Charred Citrus Tequila Old Fashioned
A smoky take on the Old Fashioned featuring charred grapefruit and lime, marrying tequila reposado with warm bitters and a touch of agave sweetness. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together reposado tequila, agave syrup, dashes grapefruit bitters for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 175 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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
- 1/4 oz agave syrup
- 3 dashes grapefruit bitters
- 1 wide strip lime peel
- 1 wide strip grapefruit peel
- 1 large clear ice cube
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly char 1 wide strip each of grapefruit peel and lime peel over an open flame on a gas stove or with a kitchen torch until aromatic.
- Step 2: Place the charred peels in a mixing glass and gently muddle to release oils.
- Step 3: Add 2 oz reposado tequila, 1/4 oz agave syrup, and 3 dashes grapefruit bitters into the mixing glass with the peels.
- Step 4: Fill the mixing glass with a large clear ice cube and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 5: Strain into a rocks glass over a fresh large clear ice cube.
- Step 6: Twist one of the charred peels over the drink to express oils, then rest it on the rim as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Citrus Tequila Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Charred Citrus Tequila Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover charred citrus tequila old fashioned in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Citrus 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 Charred Citrus 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 Charred Citrus Tequila Old Fashioned?
Cocktails & Beverages cocktails & drinks 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.
