Tequila Old Fashioned
- Glass
- Rocks
- Difficulty
- Easy
- ABV
- ~28%
Ingredients
- 2 ozreposado tequila60 ml
- ¼ ozagave syrup7 ml
- 2 dashesangostura bitters2 dashes
- 1 dashorange bitters1 dash
Instructions
Combine reposado tequila, agave syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 25–30 rotations until well-chilled and properly diluted. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express an orange peel over the surface, run it around the rim, and drop it in. The Tequila Old Fashioned showcases aged tequila's complexity in the most classic cocktail format.
Sips & Tips
Technique
Use agave syrup (diluted 1:1 with water) instead of simple syrup — it reinforces the tequila's agave character and creates a more cohesive drink. Stir well; the reposado's oak notes need dilution to open up. A large ice cube is essential for slow dilution as you sip.
Balance
Choose a quality reposado tequila with good oak character — Fortaleza, El Tesoro, or Siete Leguas are excellent choices. The agave syrup should be real agave nectar, not corn syrup-based imitations. The combination of Angostura and orange bitters adds warm spice and citrus that complement the tequila's natural flavors.
History
The Tequila Old Fashioned is a modern adaptation that emerged from the craft cocktail movement in the 2000s. As bartenders began treating tequila with the same respect as whiskey, the Old Fashioned template was a natural fit for aged expressions. Phil Ward at Death & Co was among the first to popularize agave-based stirred drinks.
The Tequila Old Fashioned proves that great tequila deserves the same treatment as great whiskey — minimal ingredients, maximum respect for the spirit. Cheers.
Variations
Añejo Old Fashioned
Use añejo tequila for a richer, more oak-forward version. The longer aging adds vanilla and caramel notes that make the drink taste closer to a traditional bourbon Old Fashioned.
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Tequila Old Fashioned
Glass: Rocks | Difficulty: Easy | ABV: ~28%
Ingredients
- 2 oz reposado tequila
- ¼ oz agave syrup
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
Instructions
Combine reposado tequila, agave syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 25–30 rotations until well-chilled and properly diluted. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express an orange peel over the surface, run it around the rim, and drop it in. The Tequila Old Fashioned showcases aged tequila's complexity in the most classic cocktail format.