spiced Vanilla Infusion Blend Packet with 375ml of tequila in any lidded container. Let it infuse for 3-4 hours, then strain, and reserve the infused spirit for your cocktails. (No need to refrigerate - infused spirits can be stored indefinitely at room temperature)

1pt Spiced Vanilla Infusion Blend Ingredients:
Vanilla Rooibos, Black Mao Feng, Decorated Rooibos, Allspice, Clove, Elderberry - no sugar, gluten, dairy, nuts, additives, or preservatives

Mocktail* Version:
Substitute water or a zero-proof spirit for the alcohol in this infusion and follow the same steps. (Non-alcoholic infusions should be refrigerated and used within 30 days)

STEP 2 - Mix Your Drink

Mixing Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. For batching, combine all ingredients in a pitcher with ice (adding 4 oz of water to mimic dilution from stirring) and serve as normal.

Garnish:
Garnish with an orange wheel and a vanilla pod.

STEP 3 - Enjoy!

For an Added Twist:
Add a dash of chocolate bitters to enhance the depth of flavors.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
Cocktails shine especially brightly alongside appetizers that bring out their full range of flavors. For this cocktail, try these ideas based on the vibe you’re going for:

• Simple & Satisfying: Crispy tortilla chips with mole-infused black bean dip – warm, earthy black beans with a touch of rich mole, offering a smoky depth that plays off the vanilla and spice in the cocktail.
• Classic & Comforting: Carnitas tostadas – crispy tostadas layered with tender, slow-cooked pork, a dash of smoky salsa, and a touch of pickled onions, offering a savory contrast to the cocktail’s smooth, spiced notes.
• Elevated & Elegant: Tuna aguachile – slices of fresh tuna bathed in a bright, citrusy chili marinade, balanced with thin slices of cucumber and avocado, bringing a light, refreshing counterpoint to the tequila’s depth and warmth.