The rich bitterness of coffee meets the smooth warmth of bourbon in a contemporary cocktail that is equal parts classy and delicious—the Espresso Old Fashioned. This drink is a bold twist on the classic Old Fashioned, designed for those who appreciate strong flavors with a touch of sophistication. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply winding down after a long day, this cocktail brings an elevated edge to your happy hour.
If you’re ready to impress guests (or just yourself) with this inventive blend, read on to learn everything you need to know—history, ingredients, variations, and, of course, the full recipe.
What is an Espresso Old Fashioned?
At its core, the Espresso Old Fashioned is a fusion of two iconic beverages. It takes inspiration from the traditional Old Fashioned cocktail, which consists of bourbon or whiskey, sugar, and bitters, and combines it with the intense, robust flavors of fresh espresso. The result? A drink that’s slightly sweet, slightly bitter, and entirely irresistible.
It’s a bold flavor profile perfectly suited for coffee lovers and cocktail connoisseurs alike. The Espresso Old Fashioned serves as both a drink and a conversation starter—making it an essential addition to any cocktail repertoire.
What Makes the Espresso Old Fashioned Special?
The Espresso Old Fashioned isn’t just another cocktail; it’s an experience in a glass. Here’s why it stands out from the crowd:
1. A Dual Flavor Celebration
By blending coffee and bourbon, the Espresso Old Fashioned strikes a balance between the roasted, bitter tones of espresso and the caramel, oak-and-vanilla notes of bourbon. It’s an ideal drink for those who enjoy contrast in flavors that enhance each other.
2. Versatility
Whether you’re prepping for a cozy evening by the fireplace or adding a creative edge to your next gathering, the Espresso Old Fashioned works for almost any occasion. Dress it up with a garnish for a celebratory look, or keep it minimalist for a laid-back vibe.
3. Caffeine and Alcohol—Together at Last
Need a cocktail that perks you up? The espresso’s caffeine content will provide a gentle pick-me-up, making this drink a favorite for post-dinner libations or late-night mingling.
4. Easy to Customize
With endless variations possible, you can tweak the Espresso Old Fashioned to match your personal style. We’ll touch on the best ways to customize it later in this blog.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you grab your shaker, make sure you have these ingredients ready. Fresh, quality ingredients can make a world of difference in this cocktail’s final flavor.
- Bourbon or Whiskey: Stick with high-quality options, as the bourbon is the foundation of this drink. Look for bourbons with caramel or vanilla undertones. Good examples include Bulleit Bourbon or Woodford Reserve.
- Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso is the star of this show. Its rich concentration of flavor ensures the drink packs the perfect punch.
- Demerara Syrup or Simple Syrup: Adding just a touch of sweetness helps balance the cocktail. Demerara syrup works particularly well due to its deep, molasses-like flavor.
- Bitters: Bitters, such as Angostura or chocolate bitters, enhance complexity in the drink.
- Ice: Large clear ice cubes are preferred for professional presentation and slower dilution.
- Optional Garnish: Orange peel or coffee beans make for an aesthetic and aromatic finishing touch.
How to Make the Perfect Espresso Old Fashioned
Making an Espresso Old Fashioned is both straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps to create a cocktail that rivals the skill of any professional bartender:
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
- 0.25 oz demerara syrup (substitute simple syrup if unavailable)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters (or chocolate bitters for a decadent touch)
- Ice (preferably a large cube for less dilution)
- Garnish (optional): Orange peel or a few coffee beans
Instructions
- Brew the Espresso: Begin by brewing fresh espresso and allow it to cool slightly to avoid watering down the cocktail.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the bourbon, espresso, demerara syrup, and bitters into a mixing glass. Fill it with ice.
- Stir it Down: Stir the mixture gently for about 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Strain: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish: Gently express the oils from an orange peel over the surface of the drink and use it as a garnish. Alternatively, a few coffee beans can be placed on top for a simple yet striking presentation.
Sip and savor the rich interplay of flavors as the bourbon and espresso mingle effortlessly with the sweet and bitter notes.
Creative Variations
Looking to give your Espresso Old Fashioned a personal twist? Here are a few clever variations to experiment with:
1. Caramel Espresso Old Fashioned
Swap the demerara or simple syrup for a caramel syrup to amp up the sweetness. This variation pairs beautifully with dessert.
2. Smoked Espresso Old Fashioned
Infuse smoky flavors into the drink by using a smoked whiskey or incorporating a smoking wood chip (like oak or cherry) as a garnish.
3. Mexican Mocha Old Fashioned
Include a pinch of cinnamon and chili powder to the mix, and use chocolate bitters to add a rich, spicy kick inspired by Mexican mocha coffee.
4. Vanilla Espresso Old Fashioned
Enhance the vanilla flavors in bourbon by adding a drop of pure vanilla extract or using vanilla syrup instead of demerara.
5. Cold Brew Alternative
Swap espresso for cold brew concentrate if you’re looking for a smoother, less acidic coffee foundation.
Tips for Success
To truly nail the Espresso Old Fashioned, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Espresso: The better your coffee, the better your cocktail. Always brew fresh espresso for the richest flavor.
- Choose the Right Bourbon: Not all bourbons are created equal—go for one that complements the boldness of coffee. Avoid overly smoky whiskeys that could overpower the espresso.
- Don’t Skimp on Ice: A large, high-quality ice cube enhances the drink’s aesthetics and taste by preventing excessive dilution.
Why Your Next Event Needs an Espresso Old Fashioned
The Espresso Old Fashioned combines elegance, uniqueness, and flavor in one tidy glass. It’s the perfect addition to any celebration, fitting right in at weddings, dinner parties, or late-night cocktail hours. Equally, it can elevate a casual evening alone, giving you a luxurious moment to unwind.
Bring Sophistication to Your Glass
There you have it—the ultimate guide to crafting the perfect Espresso Old Fashioned. A drink that epitomizes versatility and refinement, it’s a recipe worth mastering. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a bourbon lover, or simply someone who’s curious to try something new, this cocktail won’t disappoint.
Go ahead—stock your bar, brew that espresso, and toast with your Espresso Old Fashioned. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
FAQs
What kind of bourbon should I use?
Choose a high-quality bourbon that you enjoy drinking on its own. The flavor profile of the bourbon greatly influences the cocktail, so opt for one with a smooth, balanced taste.
Can I use a different spirit instead of bourbon?
While bourbon is traditional for an Espresso Old Fashioned, you can experiment with other spirits like rye whiskey or even dark rum for a unique twist on the flavor.
Do I need special equipment to make this cocktail?
Not at all! Basic bar tools like a shaker, strainer, and stirring spoon will work perfectly. A jigger for measuring ingredients and a large ice cube mold can elevate your presentation but aren’t essential.
What type of espresso works best?
Freshly brewed espresso is ideal for its rich and bold flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a strong coffee or concentrated cold brew can be good substitutes.
Can I make this drink non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! You can replace the bourbon with a non-alcoholic spirit or even experiment with a mix of apple cider and soda water to retain complexity in the drink without alcohol.
Is it possible to batch this cocktail for a crowd?
Yes! Pre-mix the bourbon, espresso, syrup, and bitters ahead of time and store it in a sealed container. When ready to serve, pour over ice and garnish individually. Just be sure not to add ice to the batch to avoid dilution.
