Sip on the perfect blend of coffee and bourbon with my Coffee Old Fashioned. It's a rich, flavorful bourbon coffee cocktail that's easy to make with a few ingredients. Whip up this classic cocktail with a caffeinated twist for your next happy hour at home.
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I enjoy creating simple cocktail recipes that you can easily make at home. If you're looking for another coffee cocktail, try my cold brew martini or for a warm fall cocktail, try my Fireball hot toddy.
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About this Coffee Old Fashioned
Lately, I've been on a serious old fashioned kick. Whether I'm out at a restaurant or mixing up something special at home, this classic cocktail has become my go-to. There's just something about the smooth, bold flavors of an old fashioned that never fails to hit the spot.
But as much as I love the traditional recipe, I couldn't resist experimenting with a new twist and old fashioned variations. That's when the idea for this coffee old fashioned was born; it's a delicious play on the trendy espresso martini, but with that unmistakable old fashioned vibe we all know and love.
If you're a fan of bourbon and coffee, this cocktail is going to be your new favorite. The rich, roasted flavors of the coffee perfectly complement the warm, caramel notes of the bourbon, creating a bourbon coffee cocktail that's both comforting and sophisticated.
My favorite old fashioned recipes:
Ingredients
- Bourbon provides a rich, smooth base for the Coffee Old Fashioned, offering sweet, caramel notes that pair beautifully with the deep, roasted flavors of the coffee. Whiskey can also be used in a pinch.
- Brewed coffee or espresso infuses the cocktail with bold, robust coffee flavors that complement the bourbon's sweetness. The coffee adds depth and a slight bitterness, and gives it a unique, caffeinated twist. Make an espresso old fashioned by switching out the coffee for espresso.
- Maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener, adding a rich, earthy sweetness that blends harmoniously with the bourbon and coffee. Unlike regular sugar, maple syrup enhances the warmth and richness of the cocktail.
- Black walnut bitters add a nutty, slightly bitter depth of flavor that enhances both the coffee and bourbon. They bring together the sweetness of the maple syrup and the boldness of the coffee for a perfectly balanced drink.
Variations
Instead of making this old fashioned with maple syrup, you can use simple syrup. Try a simple syrup infused with coffee or vanilla to add an extra layer of flavor.
When testing this recipe I tried it with both coffee liqueur and cold brew coffee. Personally, I didn't think either of these variations added an intense enough coffee flavor, but give it a try based on your personal preference. I found brewed coffee and espresso to give the best flavor.
If you want to use different bitters, I suggest using a few dashes of coffee, chocolate, angostura, or orange bitters:
- Coffee bitters will enhance the coffee flavor in the cocktail.
- Chocolate bitters add a luscious, deep cocoa flavor to the cocktail, amplifying the richness of the coffee and bourbon.
- Angostura bitters have a rich, aromatic profile with notes of clove, cinnamon, and warm spices, which perfectly complement the robust flavors of coffee and bourbon.
How to Make a Coffee Old Fashioned
Step 1: Start by making a coffee ice cube. I make this easy drink directly in the glass rather than use a cocktail shaker. Add the ice cube to an old fashioned glass, traditionally a rocks glass. Pour bourbon into the glass.
Step 2: Pour brewed coffee or espresso that has been chilled into the glass with bourbon.
Step 3: For a touch of sweetness, add maple syrup to the coffee and bourbon cocktail.
Step 4: Add a few dashes of bitters to the glass.
Step 5: Gently stir the coffee old fashioned cocktail with a bar spoon to incorporate the flavors and chill the drink.
Expert Tips
Chill the glass. Place your glass in the freezer while you mix this cocktail. This simple trick ensures that the drink stays perfectly cold from the first sip to the last.
Make coffee ice cubes. Take this coffee old fashioned to the next level by using coffee ice cubes. Simply freeze brewed coffee or espresso in an ice cube tray and use these in place of regular ice. As the cubes melt, they'll intensify the coffee flavor rather than dilute it. I like to use this large ice cube mold to make larger cubes.
Garnish. Elevate the presentation with an orange peel or orange twist and a cherry garnish. For an added touch of sophistication, sprinkle a few whole coffee beans on top - they not only look great but also add a delightful aroma that complements the drink.
Recipe FAQs
Select a bourbon or rye whiskey that you genuinely enjoy sipping neat, as its flavor will be the star of the cocktail. Some popular options include Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Bulleit Rye.
A traditional Old Fashioned consists of just three ingredients: bourbon, aromatic bitters, and a sugar cube dissolved in water. It's typically garnished with a lemon or orange peel for a citrusy touch.
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Coffee Old Fashioned
Save this Recipe!
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Equipment
- rocks glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 ounce brewed coffee or espresso cooled
- ½ ounce pure maple syrup
- 3-4 dashes bitters
Instructions
- Begin by making a coffee ice cube, if desired. Place the ice cube in a rocks glass, and then pour in the bourbon.
- Pour cooled coffee in to the glass along with maple syrup and a few dashes of bitters.
- Gently stir with a bar spoon to blend the flavors and chill the drink. Optional garnishes include a cherry, orange peel, or whole coffee beans.
Notes
- Add ½ to 1 ounce more coffee for a more intense coffee flavor.
- Freeze brewed coffee in an ice cube mold to create a coffee ice cube.
- Suggested bitters for this coffee old fashioned include: orange, black walnut, angostura, coffee, or chocolate.
- Optional garnishes: whole coffee beans, orange peel, and a cherry.
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