This Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned puts a tequila-forward spin on the classic cocktail with añejo tequila, agave syrup, orange bitters, and mole bitters. Made in just 5 minutes with a handful of ingredients, this smooth, spirit-forward cocktail is rich, subtly sweet, and full of warm orange and spice notes. It’s an easy choice for a cozy night in, dinner party, holiday gathering, or anytime you want something a little more elevated than a standard tequila cocktail.

If you love tequila cocktails, you’ll also want to try my Spicy Hibiscus Margarita and Coconut Blood Orange Margarita.

I partnered with Don Julio to mix up the Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned recipe! Recipe and ideas are my own.

Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned cocktail in a short glass over ice, garnished with an orange twist and cherry.

Quick Look: Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned

  • ⏱ Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • ⏳ Total Time: 5 minutes
  • 🍽️ Servings: 1 cocktail
  • 🍊 Flavor Profile: Rich, citrusy, bittersweet, warm, and slightly spiced
  • 👌 Difficulty: Easy, great for slow sipping an after-dinner drink 

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An Old Fashioned is one of those cocktails where a few small ingredients can completely change the character of the drink. Using añejo tequila instead of whiskey brings the cocktail a subtle agave sweetness and barrel-aged depth, while the combination of orange and mole bitters gives it a little extra complexity. I was also pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy the mix of both bitters with the tequila – the flavors pair perfectly!

I especially love this version when I want a cocktail that feels sophisticated without requiring a complicated recipe or a long list of ingredients. It’s also mess-free because you’re able to make the drink in the same glass you’re serving it in. My favorite part though, is serving a modern twist like this to someone who swears by the classic. Seeing their reaction when they realize how good it is is priceless!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s a modern tequila twist on a classic: Añejo tequila brings a completely different personality to the traditional Old Fashioned while keeping the same simple, spirit-forward structure.
  • The flavor combination is unexpectedly good: Orange bitters brighten the drink while mole bitters bring subtle chocolate, spice, and warmth that pair beautifully with aged tequila.
  • It takes just 5 minutes: There’s no shaking, juicing, or homemade syrup required. Simply build, stir, and garnish.
  • It feels special without being fussy: Serve it in a classic rocks glass over one large cube of ice for an easy cocktail that looks and feels elevated.
  • Perfect for sipping: The cocktail is designed to be enjoyed slowly, making it a great option for a cozy evening.

Key Ingredients

See the recipe card for quantities.

  • Añejo tequila: The star of the cocktail. Añejo tequila is barrel-aged, giving it a richer, smoother profile with notes that can include oak, vanilla, caramel, and spice. It has enough depth to stand up to the bitters and ice. I used Don Julio Añejo.
  • Agave syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness while complementing the agave character of the tequila. A little goes a long way, so the small amount keeps the drink spirit-forward rather than overly sweet.
  • Orange bitters: Adds bright citrus and aromatic depth that helps balance the richness of the añejo tequila. The Fee Brother’s orange bitters are one of my favorites. 
  • Mole bitters: One of the ingredients that makes this version stand out. Mole bitters add warm spice and subtle chocolate-like notes that work especially well with aged tequila. I used this mole bitters.
  • Sea salt: Just a tiny pinch helps round out the flavors without making the cocktail taste salty.

🍊 Expert tip: The orange peel garnish isn’t just for looks. Twisting the peel over the cocktail releases its aromatic citrus oils, adding another layer of orange flavor to each sip.

Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned cocktail in a short glass over ice, garnished with an orange twist and cherry.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Use reposado tequila: If you don’t have añejo, reposado is a natural substitute. It will create a slightly lighter and less barrel-forward cocktail. Añejo is the preferred choice when you want the richest, most Old Fashioned-like profile.
  • Swap the bitters: If you don’t have mole bitters, try chocolate bitters or use additional orange bitters for a brighter, more citrus-forward drink. Mole bitters are worth seeking out if you want the warm, subtly spiced character of this recipe.
  • Adjust the sweetness: Start with the recommended amount of agave syrup and add a little more if you prefer a sweeter Old Fashioned.
  • Try a smoky variation: For a more smoky cocktail, replace part of the añejo tequila with mezcal. The tequila and mezcal combination is the foundation of the classic Oaxaca Old Fashioned.

How to Make Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned

Step 1: Add the agave syrup, orange bitters, mole bitters, añejo tequila, and a tiny pinch of sea salt to a rocks glass. Use a bar spoon to stir everything together.

Step 2: Add one large cube of ice to the glass and stir for about 20 seconds. Stirring chills the cocktail while gently diluting it, helping all of the flavors come together.

🧊Expert tip: A large ice cube is ideal because it melts more slowly than smaller cubes, keeping the drink cold without diluting it too quickly. I use this Clear Ice Tray to make my cubes

Step 3: Twist an orange peel over the top of the cocktail to release its citrus oils, rub the peel along the rim, then drop it into the drink and add a brandied cherry. Serve immediately. 

Glassware: Serve this cocktail in Old Fashioned glasses for the classic presentation.

Watch How to Make this Recipe

@thesocialsipper

girl, watch me #donjuliopartner Añejo Old Fashioned (makes 1) ◻️1 tsp agave syrup ◻️ 2 dashes orange bitters ◻️ 2 dashes mole bitters ◻️ 2 oz Don Julio Añejo ◻️ Pinch sea salt ◻️ Orange peel, for garnish ◻️ Brandied cherry, for garnish 1. To a rocks glass – Add agave, bitters, tequila and a tiny pinch of sea salt. Mix to combine. Add a large rock of ice and stir for 20 seconds. 2. Garnish with an orange peel and brandied cherry. Sip responsibly. Do not share with anyone under 21

♬ original sound – The Social Sipper

Carolyn’s Tips for Making Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned

  • Use a good añejo tequila: Since this is a spirit-forward cocktail with only a few ingredients, the tequila makes a big difference. Choose an añejo you enjoy sipping on its own like Don Julio. 
  • Don’t skip the stirring: Stir for about 20 seconds to properly chill and dilute the cocktail.
  • Use one large ice cube: It melts more slowly and helps keep the cocktail balanced as you sip.
  • Express the orange peel: Twist the peel over the drink before adding it to release its aromatic oils.
  • Make it ahead for a party: For multiple cocktails, combine the tequila, agave, bitters, and salt in a pitcher or bottle and refrigerate (or freeze). Stir individual servings with ice just before serving so each cocktail gets the right amount of dilution.
  • Mocktail option: Try black tea or chai tea instead of tequila and opt for non-alcoholic bitters for an old fashioned mocktail.

Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned FAQs

Can you make an Old Fashioned with tequila?

Yes! A Tequila Old Fashioned swaps the whiskey in a traditional Old Fashioned for tequila while keeping the basic combination of spirit, sweetener, bitters, ice, and citrus garnish. 

What type of tequila is best for a Tequila Old Fashioned?

Añejo tequila is a great choice because it has been aged in oak and develops richer notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice. Reposado tequila can also be used if you prefer a lighter flavor.

What bitters are best for a Tequila Old Fashioned?

Orange bitters and mole bitters are especially good with añejo tequila. Orange bitters add bright citrus notes, while mole bitters bring warm spice and subtle chocolate flavors. Classic aromatic bitters can also be used for a more traditional Old Fashioned profile. 

What is the difference between a Tequila Old Fashioned and an Oaxaca Old Fashioned?

A Tequila Old Fashioned typically uses aged tequila as its base, while an Oaxaca Old Fashioned traditionally combines reposado tequila and mezcal with agave nectar and bitters. The mezcal gives the Oaxaca version a distinct smoky character.

Is agave syrup better than simple syrup in a Tequila Old Fashioned?

Agave syrup is a natural pairing for tequila because it complements the spirit’s agave character. It also provides sweetness without requiring a separate simple syrup. 

More Old Fashioned Recipes to Try

⭐ If you loved this recipe, I would SO appreciate it if you would give this recipe a star review below. Also, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me @thesocialsipper!

Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned cocktail in a short glass over ice, garnished with an orange twist and cherry.
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Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned

Servings: 1
Prep: 5 minutes
This Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned puts a tequila-forward spin on the classic cocktail with añejo tequila, agave syrup, orange bitters, and mole bitters. Made in just 5 minutes with a handful of ingredients, this smooth, spirit-forward cocktail is rich, subtly sweet, and full of warm orange and spice notes.
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 tsp agave syrup
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • 2 dashes mole bitters
  • 2 oz añejo tequila, I used Don Julio Añejo
  • Pinch sea salt
  • Orange peel, for garnish
  • Brandied cherry, for garnish

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • To a rocks glass, add agave, bitters, tequila and a tiny pinch of sea salt. Mix to combine. Add a large rock of ice and stir for 20 seconds.
  • Garnish with an orange peel and brandied cherry.

Notes

  • Use a good añejo tequila: Since this is a spirit-forward cocktail with only a few ingredients, the tequila makes a big difference. Choose an añejo you enjoy sipping on its own like Don Julio.
  • Don’t skip the stirring: Stir for about 20 seconds to properly chill and dilute the cocktail.
  • Use one large ice cube: It melts more slowly and helps keep the cocktail balanced as you sip.
  • Express the orange peel: Twist the peel over the drink before adding it to release its aromatic oils.
  • Make it ahead for a party: For multiple cocktails, combine the tequila, agave, bitters, and salt in a pitcher or bottle and refrigerate (or freeze). Stir individual servings with ice just before serving so each cocktail gets the right amount of dilution.
  • Mocktail option: Try black tea or chai tea instead of tequila and opt for non-alcoholic bitters for an old fashioned mocktail.
Did you Make this Recipe?Let me know what you think in the comments below, or tag @thesocialsipper on Instagram!