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Coffee Old-Fashioned Recipe

Coffee Old-Fashioned Recipe

By What’s Baking

A sophisticated fusion of bold whiskey and robust coffee notes, creating a complex evening sipper with aromatic depth and satisfying bittersweet character.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal rocks glass showcases a dark amber cocktail with a large clear ice cube, captured in moody low-key lighting that highlights the liquid's rich mahogany tones. Golden rim highlights trace the glass's edge as warm bar lighting catches the expressed oils from the orange twist garnish floating atop the drink. A close-up reveals delicate coffee grounds sprinkled on the surface and the textural contrast between the glossy cocktail and the rustic wooden coaster beneath. The composition features subtle coffee beans scattered artfully around the base, with dramatic shadows creating depth against a dark walnut bar top.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml bourbon or rye whiskey</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Mr. Black)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon demerara syrup (2:1 demerara sugar to water)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 dashes Angostura bitters</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 dash chocolate bitters (optional)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange peel for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Coffee beans for garnish (optional)</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing glass</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Fine-mesh strainer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Rocks glass</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Large ice cube mold (optional but recommended)</li> </ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Prepare your glass by placing a large ice cube (if available) or regular ice cubes in a rocks glass and set aside. Using a large cube will provide optimal dilution while keeping your cocktail colder longer. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In your mixing glass, add the demerara syrup, Angostura bitters, and chocolate bitters if using. The demerara sugar brings a rich molasses note that complements both the whiskey and coffee flavors. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Pour in your chosen whiskey (bourbon offers more sweetness and vanilla notes, while rye brings spicier characteristics) and the coffee liqueur. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, opt for craft coffee liqueurs like Mr. Black which tend to be less sweet and more coffee-forward. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Fill your mixing glass two-thirds full with ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds until properly chilled and diluted. You'll know it's ready when the outside of the mixing glass becomes frosty. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Strain the cocktail into your prepared rocks glass over the ice cube. A fine-mesh strainer ensures no ice chips make it into the final drink, maintaining clarity. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> For the garnish, cut a piece of orange peel about the size of your thumb. Hold it skin-side down over the drink and squeeze gently to express the oils over the surface of the cocktail. This adds bright citrus aromatics that complement both the coffee and whiskey. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Rub the orange peel around the rim of the glass to further enhance the aromatic experience, then place it in the cocktail. If desired, add a few coffee beans as an additional garnish to hint at the drink's flavor profile. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 195 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 12 g
🍭 Sugar: 10 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 4 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Which whiskey works best for a coffee cocktail?

Both bourbon and rye whiskey work excellently, with bourbon providing sweeter vanilla notes that complement the coffee, while rye brings spicier characteristics for a more complex profile. Choose premium whiskeys with caramel or chocolate undertones to enhance the coffee elements.

Can I substitute coffee liqueur with real espresso in this drink?

Yes, you can replace coffee liqueur with 15ml fresh espresso and an additional 5ml simple syrup for sweetness. This creates a more authentic coffee flavour but slightly alters the texture. For best results, use cooled espresso to maintain proper dilution ratios.

What's the difference between regular and chocolate bitters in whiskey cocktails?

Chocolate bitters add cocoa notes that enhance the coffee-whiskey pairing with subtle complexity, while regular Angostura bitters provide traditional spice and herbal qualities. The combination creates depth, but chocolate bitters remain optional if you prefer a more classic profile.

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