Try This Tequila Old Fashioned Recipe With A Cinnamon Twist
A tequila old fashioned is a smooth, sultry twist on the classic bourbon cocktail.
I was first introduced to the idea of using tequila in an old fashioned during a weekend trip to Austin. One of those moody little speakeasy bars had it on the menu, and I’ll admit, I raised an eyebrow. I’ve always associated tequila with margaritas and summer pool parties, not slow-sipping cocktail hour.
But I was curious, so I tried it.
The bartender used a deep, aged añejo tequila (I want to say it was Siete Leguas), stirred it with orange bitters and agave, and garnished it with flamed citrus peel.
It was surprisingly good… all the sophistication of a classic old fashioned but with a sweeter base and lighter finish.
But frankly, between the sweeter tequila and agave, it was a bit too sweet and missing some of that earthiness that whiskey provides.
But it felt like there was something here, so I put on my figurative lab coat and started drinking experimenting with drink recipes.
Awhile back, I had created a brown sugar cinnamon simple syrup to elevate a bourbon old fashioned, and so my first order of business was to swap out the bourbon for tequila and see how it turned out.
The cinnamon was a really nice touch, but with the brown sugar, it still felt a bit sweet.
After several rounds of experiments (it’s tough work, but somebody has to do it), I landed on a cinnamon-orange syrup that brought everything home. The spice, sweetness, and citrus hit just right and make this tequila old fashioned recipe hit a lot of those classic recipe notes while incorporating a very different type of liquor.
This recipe has become my go-to when I want something familiar but a little unexpected. It’s cozy, elegant, and makes a great conversation starter when friends come over. You don’t need a fancy bar setup, just a good bottle of tequila and a few ingredients you probably already have in the pantry.
Why This Recipe Works
There’s a reason the old fashioned has never gone out of style. It’s simple, strong, and relies on the quality of its ingredients. Swapping in añejo tequila gives it a new personality. The aged tequila brings warmth, vanilla, and oak to the party, which works beautifully with bitters and a touch of sweetness.
What really makes this version shine is the homemade cinnamon-orange simple syrup. It smooths out the edges of the tequila and gives the drink just enough spice to feel special without overpowering it. It’s a balance of bold and bright. If you’ve ever felt like tequila didn’t belong in a stirred cocktail, this recipe will change your mind. It honors the old fashioned’s spirit while opening the door to something a little more adventurous.
Ingredients For Tequila Old Fashioned
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a tequila old fashioned at home:
- 2 oz añejo tequila
- 1/2 oz cinnamon-orange simple syrup (see below)
- 2 to 3 dashes orange bitters
- Large ice cube or sphere
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Optional: dash of mole bitters or pinch of smoked salt
Key Ingredient: Cinnamon-Orange Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Zest of one orange (use a vegetable peeler for thick strips)
- 1 cinnamon stick
To make the syrup, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, stir until sugar is dissolved, and let it steep for 15 minutes. Cool and strain into a jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Ingredient Notes:
- Choose an añejo tequila that has a smooth, rich finish. Avoid anything too harsh or smoky.
- Fresh orange zest makes all the difference in the syrup. Skip bottled juice or extracts.
- For bitters, stick with orange as your base. Add a drop of mole or chocolate bitters if you want depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Tequila Old Fashioned
- Make the Cinnamon-Orange Syrup: In a small saucepan, add water, sugar, orange peel, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stir until sugar dissolves, and steep for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool, and strain into a glass jar.
- Prepare Your Glass: Place a large ice cube in a rocks glass. If you prefer, chill the glass in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand.
- Add the Syrup and Bitters: Pour 1/2 oz of your cooled cinnamon-orange syrup into the glass. Add 2 to 3 dashes of orange bitters. If using mole bitters or smoked salt, add those here too.
- Pour in the Tequila: Measure and pour in 2 oz of añejo tequila.
- Stir Well: Use a bar spoon to stir the drink gently for about 30 seconds. You want it chilled and just slightly diluted.
- Garnish and Serve: Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to cut a strip of orange peel. Hold it over the glass, skin-side down, and give it a good twist to release the oils. Rub the peel around the rim and drop it in.
Tequila Old Fashioned Recipe With A Cinnamon Twist
This Tequila Old Fashioned swaps bourbon for smooth, aged añejo tequila and adds a homemade cinnamon-orange syrup for a cozy, citrus-spiced twist on the classic cocktail.
Ingredients
- For the Drink:
- 2 oz añejo tequila
- 1/2 oz cinnamon-orange simple syrup (see below)
- 2 to 3 dashes orange bitters
- Large ice cube or sphere
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Optional: dash of mole bitters or pinch of smoked salt
- For the Cinnamon-Orange Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Zest of one orange (thick strips using a vegetable peeler)
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Make the Syrup: Combine water, sugar, orange peel, and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir until sugar is dissolved, then let steep for 15 minutes. Cool and strain into a glass jar. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Chill Your Glass (Optional): Place a rocks glass in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Drink: Add 1/2 oz syrup and 2 to 3 dashes orange bitters to your glass. Add a dash of mole bitters or smoked salt if using.
- Add Tequila: Pour in 2 oz of añejo tequila.
- Stir: Add a large ice cube and stir gently for 30 seconds until chilled.
- Garnish: Express an orange peel over the glass, rub it around the rim, and drop it in. Serve immediately.
Notes
Añejo tequila is aged at least one year, which gives this drink its warm, caramel-like depth. If using reposado, the flavor will be a bit lighter and fruitier.
You can make a big batch of the syrup and use it in coffee, cider, or even pancakes.
For a smokier variation, add a bar spoon of mezcal or rim the glass with smoked salt.
Always use a fresh orange peel. It’s essential for the citrus aroma that hits before the first sip.
How to Serve Tequila Old Fashioned
The best way to serve a tequila old fashioned is with intention and a little flair. I like to use a heavy-bottomed rocks glass with a single oversized cube. The large cube melts slowly, so it keeps the drink cold without watering it down too quickly. That kind of ice makes a real difference, especially with a spirit-forward drink like this.
You can garnish simply with an orange twist, or if you want to be a little extra, a dehydrated orange slice makes a beautiful touch. For a cozier vibe, I’ve even floated a cinnamon stick in the glass.
This cocktail is perfect for sipping slowly. I usually serve it after dinner when we’re winding down. It also holds up well as a pre-dinner drink when paired with something smoky or spicy, like grilled carne asada or tacos al pastor. If you’re hosting friends, make a batch of the syrup ahead of time so you can stir up drinks in minutes.
How To Store & Re-Use Tequila Old Fashioned Ingredients
While you won’t be storing a pre-mixed tequila old fashioned for long, the ingredients are easy to prep in advance. That makes this cocktail a great one to keep in rotation for weekend get-togethers or whenever the mood strikes.
- Cinnamon-Orange Syrup: Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If it gets cloudy or smells off, it’s time to toss it. Use the syrup to sweeten iced coffee, tea, or even drizzle it over baked goods.
- Orange Peel: You can store extra peels in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Or dehydrate them in the oven at low heat for a few hours to use later as garnish.
- Bitters and Tequila: Both are shelf-stable. Store bitters in a cool pantry. Keep tequila in a shaded cabinet to preserve flavor.
If you’re planning to make a few drinks for guests, you can pre-mix the syrup, bitters, and tequila in a batch and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving and pour over fresh ice.
Substitutions & Variations For Tequila Old Fashioned
This recipe is flexible once you get the basics down. Try some of these tweaks depending on your taste or what you have on hand.
- Tequila Options: Añejo tequila has the most bourbon-like character, but you can use reposado for a lighter, brighter version. Blanco tequila will taste much sharper and more herbal.
- Syrup Swaps: Don’t feel like making syrup? You can use agave nectar or honey instead. For a smoky flavor, try a smoked honey syrup or infuse your syrup with chipotle.
- Bitters: Orange bitters are essential, but feel free to add mole, chocolate, or even cardamom bitters for complexity.
- Citrus: No orange? Grapefruit peel works beautifully and adds a bit more zing.
- Garnish Flair: Try rimming your glass with a mix of smoked salt and sugar. It adds a savory contrast to the sweetness.
These little changes can nudge the drink in different directions without compromising its balance. Play around and find your favorite version.
FAQs About Tequila Old Fashioned
Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this tequila old fashioned recipe.
1. What kind of tequila is best for a tequila old fashioned?
Añejo tequila is the best choice. It’s aged in oak barrels for at least a year, so it takes on a rich, smooth profile similar to bourbon. Look for one with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. Reposado is a good second option if you want something slightly lighter.
2. Can I make a tequila old fashioned without bitters?
Technically, yes, but the bitters are part of what defines an old fashioned. Orange bitters balance the sweetness and highlight the citrus notes. If you skip them, the drink will taste flatter. If you don’t have orange bitters, try Angostura or a dash of aromatic bitters in a pinch.
3. How does a tequila old fashioned differ from a margarita?
They couldn’t be more different. A margarita is shaken with lime juice, orange liqueur, and served cold with a salted rim. It’s tart, bright, and citrusy. A tequila old fashioned is stirred, boozy, and spirit-forward with no citrus juice involved. It’s meant to be sipped slowly, not gulped.
4. Is this tequila old fashioned sweet or strong?
It’s strong but smooth. The syrup adds a little sweetness, but this isn’t a sugary cocktail. The goal is to highlight the flavors of the tequila, not cover them up. You can always adjust the amount of syrup to suit your preference.
5. Can I batch this tequila old fashioned for a party?
Yes, and it works great. Just scale up the syrup, bitters, and tequila in a pitcher or bottle. Don’t add ice until you’re ready to serve. Keep the batch chilled and stir well before pouring. Offer fresh orange peel on the side for each glass.
Try These Recipes Next
If you loved this tequila old fashioned, here are three more cocktail recipes from the blog that celebrate bold flavor and timeless style:
- Classic Espresso Martini Recipe – Rich, frothy, and a little bit flirty. This smooth after-dinner drink is perfect when you want to end the night with something strong and satisfying.
- Bourbon Old Fashioned With A Brown Sugar Cinnamon Twist – The classic made simple. If you’re in the mood for tradition, this bourbon version delivers that perfect balance of bitters and sweetness.
- The 10 Best Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipes – A roundup of creative spins and tips for mastering the old fashioned in all its delicious forms.
Each one brings something special to your glass. Whether you’re a tequila lover branching out or a whiskey fan wanting more, these recipes have you covered.