Smoky Charred Jalapeño Tequila Old Fashioned
A bold tequila Old Fashioned with smoky charred jalapeño and agave syrup offering a spicy, rich twist on the classic. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs reposado tequila, agave syrup, dashes angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 185 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
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 jalapeño slice
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- 1 large clear ice cube
Instructions
- Step 1: Char 1 jalapeño slice over an open flame or on a hot pan until blackened spots appear, then add it to a mixing glass.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz reposado tequila, 1/2 oz agave syrup, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters into the mixing glass with the jalapeño.
- Step 3: Add a large clear ice cube and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and infuse.
- Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass over a fresh large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the surface by holding it over the glass and twisting to release oils, then rim the glass with the peel and drop it in as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Charred Jalapeño 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 Smoky Charred Jalapeño 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 Smoky Charred Jalapeño 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 Smoky Charred Jalapeño 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 Smoky Charred Jalapeño 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.
