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When you’re ready to elevate your agave spirits game beyond the familiar margarita, we’ve got just the cocktail for you. The Tequila Old Fashioned takes the timeless sophistication of the classic whiskey cocktail and reimagines it through the lens of Mexico’s finest spirit.

A tequila old fashioned cocktail with a large ice cube and lemon peel garnish rests on a marble surface.

Watch 🎥: How to Make a Tequila Old Fashioned

What Is a Tequila Old Fashioned Cocktail?

A Tequila Old Fashioned is an agave-forward variation of the traditional Old Fashioned. It substitutes aged tequila for whiskey while maintaining the cocktail’s core elements of sweetener, bitters, and citrus. However, it lacks the smoky undertones of our Mezcal old fashioned or our smoked cocktail recipe, making it the perfect drink for those looking to mix it up without deviating too much.

This Mexican twist on the classic brings forward the earthy, peppery notes of tequila while honoring the original cocktail’s iconic status.

A splash occurs in a tequila old fashioned with ice, cherry, and orange against a dark background.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

  • CLASSIC WITH A TWIST – The smooth complexity of aged tequila creates an unexpectedly sophisticated sipper that will impress even the most dedicated bourbon enthusiasts.
  • SIMPLE – With just four ingredients, this cocktail proves that true elegance lies in simplicity.

What You Need to Make a Tequila Old Fashioned Cocktail

    • Tequila: We recommend using a reposado or añejo tequila for its oak-aged character and smooth finish
    • Agave Nectar: The natural sweetener that connects perfectly with the tequila’s agave origins
    • Bitters: Adds depth and bridges the gap between sweet and spirit
    • Orange Peel: Essential oils from the citrus brighten the drink’s aroma
    • Cherry: A classic garnish that adds both visual appeal and a subtle fruit note.

    How to Make a Tequila Old Fashioned Drink

    1. Add the orange peel, agave nectar, and bitters to your mixing glass.
    2. Muddle gently to release the orange oils.
    3. Pour in the tequila and fill with ice. Stir methodically until properly chilled.
    4. Strain over a large ice cube in an old fashioned glass and garnish with the expressed orange peel and cherry.
    • A hand holds a citrus peel above an empty faceted glass on marble.
    • A hand pours bitters from a decorative glass container into a tall pitcher on a marble surface.
    • Using a muddler, someone stirs a drink with orange slices in a textured glass on a marble countertop.
    • A hand adds ice cubes to a partly filled glass mixing container on a marble surface.
    • A glass of brown liquid with ice on a marble surface has a metal spoon hovering above it.
    • A hand pours a tequila old fashioned from a shaker into a glass with a large ice cube on marble.

    Expert Recipe Tips

    • Tip 1: Choose a quality reposado or añejo tequila – the oak aging adds vanilla and caramel notes that shine in this preparation.
    • Tip 2: When expressing the orange peel, hold it skin-side down over the drink and give it a firm twist to release the oils.
    • Tip 3: Stirring for exactly 45 seconds achieves the perfect dilution and temperature.
    A tequila cocktail with ice cubes and a lemon twist garnish sits on a marble surface.

    How to Serve This Tequila Old Fashioned

    Serve in a heavy-bottomed old fashioned glass over a single large ice cube. The presentation should be clean and elegant, with the garnish arranged thoughtfully against the cube.

    More Cocktail Recipes

    SEE MORE COCKTAILS

    Love this tequila twist? Explore our collection of agave spirit cocktails or discover more modern classics in our Old Fashioned variations section.

    Tequila Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

    Our Tequila Old Fashioned transforms the classic whiskey cocktail with premium aged tequila and pure agave nectar. This sophisticated variation maintains the elegance of the original while introducing complex agave spirits notes that will convert even the most devoted bourbon enthusiasts.
    Print Recipe
    A tequila old fashioned cocktail with a large ice cube and lemon peel sits on marble.
    Prep Time:5 minutes
    Total Time:5 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1/4 oz agave nectar
    • 1 dash bitters
    • 3 oz tequila
    • Orange peel
    • Cocktail cherry for garnish

    Instructions

    • Add the orange peel, agave nectar and bitters to a cocktail shaker or mixing glass.
    • Muddle lightly.
    • Add the tequila and top with ice. Stir until chilled.
    • Strain into an old fashioned glass over ice and garnish.

    Video

    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Author: Kita

    Recipe FAQs

    Which type of tequila works best in this cocktail?

    While reposado is our preferred choice, añejo tequila offers deeper oak notes, and even silver tequila can work for a brighter profile.

    Can I substitute the agave nectar?

    While simple syrup will work, agave nectar provides the most authentic flavor profile and complements the tequila perfectly.

    Why stir instead of shake?

    Stirring maintains the silky texture and prevents over-dilution, allowing you to fully appreciate the tequila’s complex character.

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    Award-winning cocktail maker, picture taker, content writer, editor, and all around imbiber behind the Libation Chronicles and a few other fun projects.

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