Tequila Old Fashioned

A Tequila Old Fashioned is a unique twist on the classic whiskey cocktail. Aged añejo tequila keeps this elegant drink smooth and boozy, while the two types of bitters create a more nuanced flavor profile. 

What Is an Old Fashioned Cocktail? 

The IBA defines an Old Fashioned as a classic cocktail that’s made with rye or bourbon whiskey, a sugar cube, angostura bitters, and a splash of water. It’s traditionally garnished with an orange slice or twist and a cocktail cherry. 

To make a whiskey Old Fashioned, a sugar cube is saturated with bitters and water, then muddled before the whiskey is poured over the top. It’s incredibly simple, but that’s the beauty of an Old Fashioned cocktail! 

Why is it called an Old Fashioned? Well, it’s thought to be the “original” cocktail. The traditional base for cocktails used to be: spirit + sugar + water + bitters — sound familiar? 

Whiskey cocktails became very popular in the US in the 1800s, but by the 1870s bartenders started adding other liquors and flavoring agents to create more complex cocktails.

Anyone who didn’t want the extra bells and whistles added to their cocktails started asking for “old fashioned” whiskey cocktails, and the name stuck. 

An Old Fashioned is meant to be sipped slowly. It’s often served as a digestif to enjoy after dinner to aid in digestion.  

How Does This Version Differ? 

Instead of using whiskey, I made this Old Fashioned recipe with tequila. Specifically, I used añejo tequila.

I used añejo tequila because, like whiskey, it’s been aged to give it a richer, deeper flavor. This type of tequila adds subtle notes of vanilla and cinnamon to the cocktail.

Although tequila certainly changes the flavor of the Old Fashioned, it pays homage to the original recipe by exchanging one aged liquor for another. 

What Does a Tequila Old Fashioned Taste Like? 

This añejo tequila Old Fashioned is incredibly smooth, with a slightly sweet and spicy flavor. You can taste hints of caramel, vanilla, and agave in the cocktail, and there’s a subtle citrus flavor that works well with the rich tequila. 

It’s definitely a boozy cocktail, so I recommend sipping it slowly so you can properly enjoy the nuanced flavors. 

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Tools Needed for This Cocktail 

You’ll need very few cocktail-making tools to prepare this fall tequila cocktail.  

• Cocktail mixing glass — For preparing the cocktail mixture. If you don’t have a mixing glass, use a liquid measuring cup or an old jar. 
• Cocktail spoon — For stirring the ingredients together. 
• Cocktail strainer — For straining the cocktail mixture into the prepared glass. 
• Vegetable peeler — For removing a large swatch of orange zest. 
• Glass for serving — A lowball or rocks glass is the traditional choice, but use what you have.  

​​Ingredients in a Tequila Old Fashioned 

Like the classic cocktail, making an Old Fashioned with tequila requires minimal ingredients. As such, it’s important that you use high-quality tequila since that’s the main flavor you’re going to taste in this drink.  

• Añejo Tequila
• Agave Nectar
• Chocolate Bitters
• Orange Bitters
• Orange 

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

What Is Añejo Tequila? 

“Old” tequila is tequila that’s been aged for at least one year. This results in a darkly colored, richly flavored tequila with hints of butterscotch and caramel.

The rich flavor of this type of tequila is best enjoyed straight, but since the Old Fashioned is such a simple cocktail you can still taste the nuanced flavors of the añejo tequila! 

Añejo tequila is typically aged in old whiskey barrels, which is what makes it so perfect for an Old Fashioned! 

Specific brands of añejo tequila that I recommend include Casamigos and Patrón.  

How to Make an Old Fashioned with Tequila 

Making a tequila Old Fashioned cocktail couldn’t be easier! Here’s an overview of how the cocktail is prepared: 

1. To a cocktail mixing glass, add the tequila, bitters, and agave syrup. 
2. Stir very well with a cocktail spoon to mix, about 30 seconds. 
3. Place one large ice cube into a lowball or rocks glass. 
4. Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared glass. 
5. Garnish the glass with an orange peel and serve. 

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tequila Old Fashioned Garnish Ideas

I recommend keeping the garnishes super simple and sticking with an orange twist.

To make one, follow the instructions provided in this post for making a lemon twist. The steps are the same, you’ll just need to use an orange instead of a lemon! 

Smokiness goes really well with this cocktail, so something a little extra, you can try making a flamed orange twist by lighting a match to the orange peel before adding it to the cocktail.

Tips for Making an Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned

• Take time to properly stir the cocktail — The agave needs time to dissolve into the cocktail mixture.  
• Use añejo tequila for the richest, deepest flavor — You can technically make an Old Fashioned with reposado tequila, but the flavor won’t be as nuanced or as deep. 
• Don’t choose bottom shelf tequila! The añejo tequila is the star ingredient and you really want its flavor to shine in this Old Fashioned. 
• Chill your glasses beforehand — You’ll want to serve your tequila Old Fashioned over ice (preferably one giant ice cube so that it melts slowly and doesn’t water down your cocktail). For an extra cold drink, chill the glasses in the fridge or freezer before building the cocktail. 

Tequila Old Fashioned Recipe FAQs 

Got questions about how to make this recipe for an old fashioned with tequila? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

What can I use instead of agave nectar? 

If you don’t keep agave nectar on hand, you can use simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) OR one sugar cube per cocktail to sweeten the drink.

However, I recommend purchasing agave if possible because it works so well with the tequila and adds a subtle flavor.  

Can I use a different spirit?

Sure! You can use reposado tequila for a more vanilla-forward Old Fashioned, or you can use whiskey (rye or bourbon) for a more classic cocktail. 

What’s the best tequila for an Old Fashioned?

I highly suggest using an añejo tequila when making an Old Fashioned. This type of tequila is aged for at least one year, often in whiskey barrels, which makes it an excellent alternative to whiskey or bourbon in this cocktail. 

Specific brands of añejo tequila that I’ve used in this recipe and have loved are Casamigos and Patrón. 

You can use a reposado tequila in a pinch, noting that the Old Fashioned will be less rich and flavorful and will be more vanilla-forward. 

Is an Old Fashioned cocktail shaken or stirred? 

An Old Fashioned is always stirred. 

What type of glass do you serve an Old Fashioned in?

Serve the tequila Old Fashioned in a lowball or rocks glass. (I’ve also used glass jars, so just use whatever you have on hand!) 

Do you serve an Old Fashioned over ice? 

Yes, it’s traditional to serve an Old Fashioned with one large cube of ice. To make aesthetic clear ice cubes, use this clear ice cube maker. 

Can I make a Tequila Old Fashioned mocktail? 

Of course! For a tequila Old Fashioned mocktail, you’ll want to use a non-alcoholic tequila. 

I have not tried this personally, so I can’t speak about the taste, but using alcohol-free spirits is great for anyone who’s sober-curious! 

Safety tip: Depending on the brand you use, some alcohol-removed spirits may still contain trace amounts of alcohol. Check before using if you’re pregnant, serving the mocktails to kids, etc.

When’s the best time to serve a tequila Old Fashioned? 

This cocktail is typically served as a digestif after dinner to aid in digestion. 

Try This Tequila Cocktail at Home! 

Next time you’re looking for a unique tequila cocktail, give this tequila Old Fashioned a try!

Did you think it was the perfect cocktail? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this Old Fashioned recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of your tequila Old Fashioned!

More Easy Tequila Cocktails: 

Pineapple, cilantro, and lime juice infuse this Pineapple Margarita with refreshing summer flavors. Make a small batch or prepare in a pitcher for parties!

Fresh strawberries, basil, and lime juice infuse this Strawberry Basil Margarita with bright summer flavors.

Sweet and sour from the passion fruit and lime juices and slightly smoky from the mezcal, this Passion Fruit Margarita recipe makes a unique cocktail that everyone will love.

This Lemon Margarita is a simple variation on the classic. Lemon juice cuts through tequila for a tangy cocktail with extra flavor dimension from a salted rim. 

This Pineapple Cooler is so refreshing on a hot summer day and tastes great with your favorite taco recipe! If you prefer an adult beverage version of this pineapple mocktail, this pineapple drink pairs well with tequila, rum, or vodka as a spirit choice – instructions included!

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