Añejo Smash

The Añejo Smash is a vibrant and aromatic cocktail that perfectly balances the rich, oaky notes of añejo tequila with the bright flavors of fresh lemon and mint. It's a variation on the classic smash formula, which dates back to the 19th century. This modern take by Robert Hess showcases the versatility of aged tequila, creating a drink that is both refreshing and sophisticated. It's a perfect sip for a warm evening.
Añejo Smash

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Añejo Smash is a cocktail, specifically a 'smash' which is a category of drinks involving muddled fruit and herbs. It is considered a modern classic, popular among tequila enthusiasts.

Serving

Served cold in a chilled Old Fashioned glass over crushed ice, this is a relatively strong but refreshing short drink.
Serving size
approx. 150 ml / 5 oz
Alcohol content
approx. 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created by cocktail historian and enthusiast Robert Hess, the Añejo Smash was designed to highlight the complex flavors of añejo tequila. It's a modern interpretation of the historic "smash" category of drinks, which were essentially less formal juleps. Hess's version brings tequila to the forefront of this classic style, proving that smashes are a fantastic template for a wide variety of spirits.
Origin
Created by Robert Hess in the early 2000s, USA.

Añejo Smash

The drink is most commonly known as the Añejo Smash. It is sometimes referred to more generically as a Tequila Smash, especially if a different type of tequila is used. The name clearly indicates the base spirit is añejo tequila and the style of drink is a smash.
Original name
Añejo Smash
Alternative name
Tequila Smash

Characteristics overview

The drink has a vibrant aroma of mint and lemon, with underlying notes of oak and vanilla from the tequila. The flavor is a refreshing balance of sweet and sour, with a clean, warming herbal aftertaste.
Flavor
citrusy, minty, herbaceous, oaky, complex, refreshing
Aroma
mint, lemon, agave, vanilla, oak
Taste balance
sour, sweet
Aftertaste
clean, warming, herbal
Fizziness
still
Color appearance
pale yellow, cloudy, green flecks from mint
Texture
light, crisp
Seasonality
refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by a pleasant sourness from the lemon, balanced by sweetness from the simple syrup and fruity notes. The alcohol strength is noticeable but well-integrated, and the drink is completely still.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The recipe requires a base of añejo tequila, complemented by fresh lemon wedges, mint leaves, and simple syrup.
  • Añejo Tequila60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality 100% agave añejo tequila is recommended.
  • Lemon1/2 a lemon, cut into wedges
    Fresh lemon is essential.
  • Simple Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    1:1 sugar to water ratio. Adjust to taste.
  • Fresh Mint Leaves6-8 leaves
    Use fresh, vibrant mint.

Ice type

  • Crushed

Mixing equipments

You'll need a cocktail shaker set, including a muddler to release the flavors from the lemon and mint, and strainers for a clean pour.
  • Cocktail shaker, for shaking the ingredients.
  • Muddler, for pressing the lemon and mint.
  • Jigger, for measuring liquids.
  • Strainers (Hawthorne and Fine Mesh), for straining the drink.

Instructions

The preparation involves muddling lemon and mint, shaking with tequila and syrup, and then double straining into a glass filled with crushed ice.
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the lemon wedges and mint leaves with the simple syrup.
2. Add the añejo tequila to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Fill an Old Fashioned glass with crushed ice.
5. Double strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

Garnishing

A fresh mint sprig serves as the perfect aromatic garnish for this cocktail.
  • Mint sprig, slapped to release aroma and placed in the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is alcoholic but generally free from common allergens like 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 cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the simple syrup and the alcohol itself.
Calories
averagely 220-250 kcal / 920-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 15-20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a perfect cocktail for warm weather, making it ideal for summer parties, patio sipping, or casual gatherings. Its sophisticated flavor profile also makes it suitable for a pre-dinner cocktail hour.
  • Summer Parties
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Happy Hour
  • Casual Gatherings

Pairing suggestions

The Añejo Smash pairs well with light and spicy foods. It's excellent with Mexican cuisine like fish tacos, ceviche, or a simple appetizer of chips and guacamole. The citrus and mint cut through richness and complement spicy flavors.
  • Spicy Mexican dishes
  • Grilled chicken or fish tacos
  • Chips and guacamole
  • Ceviche

The Añejo Smash: A Modern Tequila Classic

The Añejo Smash is a sophisticated yet refreshing cocktail created by Robert Hess. It beautifully marries the complex, aged notes of añejo tequila with the bright, zesty character of muddled lemon and fresh mint. It's a modern take on the classic smash format, making it an accessible and delicious drink for both tequila lovers and newcomers. Perfect for a warm day, it's a testament to how versatile and elegant tequila cocktails can be.

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