Home
Recipes
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic
Nitro Coffee Old Fashioned Recipe

Nitro Coffee Old Fashioned Recipe

By What’s Baking

A sophisticated fusion of cold brew intensity and whiskey warmth, heightened with nitrogen's velvety texture and punctuated with orange notes for a contemporary classic experience.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
An elegant lowball glass featuring a deep amber-brown cocktail with a distinctive creamy nitrogen-infused head, captured from a 45-degree angle that highlights its silky texture. Crystal-clear ice cubes catch the warm, amber bar lighting, creating golden reflections through the drink. A twisted orange peel garnish rests on the glass rim, with tiny essential oil droplets visible on the drink's surface. Moody lighting creates dramatic shadows against a dark wooden bar top, while copper bar tools sit slightly blurred in the background, suggesting the craft that went into creating this nitro-infused twist on a classic.

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>

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>
BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
⇄
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

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>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice
🔥 Calories: 275 calories
🥑 Fat: 11 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 6 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 42 g
🍭 Sugar: 28 g
🍗 Protein: 2 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 25 mg
🧂 Sodium: 120 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

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.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.

View all
A crystal rocks glass showcases dramatic layers where dark espresso cascades over a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating mesmerizing coffee-colored swirls. The glass sits on a rustic wooden board against a moody background with warm, low lighting that emphasizes the drink's rich amber-brown tones. Condensation forms on the exterior while a delicate orange twist and coffee bean garnish rest artistically on top. A bottle of artisanal amaro stands blurred in the background, suggesting the cocktail's bittersweet foundation.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Amaro Affogato Cocktail Recipe

A decadent fusion of bitter amaro, rich espresso, and velvety ice cream creates a sophisticated dessert cocktail that balances warmth and chill with exquisite complexity.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
An elegant martini glass filled with a dark, glossy espresso cocktail, topped with a perfect layer of silky crema. The deep brown-black liquid catches the light with subtle crimson undertones. A single maraschino cherry speared with a thin chocolate stick rests on the rim, while cocoa powder dusts one side of the glass surface. Shot in moody, atmospheric bar lighting that creates dramatic shadows, emphasizing the luxurious texture of the cocktail. Droplets of condensation bead on the chilled glass, suggesting the perfect temperature. A bottle of cherry liqueur and chocolate bitters sit blurred in the background, hinting at the complex flavors within.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Black Forest Espresso Martini Recipe

A decadent fusion of rich espresso, velvety chocolate, and luscious cherry flavors that transforms the classic espresso martini into a boozy Black Forest gateau in a glass.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A crystal-clear rocks glass with a single large ice cube capturing light reflections, filled with an amber-bronze cocktail that hints at both coffee richness and botanical complexity. Golden hour lighting accentuates the warm tones against a dark walnut bar top, while wisps of expressed orange oils hover above the surface. A twisted orange peel garnish rests elegantly on the rim, with coffee beans scattered artfully nearby to hint at the flavor profile. The drink's silky texture is evident in the way it clings slightly to the glass, suggesting both spirit strength and coffee integration.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Coffee Negroni Blanco Recipe

A sophisticated fusion of bright white coffee notes with the herbal complexity of a white negroni, creating an invigorating yet smooth aperitivo experience.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A close-up shot of a Café Amaretto in a crystal-clear rocks glass, showcasing distinct layers of dark coffee liqueur and cream crowned with a light dusting of cocoa powder. The lighting is warm and intimate, resembling the amber glow of a sophisticated cocktail lounge. Ice cubes glisten as they slowly melt, with condensation forming on the exterior of the glass. A whole coffee bean garnish rests on top of the cream, while a cinnamon stick leans against the rim, providing texture contrast. The cocktail sits atop a polished wooden bar surface with soft focus bar bottles in the background, creating depth and context.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Café Amaretto Recipe

A seductive blend of rich coffee liqueur, smooth amaretto, and fresh cream creates a dessert-worthy cocktail that's both indulgent and remarkably balanced.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A short, heavy-bottomed rocks glass sits against a dark wooden bar top illuminated by warm, amber lighting. The Sombrero cocktail displays perfect layering - a deep, chocolate-brown base of Kahlúa transitioning into a cloud-like layer of pristine white cream that floats delicately on top. A fine dusting of freshly grated coffee beans creates a delicate pattern across the cream's surface, with a single coffee bean garnish resting at the center. The contrast between the dark liqueur and bright white cream is accentuated by droplets of condensation gathering on the glass, suggesting the perfect serving temperature.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Sombrero - Kahlúa (Coffee Liqueur) and Cream Recipe

A luscious, velvety cascade of rich coffee liqueur gently blanketed with fresh cream, offering comforting warmth and indulgent sweetness in each sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
2 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A Coffee Negroni captured in dramatic low-key lighting with sharp highlights accentuating the drink's deep amber-ruby color transitioning to dark coffee tones. The cocktail rests in a crystal rocks glass with a large crystal-clear ice cube, where thin swirls of coffee create mesmerizing patterns within the drink. A perfectly twisted orange peel garnish rests on the rim, with essential oils glistening on the surface. Soft backlighting illuminates the translucent edges of the drink, showcasing its silky texture and complex layering of Campari, gin, vermouth, and cold brew. Condensation beads on the outside of the glass catch ambient light, suggesting the perfect serving temperature.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Coffee Negroni Recipe

A bold fusion of classic bitter-sweet Negroni elements with rich cold brew coffee undertones, creating a sophisticated caffeine-infused aperitivo experience.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe