Nitro Coffee Old Fashioned Recipe

Learn how to make this homemade Nitro Coffee Old Fashioned, blending the best bourbon with cold brew concentrate and nitrogen-infusion for a velvety, sophisticated twist on the classic cocktail. Perfect for coffee lovers seeking an easy craft cocktail recipe with impressive results and complex flavors.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 cocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml bourbon whiskey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml cold brew coffee concentrate</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">10ml maple syrup (or demerara syrup)</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></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

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🥑 Fat:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Old Fashioned glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large ice cube mold</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Nitro cream whipper (or nitrogen-infused cold brew)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Y-peeler or sharp knife for garnish</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Place your large ice cube in an Old Fashioned glass. Using a single large cube minimizes dilution while maximizing chill, preserving the complex flavors of both the coffee and whiskey.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Pour the bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and chocolate bitters (if using) over the ice. Gently stir these ingredients with your bar spoon for about 15-20 seconds to properly chill and integrate the flavors while achieving slight dilution.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>If using a nitro cream whipper: Pour your cold brew concentrate into the whipper, charge with a nitrogen cartridge according to manufacturer's instructions, shake vigorously for 30 seconds to fully infuse, then carefully layer the nitro coffee on top of your cocktail. Alternatively, use pre-made nitrogen-infused cold brew and layer it gently over the whiskey mixture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Using your Y-peeler or knife, cut a wide strip of orange peel. Hold the peel over the drink, orange side facing down, and gently twist to express the essential oils over the surface. You should see a fine mist of citrus oils landing on the creamy head of your cocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Rub the orange peel around the rim of the glass to further enhance the aromatic experience, then place it decoratively either on the rim or floating on top of the nitro head. This adds both visual appeal and a complementary aroma that elevates both the coffee and whiskey notes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Serve immediately while the nitrogen infusion is at its peak creaminess. The cocktail should have a beautiful cascade effect as nitrogen bubbles continue to circulate, creating a velvety mouthfeel that transforms this Old Fashioned into something truly special.</li></ol>

FAQs

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

What ingredients are used in Nitro Coffee Old Fashioned?

This sophisticated cocktail requires bourbon whiskey, cold brew coffee concentrate, maple syrup (or demerara syrup), Angostura bitters, optional chocolate bitters, and orange peel for garnish. The magic happens when these ingredients meet nitrogen infusion for a velvety texture.

How to make Nitro Coffee Old Fashioned at home?

Learn how to make Nitro Coffee Old Fashioned by combining bourbon, maple syrup and bitters over a large ice cube, then layering nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee on top. Use a nitro cream whipper charged with a nitrogen cartridge or purchase ready-made nitro cold brew. Finish with expressed orange oils from a twist of peel for aromatic complexity.

What's the best bourbon to use for a coffee-infused cocktail?

Choose a bourbon with caramel, vanilla and oak notes that complement coffee's complexity. Wheated bourbons like Maker's Mark work beautifully, while higher-proof options like Knob Creek stand up to the strong cold brew flavour. Avoid overly smoky or spicy bourbons that might clash.

How do I achieve that perfect nitro foam texture without specialised equipment?

Without a nitro whipper, use store-bought nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee. Alternatively, use a handheld milk frother to create a similar texture, or shake cold brew vigorously in a cocktail shaker with a spring from a Hawthorne strainer to create a temporary foam effect.

Can I prepare any elements of this bourbon coffee cocktail in advance?

Yes! Pre-make your cold brew concentrate (keeps for up to a week), prepare large ice cubes in advance, and you can even pre-batch the bourbon, syrup and bitters. For entertaining, just keep the nitrogen infusion step for right before serving to maintain that signature velvety texture.

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