Cacao Chili Tequila Old Fashioned
A rich and warming twist on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring smoky tequila with bittersweet cacao and a subtle chili kick. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs reposado tequila, dashes chocolate bitters, agave syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz reposado tequila
- 3 dashes chocolate bitters
- 1/4 oz agave syrup
- a pinch chili powder
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour 2 oz reposado tequila, add 3 dashes chocolate bitters, 1/4 oz agave syrup, and a pinch of chili powder.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture over the large ice cube in the rocks glass.
- Step 5: Express the wide strip of orange peel over the surface to release oils, then rim the glass and rest the peel inside as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cacao Chili Tequila Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cacao Chili Tequila Old Fashioned?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep reposado tequila from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cacao Chili Tequila Old Fashioned?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cacao Chili Tequila Old Fashioned for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cacao Chili Tequila Old Fashioned?
Cocktails quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
