We’ve always loved the classic Old Fashioned for its simple yet sophisticated charm, but we’re excited to share our twist on it with this Espresso Old Fashioned recipe. This cocktail blends the smooth bitterness of espresso with whiskey’s warmth, creating a modern favorite that energizes your evening.
As cocktail aficionados, we draw from the Old Fashioned’s 19th-century roots while adding a coffeehouse vibe that makes it irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends or unwinding solo, it’s the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
Ingredients
In crafting our Espresso Old Fashioned, we start by selecting high-quality ingredients that blend the classic warmth of whiskey with the bold, aromatic essence of espresso. Below, we list them in the order of use, with precise measurements and preparation notes to ensure a perfectly balanced cocktail.
- 2 oz Whiskey: We opt for a robust bourbon as the base spirit, providing the foundational depth and smoothness that defines this drink.
- 1 oz Freshly brewed espresso: Brewed just before mixing for maximum freshness, this delivers the invigorating bitterness and rich coffee flavor that elevates our Espresso Old Fashioned.
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup: Made from equal parts sugar and water, we prepare this in advance to add just the right touch of sweetness to counterbalance the espresso’s intensity.
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters: These aromatic bitters are added next to introduce subtle spice and complexity, enhancing the overall profile of our cocktail.
- 1 Orange peel, for garnish: We use a fresh peel, twisted to release its citrus oils, as the final touch to garnish and impart a vibrant, zesty aroma.
Equipment Needed
To craft our Espresso Old Fashioned with precision and ease, we rely on a few key tools that ensure every step—from brewing fresh espresso to mixing and serving—delivers a professional-quality cocktail. Below, we’ve listed the essential equipment in the order we typically use them, with italics for emphasis on critical items and bold for must-have tools.
- Espresso machine or moka pot: We start with this to brew 1 oz of fresh espresso, capturing its rich, invigorating flavor that forms the heart of our cocktail.
- Jigger: This measuring tool allows us to accurately measure ingredients like 2 oz of bourbon and 0.5 oz of simple syrup, ensuring balanced flavors every time.
- Mixing glass: Ideal for combining liquids, we use this to gently stir our espresso, bourbon, and bitters without dilution.
- *Bar spoon: For stirring the mixture smoothly, this long spoon helps maintain the drink’s texture and integrate flavors without over-agitating.
- Hawthorne strainer: We employ this to strain the cocktail into the glass, removing any solids for a clean, polished pour.
- Old Fashioned glass: Serving in this sturdy, lowball glass enhances the drink’s presentation and keeps it chilled, perfect for our modern twist on the classic.
- Channel knife or peeler: Finally, we use this to create a twist of orange peel for garnish, adding aromatic oils that elevate the cocktail’s sensory appeal.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to move seamlessly into preparation, building on our carefully selected ingredients for an unforgettable Espresso Old Fashioned.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through creating our Espresso Old Fashioned with precision and ease for a cocktail that’s both invigorating and sophisticated.
Prepare Espresso
To start, brew fresh espresso using your espresso machine or moka pot, ensuring it captures the bold, aromatic essence that elevates our cocktail. Measure 1 oz of espresso immediately after brewing to preserve its rich, velvety texture and intense coffee flavor, which adds a smooth bitterness that perfectly complements the whiskey’s warmth.
Mix the Cocktail
In a mixing glass, add 2 oz of robust bourbon for its deep, oaky notes, followed by the 1 oz of freshly brewed espresso for an invigorating kick. Pour in 0.5 oz of simple syrup to balance the bitterness, then incorporate 2 dashes of Angostura bitters for a layer of spicy complexity that awakens the senses. Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture gently for about 20 seconds until chilled and well-integrated, allowing the aromas of coffee and citrus to mingle and create a harmonious blend.
Serve
Strain the mixed cocktail into an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice using a Hawthorne strainer for a clean, smooth pour that highlights the drink’s glossy appearance. Express the oils from a twist of orange peel over the glass to release its zesty, fragrant essence, then rub it along the rim and drop it in as a garnish, resulting in a visually appealing drink with a citrusy aroma that enhances every sip.
Make-Ahead Tips
As cocktail enthusiasts, we often appreciate the convenience of preparing elements in advance to streamline our Espresso Old Fashioned experience without compromising on flavor. Below, we break down make-ahead strategies for key components, ensuring your invigorating blend of espresso and whiskey remains fresh and balanced.
Preparing Espresso in Advance
Freshly brewed espresso is the heart of our Espresso Old Fashioned, but it can be prepped ahead with proper storage to preserve its bold, invigorating bitterness. Here’s how we recommend handling it:
- Brew and Chill: Brew 1 oz of espresso per serving using your espresso machine or moka pot, then immediately transfer it to an airtight container. Cool it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to maintain its rich aroma and prevent oxidation.
- Storage Tips: Always use a glass container to avoid any metallic taste, and cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing to minimize exposure to air.
Simple Syrup Preparation
Our simple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the cocktail’s robust flavors, and it’s incredibly easy to make ahead.
- Batch Recipe: Combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan, heat until dissolved, and let it cool completely. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, making it ready for multiple servings of our Espresso Old Fashioned.
- Quantity Guide: For efficiency, prepare a larger batch as shown in the table below, based on common serving sizes:
| Batch Size | Sugar (cups) | Water (cups) | Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 1 | 1 | Up to 2 weeks |
| Medium | 2 | 2 | Up to 2 weeks |
| Large | 4 | 4 | Up to 2 weeks |
Bitters and Garnish Readiness
To add complexity and visual appeal, we can prepare bitters mixtures and garnishes in advance for seamless assembly.
- Bitters Infusion: Measure out 2 dashes of Angostura bitters per serving into a small dropper bottle. This allows for precise addition later and can be stored at room temperature indefinitely, keeping our Espresso Old Fashioned’s spicy notes intact.
- Orange Twist Prep: Use a channel knife or peeler to create twists from fresh oranges. “Express the oils over the drink just before serving,” we advise, as pre-peeled twists can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a zippered bag to retain their vibrant citrus aroma.
Assembling Ahead
While we don’t recommend fully assembling the cocktail more than 30 minutes in advance due to the perishable nature of espresso, here’s a streamlined approach for partial prep:
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz of bourbon, 0.5 oz of simple syrup, and the pre-measured bitters. Stir gently and refrigerate the mixture for up to 12 hours.
- Incorporate Espresso: Add the chilled espresso right before stirring and serving to preserve its fresh, energizing essence, ensuring the final drink delivers that signature smooth bitterness.
- Final Touches: When ready, strain into an Old Fashioned glass with ice and garnish with your prepared orange twist for an effortless, professional finish.
By following these tips, we elevate our Espresso Old Fashioned preparation, making it ideal for entertaining or busy evenings while keeping the cocktail’s sophisticated flavors at their peak.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored the Espresso Old Fashioned with us. It’s a simple yet elegant way to blend coffee’s vibrancy with whiskey’s depth, perfect for any occasion.
As we wrap up, remember this cocktail invites creativity in your home bar. Give it a try and discover how it elevates your evenings—we’re confident it’ll become a favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Espresso Old Fashioned?
An Espresso Old Fashioned is a modern twist on the classic cocktail, blending the rich bitterness of espresso with smooth whiskey for an energizing drink. It combines the Old Fashioned’s historical roots with a coffeehouse flair, perfect for social events or relaxing alone.
What ingredients are needed for an Espresso Old Fashioned?
You’ll need 2 oz of robust bourbon, 1 oz of freshly brewed espresso, 0.5 oz of simple syrup, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and an orange peel for garnish. These high-quality ingredients ensure a balanced mix of bitterness, sweetness, and warmth.
How do you make an Espresso Old Fashioned?
Brew fresh espresso, then mix it with bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters in a glass. Stir with ice until chilled, strain into an Old Fashioned glass over ice, and garnish with an orange twist. This simple process takes about 5 minutes and creates a sophisticated cocktail.
What equipment is required to prepare an Espresso Old Fashioned?
Essential tools include an espresso machine or moka pot for brewing, a jigger for measuring, a mixing glass and bar spoon for stirring, a Hawthorne strainer for pouring, an Old Fashioned glass for serving, and a channel knife or peeler for the garnish.
Can I prepare an Espresso Old Fashioned in advance?
Yes, brew and chill espresso up to 24 hours ahead, store simple syrup for up to two weeks in the fridge, and prep orange twists for up to three days. Mix base ingredients up to 12 hours in advance, but add espresso just before serving to keep flavors fresh.
Why add espresso to a traditional Old Fashioned?
Espresso adds a bold, invigorating bitterness and smooth energy, enhancing the whiskey’s warmth while giving a contemporary coffee twist. This combination creates a more complex, modern cocktail that’s ideal for coffee lovers seeking a spirited upgrade.