Tequila Old Fashioned Cocktail: A Classic Twist on a Timeless Favorite

Fashioned:

Old Fashioned could be deemed to be among the oldest, also most esteemed cocktails around. Being as long in history as pretty easy, an Old Fashioned was traditionally mixed with whiskey and is more than a landmark of one of the eras for civilized drinking that long since had been eradicated.

Tequila, for decades, has been the go-to liquor for a spectacular take on classic whiskey sours and Old Fashioned-style shots. With this new take on something that has been done with almost everything else, namely its take on the whiskey old fashioned, the liquor finally finds a whole new profile: the tequila old fashioned. In this article, we will discuss the tequila old-fashioned, a recipe on how to make this drink, and some frequently asked questions about this amazing cocktail. What is tequila?

Old Fashioned?

Fashioned:

The Tequila Old Fashioned is a new take on the recipe for the Old Fashioned, which dates back to the early 19th century. Essentially, the Old Fashioned is bourbon or rye whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a hint of citrus peel. The Tequila Old Fashioned replaces the whiskey with tequila, preferably high-quality aged tequila, such as Reposado or Añejo. Tequilas bring a depth of flavor that enhances other ingredients and makes the drink smoother and more complex.

I had to maintain the balance between the sweetness of the sugar, the aromatic bitter tones that result from the bitters, as well as the smokiness and oak flavor of the tequila. This would result in a drink with the same spirit and depth of sophistication as the traditional Old Fashioned but within the Mexican context.

Ingredients:

The ingredients required in the preparation of a Tequila Old Fashioned:

1. 2 oz Añejo or Reposado Tequila The longer aging process makes aged tequilas better suited to the drink as they are pretty rich and full-bodied. The Añejo ages longer and tends to feel smoother and more refined. Reposado is slightly lighter.
2. 1/4 oz Agave Syrup or Simple Syrup. It adds the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering the drink. One could use Agave as the syrup made from the ancestor Mexican grounds of tequila.
3. 2 dashes Angostura Bitters. There is only a legacy bitterant just to complete the set needed to provide spice and put balance to this drink.
4. Orange Peel –This will add the citrus scent along with perfumes to the tequila.
5. Smoked salt or smoked chili powder can add a smoky taste it can take to the extreme and the smokiness in the tequila.

Preparation:

1. Chill Glass-Chill your Old Fashioned glass, or that of rocks glass with a handful of ice in. That will maintain the temperature of the drink.
2. Muddle the Sugar and Bitters In another mixing glass, place your agave syrup or simple syrup and your Angostura bitters. Muddle the two together with a muddler or spoon. This will dissolve the sugar and incorporate the bitters completely into the drink.
3. Pour Tequila Pour in your Añejo or Reposado tequila into your shaker. Now stir slowly for 15-20 seconds so that the drink is chilled and also mixed.
4. Strain into Glass Take away the ice from your Old Fashioned glass. Now strain your cocktail into that glass. Then put a large ice cube into your glass to cool your drink.
5. Garnish: Orange peel flavor can be dripped over the drink by smashing it and then twisting that over the drink. Orange peel can be rubbed over to the rim of the glass and dropped into the drink instead of squeezing it over. Garnish with a combination of cinnamon sticks smoked using salt by adding it in.

Taste Profile

The Tequila Old Fashioned is a unique and nuanced drink. The sweetness of the agave syrup blends very well with bitters, while aged tequila provides an earthy, complex base. Añejo tequila introduces flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak, balanced by aromatic bitterness and citrusy zing from the orange peel. It’s a sophisticated cocktail yet accessible, smooth mouthfeel, and a lingering finish.

Why Tequila?

Fashioned:

It’s a variation on tequila that sets this cocktail apart from the original Old Fashioned. The intensity of flavor that tequila offers, especially the Reposado and Añejo aged varieties, gives this cocktail another layer. Tequila is even more herbal, earthy, and sometimes smoky compared to whiskey; the aging of these flavors brings out a bit of vanilla, caramel, and oak. These flavors pair well with aged bitters and sugar, making this a great alternative to a whiskey-based Old Fashioned.

FAQs:

Fashioned:

1. Is it safe if I make Tequila Old Fashioned with Blanco Tequila?

Although you can make a Tequila Old Fashioned with blanco tequila, it’s not the right choice for this kind of drink. The characteristic of blanco can make it a little harsher and rather one-dimensional agave-flavor-driven spirit, which means you should use Añejo or Reposado for the complexity.

2. Which of the two is better- Añejo or Reposado Tequila?

Reposado tequila is aged in oak for at least two months and less than one year. This makes the flavor smooth with subtle hints of oak and vanilla. Añejo is aged between one to three years, and it mostly tastes more pronounced with flavors of oak, caramel, and toffee, while sometimes also with hints of dried fruits. Both are fantastic choices for the Tequila Old, although Añejo is slightly richer and deeper in flavor.

3. Can I substitute with another bitter?

Angostura bitters are the class bitters to use for the Old but you may want to use other bitters if that’s what you prefer, orange bitters will give you the citrus taste, and chocolate bitters or smoked bitters add quite an interesting dimension that just works well with tequila.

4. Does the Tequila Old Fashioned cocktail have a sweetness to it?

The Tequila Old Fashioned is not too sweet. The agave syrup just adds enough sweetness so that the bitterness of bitters and the richness of tequila are balanced. It is more about balance and complexity within the flavor of the drink rather than sweetness.

5. What food goes well with a Tequila Old

This drink would go particularly well with rich, savory stuff. The charcuterie, smoked meats, and dark chocolate could pair luxuriously together. It can also go very well with some Mexican-inspired stuff: grilled steak tacos, quesadillas, or guacamole, for instance.

Conclusion:

Fashioned:

Tequila Old is a modern drink that puts a new spin on classic drinks. It will introduce a different flavor profile, rather earthy, smoky, and smooth if aged tequila replaces the whiskey. This cocktail, with just the right balance of sweetness, bitterness, and citrus, will provide a sophisticated drinking experience for the tequila aficionado as well as those who prefer classic cocktails. Whether you are a seasoned mixologist or just starting your journey into the world of cocktails, tequila Old is a great and versatile drink to include in your repertoire.