Why You’ll Love this Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned
Whiskey and coffee—two titans of flavor—collide in a cocktail that’s sophisticated yet approachable enough to make you feel like a bartender who *actually* knows what they’re doing.
The espresso old fashioned’s magic? It balances sweet and bitter like they’re flirting. Ever had bourbon’s warmth waltz with espresso’s boldness? Sip it post-dinner or at happy hour—either way, you’re winning.
No fancy tools needed: shake, strain, and let the orange peel’s zesty snap work its charm. Use 90-proof bourbon; it hugs the coffee without getting bitter.
Bonus? We’ll keep quiet about that espresso mishap. Your secret’s safe here.
What Ingredients are in Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned?
In relation to crafting an espresso old fashioned that tastes like a pro mixed it in your kitchen, the ingredient list is shorter than your patience waiting for coffee to brew on Monday morning—but every piece matters. Let’s skip the mystery and break it down:
- Bourbon (2 oz): Go for 90–100 proof—think of it as the sturdy friend who keeps the espresso’s intense personality in check.
- Espresso (2 oz): Freshly pulled and *slightly* cooled. Stale coffee from this morning’s meeting? Hard pass.
- Brown sugar syrup (½ oz): Or Demerara syrup if you want to sound fancy at parties. Sweetness without the grainy texture of raw sugar.
- Bitters (2 dashes): Chocolate or aromatic. It’s like the spice rack hero—two shakes, not a monsoon.
- Orange peel: Not just decor; that citrusy “zhoosh” makes the flavors pop.
Now, the fine print: bourbon proof matters here. Lower-proof whiskey might get steamrolled by the espresso’s boldness, while higher-proof options (but not *too* high) add structure without bitterness.
For the espresso, pull it right before mixing—cooled just enough to avoid melting your ice into a sad puddle. Swap brown sugar syrup for plain simple syrup in a pinch, but expect a slightly less caramel-y vibe.
And if your orange peel looks like you hacked it with a butter knife? We’re not judging. Much.
How to Make this Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned
Wait, but *why* the orange peel?
That little twist isn’t just for Instagram. The oils cut through the coffee’s intensity, balancing the drink like a tightrope walker with great core strength.
And if your syrup’s too sweet? Adjust next time. Cocktails are like life: better when you tweak as you go. Looking to experiment more with flavors? A coffee liqueur making kit offers endless possibilities beyond this cocktail.
Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned Substitutions and Variations
Now that we’ve untangled the mystery of the orange peel, let’s play with the recipe a bit, yeah?
Ran out of bourbon? Swap in rye whiskey—it adds peppery spice that flirts with the coffee’s bitterness. Skeptical about brown sugar syrup? Try maple syrup for earthy sweetness or honey for floral notes.
No espresso machine? Strong cold brew works, though you’ll miss that velvety crema. Swap chocolate bitters for black walnut for nutty depth, or toss in a pinch of chili powder for heat.
Prefer less kick? Drop the bourbon to 1.5 oz. Just promise you’ll stir, not shake—unless you want a frothy mess. Trust me.
What to Serve with Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned
Once you’ve perfected that rich, coffee-kissed Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned, let’s tackle the real dilemma — what do you pair with a cocktail bold enough to wear cologne? (Kidding. Mostly.)
Think savory-nibble-meets-comfort-food: salty, fatty bites like candied bacon or aged cheddar balance the drink’s sweetness and bitterness. Spiced pecans? Yes—they whisper “autumn bonfire” to the coffee’s smokiness.
For dessert, dark chocolate truffles dusted with sea salt flirt shamelessly with the espresso. Avoid delicate flavors; this cocktail’s a linebacker.
Oh—and never underestimate the power of a well-toasted crostini slathered in fig jam. Trust me, they’ll fist-bump your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve followed along this caffeinated cocktail journey, congratulations—you’ve officially mastered a drink that’s equal parts “coffee enthusiast” and “whiskey rebel.”
Let’s be honest: Does anything else combine the grim determination of Monday mornings with Friday-night swagger quite like a Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned?
The magic’s in balancing that bold espresso sip with bourbon’s smoky warmth—tweak the syrup or bitters if you want, but keep it simple.
Use fresh brew, good bourbon, and shake it like you mean it.
Whether you’re prepping for deadlines or unwinding, this drink’s your secret handshake.
Who says you can’t have breakfast’s hustle and happy hour’s charm in one glass?
Frequently Asked Questions about Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned
How do I make a classic Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned at home?
Start with 2 oz of 90‑100 proof bourbon, 2 oz of freshly pulled espresso (cooled slightly), ½ oz of brown sugar syrup, and 2 dashes of chocolate or aromatic bitters. Shake with ice, strain into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube, and finish by expressing an orange peel over the drink and garnishing with it.
What ingredients are essential for a balanced espresso old fashioned?
Essential components are bourbon (2 oz), espresso (2 oz), brown sugar syrup (½ oz), bitters (2 dashes), and an orange peel for aroma and brightness. The bourbon’s warmth tames the espresso’s bitterness, while the orange oils add cutting citrus.
Can I use a coffee liqueur instead of espresso in this cocktail?
Yes—swap the espresso for an equal volume of a quality coffee liqueur if you prefer a sweeter, smoother profile. You’ll lose the crema contrast, but the bourbon will still shine with the liqueur’s caramel notes.
Which bourbon proof works best for a Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned?
Use 90–100 proof bourbon to keep the espresso from overpowering the spirit. Lower‑proof options let the coffee dominate, while very high proof can add excessive dryness and bitterness.
What foods pair well with a Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned?
Hearty, savory snacks like candied bacon, aged cheddar, or spiced pecans balance the drink’s sweet‑bitter profile. For dessert, dark chocolate truffles or a fig‑jam crostini complement the espresso’s depth nicely.
