Coffee Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail

The beauty of a classic Old Fashioned is its simplicity. So to create this Coffee Old Fashioned, we’re continuing that trend using strong cold coffee and homemade brown sugar syrup, while leaving out coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, or other syrupy liqueurs.

Most old-fashioned recipes call for a twist of orange peel, but that is entirely up to your preference with this Coffee Old Fashioned. Since there’s a squeeze of fresh juice in this drink, there’s plenty of orange flavor. However, if you love an orange twist on the top of your drink, go ahead and add it to your coffee cocktail. 

What's in a Coffee Old Fashioned

• Bourbon - Choose your favorite bourbon for this cocktails. Just make sure you aren’t using one that’s been infused with another flavor (honey, apple, etc.). I love Four Roses or Buffalo Trace bourbon in my old fashioneds. 
• Cold coffee - This can be cold brew coffee or (strong) brewed coffee that you've chilled. Just make sure it's cold before using in your cocktail.
• Brown sugar syrup - An easy variation on simple syrup, this 2 ingredient brown sugar syrup adds depth of flavor along with sweetness.
• An orange - Use a fresh orange for this recipe. It really does make a big difference in the flavor.
• Chocolate bitters - Bitters add a wonderful depth to the cocktail and chocolate compliments the coffee and bourbon nicely. (Read: Elevate Your Cocktails with Bitters) You can use aromatic bitters if you don't have chocolate bitters on hand (though I highly recommend getting some!).

How to Make a Coffee Old Fashioned

Combine bourbon, cold coffee, brown sugar syrup, orange juice, and chocolate bitters in a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes.

Recipe Tips

• Prep your strong coffee. You have two options for getting the coffee ready for this cocktail. Either brew strong, hot coffee and cool it to at least room temperature before using. (But preferably chill it first.) OR you can use cold brew coffee for this recipe. Either is delicious. Do not use instant coffee. 
• Fresh juice is really important here. Don't use orange juice from a bottle or carton. Squeeze an orange. You’ll need no more than half of an orange for this recipe. 
• Don’t have an orange on hand? Clementines make a great substitution for the orange in this recipe.

Looking for More Old Fashioned Cocktails?

I love a twist on a classic cocktail, and the Old Fashioned is no exception! Try my peach old fashioned made with easy peach syrup, this apple old fashioned with apple cider syrup or a pineapple old fashioned with fresh pineapple syrup. You can also step away from bourbon completely with this Oaxaca old-fashioned cocktail with mezcal.

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