Cocktails

Tequila Old-Fashioned

Tequila Old-Fashioned is an alcoholic cocktail built on Blanco Tequila. It leans citrus, sparkling and bitter. Built and served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. Expect about 21.1% ABV and roughly 227 kcal (estimated per recipe).

Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamHow we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction

Cocktailalcoholic21.1% ABV5 ingredients

At a Glance

227 kcalCalories

21.1%ABV

21.4gSugar

21.4gCarbs

1.42Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Moderatestirred drink

Why: 5 ingredients, stirred drink, requires bar spoon

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

2.0 ozBlanco tequilaBase Spirit
1.0 ozSimple SyrupSweetener
1 dashAngostura BittersBitters
1.0 ozSoda waterMixer
1 garnishLemon twistGarnish

How to Make It

Pour tequila, syrup, and bitters in ice-filled old-fashioned glass and stir.Stirred
Add soda.Add
Add lemon twist.Add

How to Serve

Glass: Old-Fashioned Glass
Temperature: Chilled
Ice: Ice
Method: Stirred

Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Citrus Sparkling Bitter

Supporting notes

Agave Earthy Peppery Sweet

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong

BodyLight – Full

SweetnessDry – Sweet

AcidityFlat – Crisp

FruitinessEarthy – Fruity

BoldnessDelicate – Bold

Noticeably sweet

What do these dimensions mean?

When to serve

Taco NightSuggested from its agave and peppery notes, pairing with mexican food and tacos.
SummerSuggested from its citrus and sparkling notes.
After DinnerSuggested from the drink's flavour and serve.

Occasion tags are inferred from drink style, serving format, flavour profile, food-pairing theme, recipe metadata, and strict multi-signal supplemental rule matches.

Food pairings

Tacos Mexican Food Spicy Food

Food pairings are derived from the drink flavour signature, mapped to one dominant pairing theme, then limited to coherent public suggestions.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Gluten-Free Vegan Vegetarian

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Blanco Tequila2.0 oz

Reposado TequilaWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Use the same amount; taste before changing sweetener or citrus.
What changes: Reposado tequila can replace blanco tequila when a rounder, lightly oaked variation is acceptable.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

MezcalWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same amount; reduce other smoky or bitter ingredients if the drink becomes too intense.
What changes: Mezcal can replace blanco tequila when a smokier, earthier agave profile is welcome.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Simple Syrup1.0 oz

SugarWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Dissolve well before serving or muddle/shake hard; start with about 1 teaspoon sugar per 1/4 oz syrup.
What changes: Sugar can replace simple syrup if it fully dissolves, but it adds less water.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Agave SyrupWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use slightly less at first, then adjust to taste.
What changes: Agave syrup can replace simple syrup, especially in tequila or mezcal drinks, but it adds an earthy agave note.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Demerara SyrupWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same amount, but avoid in very delicate drinks unless you want the darker flavor.
What changes: Demerara syrup can replace simple syrup when a richer, darker sugar note is welcome.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Honey SyrupWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use slightly less at first; honey syrup can dominate delicate drinks.
What changes: Honey syrup can replace simple syrup when a richer, floral sweetness is acceptable.

Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Maple SyrupNot a neutral swap

How much to use: Use less at first and avoid in delicate citrus or clear drinks unless you want maple flavor.
What changes: Maple syrup can replace simple syrup in darker or whiskey-style drinks, but it is not a neutral swap.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Angostura Bitters1 dash

Aromatic BittersWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Start with the recipe’s dash count and taste before adding more.
What changes: Another aromatic bitters can replace Angostura when some change in spice and fruit character is acceptable.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Orange BittersNot a neutral swap

How much to use: Start with the recipe’s dash count and taste; the result will lose some baking-spice character.
What changes: Orange bitters can replace Angostura only when a brighter, more citrus-led result is acceptable.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Soda Water1.0 oz

Carbonated WaterGood swap

How much to use: Use the same amount.
What changes: Carbonated water is usually a close substitute for soda water.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Club SodaGood swap

How much to use: Use the same amount.
What changes: Club soda is usually a close substitute for soda water.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Sparkling WaterGood swap

How much to use: Use the same amount.
What changes: Sparkling water is usually a close substitute for soda water.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Tonic WaterNot a neutral swap

How much to use: Use only if you want a tonic-style drink.
What changes: Tonic water is not a neutral replacement for soda water; it adds bitterness and sweetness.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Lemon Twist1 garnish

Lemon PeelGood swap

How much to use: Use a similar-sized piece of peel.
What changes: Lemon peel is usually a close substitute for a lemon twist.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Orange TwistWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same size twist.
What changes: Orange twist can replace lemon twist when a sweeter orange aroma is acceptable.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated June 18, 2026

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

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Related searches

Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Tequila Old-Fashioned?: The Tequila Old-Fashioned is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 21.1%. A standard serving contains approximately 227 calories.
What does a Tequila Old-Fashioned taste like?: Tequila Old-Fashioned has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sparkling, Bitter, Agave. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Tequila Old-Fashioned?: Tequila Old-Fashioned pairs well with Tacos, Mexican Food, Spicy Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Tequila Old-Fashioned?: The Tequila Old-Fashioned has an ABV of approximately 21.1%. That's approximately 1.42 US standard drinks. This recipe is estimated to contain 227 kcal, 21.4g sugar, 21.4g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and ingredients used.
When is a Tequila Old-Fashioned typically served?: Tequila Old-Fashioned is often suggested for After Dinner, Summer, Taco Night, based on its flavour profile and typical serve.
What drinks are similar to a Tequila Old-Fashioned?: If you enjoy Tequila Old-Fashioned, the "similar flavour profile" suggestions on this page point to cocktails that share its flavour character. Drinks with a matching spirit base and comparable body and acidity feel closest.
Can I make a Tequila Old-Fashioned at home?: Yes. The Tequila Old-Fashioned uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?: Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?: Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Tequila Old-Fashioned with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.