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Coffee Old-Fashioned Recipe

Coffee Old-Fashioned Recipe

Learn how to make the best Coffee Old-Fashioned at home with this easy craft cocktail recipe. The perfect balance of premium bourbon or rye whiskey with rich coffee liqueur creates a sophisticated twist on a classic. Master this homemade favorite for an impressive after-dinner drink that combines bold coffee notes with smooth whiskey.
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>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:
🔥 Calories:
🥑 Fat:
🧈 Saturated Fat:
🍞 Carbohydrates:
🍭 Sugar:
🍗 Protein:
🫀 Cholesterol:
🧂 Sodium:

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>

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>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Coffee Old-Fashioned Recipe?

A Coffee Old-Fashioned requires bourbon or rye whiskey, coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa or Mr. Black), demerara syrup, Angostura bitters, optional chocolate bitters, and an orange peel for garnish. Coffee beans can be added as an optional decorative element.

How to make Coffee Old-Fashioned Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Coffee Old-Fashioned Recipe by combining 45ml whiskey with 15ml coffee liqueur and a teaspoon of demerara syrup in a mixing glass. Add bitters, stir with ice for 30 seconds until properly chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express an orange peel over the drink and garnish with it.

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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Using a large cube will provide optimal dilution while keeping your cocktail colder longer." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add sweetener and bitters", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add spirits", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Stir cocktail", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Strain", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Express citrus oils", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Final garnish", "text": "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." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "156" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Elena Petrova", "datePublished": "2024-05-15", "reviewBody": "This Coffee Old-Fashioned is the perfect nightcap! The balance between the whiskey and coffee notes is sublime, and the orange peel adds just the right brightness. My new favorite evening ritual.", "name": "Perfect Evening Sipper", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Alejandro Rodriguez", "datePublished": "2024-05-18", "reviewBody": "The rich coffee aroma with the bourbon warmth is incredible. I used a good quality bourbon and Mr. Black as suggested, and it made all the difference. This cocktail has depth that most bar versions lack.", "name": "Complex and Satisfying", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Chen", "datePublished": "2024-05-22", "reviewBody": "I impressed all my whiskey-loving friends with this recipe! The chocolate bitters are a must-add. They bring out the coffee notes beautifully. This has become my signature cocktail for dinner parties.", "name": "Crowd Pleaser", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Magnus Nilsson", "datePublished": "2024-05-25", "reviewBody": "This is an elegant upgrade to the classic Old-Fashioned! The demerara syrup makes a noticeable difference compared to regular simple syrup. The detailed instructions about expressing the orange oils were particularly helpful.", "name": "Sophisticated Twist", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Aisha Mohammed", "datePublished": "2024-05-28", "reviewBody": "Better than my local craft cocktail bar! The coffee and whiskey are a match made in heaven. I love how the detailed instructions explain why each step matters. The large ice cube recommendation is spot on for slow dilution.", "name": "Bar Quality at Home", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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