Tequila Smoked Orange Old Fashioned
A smoky twist on the Old Fashioned using reposado tequila, orange bitters, and a flamed orange peel for a layered, warming cocktail. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together reposado tequila, simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water), dashes orange 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 simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 3 dashes orange bitters
- 1 large ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour 2 oz reposado tequila, 1/4 oz simple syrup, and 3 dashes orange bitters.
- Step 3: Stir gently for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain into the prepared rocks glass over the large ice cube.
- Step 5: Hold a wide strip of orange peel over the glass, light the peel’s oils with a match or lighter, and quickly flame it while twisting to release and layer the smoky aroma over the drink.
- Step 6: Rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tequila Smoked Orange Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Tequila Smoked Orange Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover tequila smoked orange 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 Tequila Smoked Orange 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 Tequila Smoked Orange 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 Tequila Smoked Orange 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.
