Tequila Old-Fashioned

The old-fashioned is one of the classic cocktails that has seen a major revival in the last few years. It’s a simple but classy sipper, with minimal ingredients that showcase the flavor of the spirits. If you’re familiar with old-fashioneds, then you know that this drink is usually made with whiskey or bourbon. But have you ever sipped a tequila old-fashioned?

What is a tequila old-fashioned?

A tequila old-fashioned is an old-fashioned made with tequila instead of bourbon, brandy or other traditional spirits (yes, a Wisconsin old-fashioned is made with brandy). It’s blended with bitters and agave syrup for sweetness, then served over ice with a twist of orange.

Ingredients for Tequila Old-Fashioned

• Tequila: The type of tequila you use is really important in a tequila old-fashioned recipe. Because an old-fashioned is all about savoring the flavor of the liquor, the best type of tequila to use is an añejo—”aged”—tequila.
• Agave syrup: Agave syrup (or agave nectar) is boiled sap from the agave plant. This plant is commonly found in the southwestern United States, Central America and South America.
• Angostura bitters: Avid cocktail makers need no introduction to Angostura bitters. Bartenders love this brand of bitters for its perfectly balanced infusion of aromatics, spices and botanicals.
• Orange peel: A strip of orange peel, twisted over the drink to express the oils, is the classic garnish for old-fashioned and for this tequila old-fashioned. I like to add the peel to the drink, but it can also be left out for a more subtle orange flavor.
• Cocktail cherries: An old-fashioned comes standard with cocktail cherries. My favorite cherries for mixed drink recipes are Luxardo maraschino cherries.

Directions

Step 1: Add the drink ingredients to a glass

Add the añejo tequila, agave syrup and bitters to a rocks or lowball glass, and stir them together. Place one or two ice cubes in the glass and stir until the drink is chilled.

Step 2: Garnish and serve

Hold the orange peel over the top of the glass and twist the ends in opposite directions. If you watch closely, a light mist of orange peel oils will shower into the drink. Then, drop the orange peel into the glass. If desired, garnish the drink with a cocktail cherry.

Your tequila old-fashioned is ready to sip.

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Recipe Variations

• Try another sweetener: Not a fan of agave syrup? Muddle a brown sugar cube into the bottom of the glass with the Angostura bitters and a bit of the tequila until the sugar has fully dissolved.
• Change the tequila: Anejo tequila is undoubtedly the best tequila for this old-fashioned. However, if all you have on hand is reposado tequila, and you can’t bear the thought of trekking to the store, you can use that instead. Just promise us that you won’t use blanco tequila.

Can you make a tequila old-fashioned ahead of time?

Yes, you can make part of a tequila old-fashioned ahead of time. Pour the añejo tequila, agave syrup and bitters into a mason jar and stir them together. Tightly seal the lid and store the drink in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to serve, put one or two ice cubes in a rocks or lowball glass, and pour the drink over top. Garnish the cocktail with the orange peel and cherries, if desired.

Tequila Old-Fashioned Tips

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How can I make a smoky tequila old-fashioned?

Chef and Frontera Grill restaurateur Rick Bayless gives his tequila old-fashioned a hint of smoky flavor by adding mild ancho chiles. To make it, soak a dried ancho chile in warm water until it’s soft. Slice open the chile, remove the seeds, then cut off a small piece. Add the chile piece to the glass just before the ice, muddling the pepper a little with the spoon to release its flavor. Add the ice, stir the cocktail and serve.

How should I serve a tequila old-fashioned?

A tequila old-fashioned is spicy and oaky, with hints of citrus, vanilla and caramel. Therefore, we recommend serving it with heavier Mexican recipes like smoky sweet potato and black bean enchiladas, carne asada, cheesy chiles rellenos, chipotle carnitas or a gorgeous flan de queso.

Watch How to Make Tequila Old-Fashioned