Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned Recipe

This Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned recipe is a twist on the classic whiskey-based Old Fashioned cocktail. Aged, añejo tequila along with agave syrup and cocoa bitters breathes fresh life into this classic cocktail.

This cocktail really couldn’t be easier, it’s only made with 3 ingredients! And the flavor of those 3 ingredients pack a punch, in terms of flavor and complexity.

This Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned has a rich, nuanced flavor of caramel and oak. Plus, you can mix up the ingredients slightly to make your own variation very easily!

Ingredient Notes

Tequila – I used añejo tequila as this type of tequila is aged for at least a year in oak barrels, which gives the cocktail complexity.

Agave nectar – Sometimes called agave syrup, it comes from the sap of the agave plant. It tends to have an earthy, vanilla-like flavor that compliments the tequila well. Plus, tequila and agave nectar are derived from the same plant.

Cocoa bitters – This adds a subtle, extra layer of chocolate flavor that compliments the caramel, vanilla, and woody notes of the rest of the cocktail.

Orange peel – Having an orange peel for a garnish is more than just for looks. Breathing in the fresh citrusy aroma from the orange oil when you lean your nose into the glass gives a balance to the other bitter and earthy flavors of the cocktail.

Best Tequila for an Old Fashioned

You’ll want to use an añejo or reposado tequila for a Tequila Old Fashioned. Both of these tequilas are aged but for different amounts of time in oak barrels. Añejo is aged for at least one year; whereas, reposado is aged between two months and one year. 

Reposado will give a lighter flavor and more vanilla notes, and añejo gives a bolder, more complex flavor. I would recommend steering clear of silver or blanco tequila as it would make the flavor quite bland, in my opinion.

Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have agave nectar available, try using simple syrup. You can try my homemade pumpkin spice syrup for a fall spin or my rosemary simple syrup. I used the rosemary syrup in my Smoked Rosemary Old Fashioned and it turned was perfect!
  • Keep in mind that agave nectar is sweeter than simple syrup so you will have to adjust accordingly. I would increase the amount of simple syrup to 1 ounce instead of the ½ ounce of agave syrup.

• Try Mole or Orange Bitters if you want a different option for the bitters.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the tequila and agave nectar to a mixing glass.

Step 2: Add a few dashes of bitters and ice to the glass. Using a long spoon (or bar spoon), stir for at least 30 seconds. 

Step 3: Use a cocktail strainer to strain the cocktail into an old fashioned glass filled with ice (preferably a large cube). Garnish with an orange peel twist. 

Expert Tips

Use a large, oversized piece of ice (round or square) in your finished cocktail to allow for slower dilution. The smaller surface area of one large cube will dilute your drink’s flavor at a much slower rate. And, if you use clear ice, instead of cloudy, it will slow down the melt rate down further – I make my large, clear cubes with this special ice tray from Amazon.

When stirring an Old Fashioned in a mixing glass, make sure to stir for at least 30 seconds to properly chill the drink. If you don’t have a mixing glass, you can use a large glass measuring cup.

Use a vegetable peeler for safety when making an orange peel garnish.