Añejo Old Fashioned

The Añejo Old Fashioned is a simple yet elegant cocktail that showcases the complex character of aged tequila. It replaces the traditional bourbon or rye with añejo tequila, which brings notes of cooked agave, vanilla, caramel, and oak. Sweetened with agave nectar instead of sugar and seasoned with Angostura and orange bitters, it creates a wonderfully balanced drink that is both familiar and excitingly different.
Añejo Old Fashioned

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Añejo Old Fashioned is a modern variation of a classic cocktail. It falls squarely in the cocktail category and is considered a contemporary classic, perfect as a sophisticated sipper before or after a meal.

Serving

Serve this potent, cold cocktail in an Old Fashioned or rocks glass over a large ice cube to minimize dilution. It's a spirit-forward drink meant for slow sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 30-35% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While the exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, the Añejo Old Fashioned emerged in the early 21st century as part of the craft cocktail revival. Bartenders began experimenting with classic formulas using different base spirits. The natural pairing of aged tequila's flavor profile with the Old Fashioned format made it an instant success and a modern classic in its own right.
Origin
This cocktail is a modern creation, likely originating in the United States or Mexico in the early 2000s. It doesn't have a single inventor but evolved as high-quality aged tequilas became more widely available and appreciated by mixologists.

Añejo Old Fashioned

The drink is most commonly known as the Añejo Old Fashioned, emphasizing the use of aged tequila. It is often used interchangeably with "Tequila Old Fashioned," although that name could technically apply to versions made with reposado or even silver tequila. "Mexican Old Fashioned" is a broader, more descriptive name that points to its spirit base.
Original name
Añejo Old Fashioned
Alternative names
  • Tequila Old Fashioned
  • Mexican Old Fashioned

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a rich amber hue with aromas of citrus and cooked agave, leading to a silky, spirit-forward palate where oak and caramel notes are balanced by a slight sweetness and spice. The finish is long and warming, making it an excellent sipper for any season.
Flavor
Agave, Oak, Caramel, Orange, Vanilla, Baking Spice
Aroma
Citrus Peel, Cooked Agave, Toasted Oak, Cinnamon
Taste balance
Spirit-forward, Balanced, Slightly Sweet
Aftertaste
Warming, Long, Smooth, Spicy
Fizziness
Still, None
Color appearance
Rich Amber, Golden Brown, Clear
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Viscous
Seasonality
Year-round, Warming, Autumnal, Wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by the strong, complex character of the añejo tequila, balanced by moderate sweetness and bitterness. It is a robust, non-carbonated drink with a noticeable warming spice from the bitters and spirit.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires a high-quality añejo tequila as its base, sweetened with agave nectar, and seasoned with both Angostura and orange bitters for complexity.
  • Añejo Tequila60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality 100% agave añejo tequila is essential for the depth of flavor.
  • Agave Nectar5-10 ml / 1-2 teaspoons
    Adjust to your sweetness preference. Can be substituted with simple syrup.
  • Angostura Bitters2 dashes
    The classic aromatic bitters that provide spice and complexity.
  • Orange Bitters1-2 dashes(optional)
    Adds a bright citrus note that complements the tequila. Highly recommended.

Ice type

  • Large Cube or Sphere

Mixing equipments

You will need a mixing glass and a bar spoon to build and chill the drink, along with a jigger for measuring and a strainer to serve.
  • Mixing glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Jigger
  • Strainer

Instructions

The method is straightforward: combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish.
1. Add the añejo tequila, agave nectar, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters to a mixing glass.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice.
3. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
4. Place a large ice cube or sphere into an Old Fashioned glass.
5. Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into the Old Fashioned glass over the large ice cube.
6. Take a swath of orange peel, bend it over the drink to express its oils onto the surface, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple yet essential garnish of an orange or grapefruit peel provides aromatic oils that significantly enhance the drink's flavor and aroma.
  • Orange Peel: Express the oils from a wide orange peel over the drink before dropping it in.
  • Grapefruit Peel: For a slightly different citrus aroma, a grapefruit peel works wonderfully.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a spirit-forward cocktail, so most of its calories come from the alcohol. The carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively low, originating from the agave nectar.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 5-8 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 4-7 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for a sophisticated cocktail hour, as a pre-dinner aperitif, or as a relaxing nightcap. Its bold flavors also make it suitable for celebrations or any occasion that calls for a well-crafted sipping drink.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Dinner Party
  • Relaxing Evening
  • Celebration

Pairing suggestions

The Añejo Old Fashioned pairs beautifully with bold flavors. Consider serving it alongside aged cheeses, dark chocolate, or savory snacks like spiced nuts. It also stands up well to the richness of grilled meats or the aroma of a fine cigar.
  • Rich cheeses
  • Dark chocolate
  • Grilled or smoked meats
  • Spicy nuts
  • Cigars

The Añejo Old Fashioned: A Modern Classic with Agave Soul

The Añejo Old Fashioned is a superb modern classic that swaps whiskey for aged tequila in the timeless Old Fashioned template. The result is a smooth, sophisticated sipper with complex notes of cooked agave, oak, vanilla, and spice, brightened by citrus oils. It’s easy to make but delivers a rich and rewarding experience, perfect for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, spirit-forward cocktail. This drink is a testament to the versatility of tequila and the enduring appeal of the Old Fashioned formula.

Similar Cocktails

Oaxaca Old Fashioned

Splits the base between reposado tequila and mezcal, adding a distinct smoky flavor.

Rum Old Fashioned

Uses aged rum as the base spirit, resulting in notes of molasses and tropical fruit.

Manhattan

A related classic cocktail made with whiskey (usually rye), sweet vermouth, and bitters.

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