If your previous tequila experience consists of margaritas and shots of Blanco tequila with a lime wedge chaser, then an añejo tequila old-fashioned is the game changer you've been looking for. Skip the tequila shooters and add some spice to the sophisticated cocktail you love. While swapping the whiskey for tequila may seem unconventional, this añejo tequila old-fashioned will even have the whiskey lovers raving.
How to Make an Old-Fashioned With Añejo Tequila
Añejo (pronounced ah-NYEH-ho) tequila is barrel-aged, adding tequila's earthy flavors to the vanilla and toast notes you find in traditional bourbon or whiskey. And that makes it such a great replacement for whiskey in an old-fashioned cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 orange peel
- 1 demerara sugar cube
- 2 dashes mole cocktail bitters
- 1 dash habanero bitters
- 2 ounces añejo tequila
- Splash of water
- Ice king cube
Instructions
- In a rocks glass, muddle the orange peel, sugar cube, mole bitters, and habanero bitters.
- Add the tequila and a splash of water. Stir.
- Add the king cube.
Looking to kick up the spice level? It's as easy as spicing up your tequila. Create a spicy infusion by muddling sliced jalapeños, chili peppers, or other spicy ingredients into your tequila.
5 Cocktail Variations
It's easy to change the flavors of an añejo old-fashioned with some simple substitutions.
- Replace the orange peel with a lime peel or wedge for a slightly more tart drink.
- For a winter (or coffee) tequila drink, swap the sugar cube with 1 teaspoon of coffee-flavored liqueur.
- For a zesty undertone of flavors, swap the sugar cube with 1 teaspoon of orange-flavored liqueur.
- Replace the mole and habanero bitters with 2-3 dashes of cinnamon or orange bitters to tone down the heat.
- Instead of adding a splash of water at the end, add a splash of ginger beer for some bubbly.
Related: Simple Freezer Door Old-Fashioned That's Ready to Drink
6 Simple Garnishes
The classic old-fashioned garnish is an orange peel or wedge and a cherry, and you can certainly use that garnish for this drink in place of a single muddled orange peel. Additional garnishes to try:
- Garnish with whole chili pepper or chopped-up pieces for a spicy kick.
- Add a cinnamon stick for some warming spice.
- Skewer a blood-orange wedge on a cocktail pick.
- Garnish with a candied citrus peel or citrus twist.
- Skewer candied ginger and a cherry for garnish.
- Garnish with a slice of jalapeño.
- For a smoked flavor, rim the glass with smoked salt.
Firey Spice for the Old-Fashioned
The añejo tequila old-fashioned is a delicious and earthy twist on the original whiskey old-fashioned. So, bring a taste of one of Mexico's finest spirits to a simple, classic cocktail. ¡Salud!
