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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
