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Reimagined the classic Old Fashioned with a bold espresso twist that perfectly bridges your afternoon pick-me-up with happy hour. This sophisticated variation maintains the cocktail’s cherished heritage while introducing deep coffee notes that complement the bourbon’s natural caramel and vanilla profiles.

An espresso old fashioned with a large ice cube and orange peel sits on a tiled surface.

What Is an Espresso Old Fashioned Cocktail?

A modern interpretation of the Old Fashioned that marries freshly pulled espresso with bourbon, creating a complex cocktail that’s both sophisticated and energizing. Born from the craft cocktail renaissance of the 2010s, this variation pays homage to both coffee culture and classic cocktail traditions.

A glass of dark espresso old fashioned with an orange twist sits on a table adorned with soft shadows.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

  • CAFFEINE KICK – The rich espresso adds depth to the bourbon while maintaining the Old Fashioned’s beloved character, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail that’s neither too sweet nor too bitter.
  • EASY BUT FUN – Simple to craft at home with minimal ingredients, yet impressive enough to serve at your next dinner party. 

What You Need to Make an Espresso Old Fashioned Cocktail

  • Espresso: Fresh pulled shots provide the richest flavor and beautiful crema.
  • Bourbon: Choose a high-proof bourbon with prominent vanilla and caramel notes.
  • Bitters: Angostura bitters complement both the coffee and bourbon.
  • Brown Sugar Syrup: Adds complexity with subtle molasses notes. Orange Peel: Essential for the aromatic oils and traditional garnish.

How to Make an Espresso Old Fashioned Cocktail

  • Step 1: Pull your espresso shot and let it cool slightly.
  • Step 2: Combine espresso, bourbon, bitters, and brown sugar syrup in a shaker with ice.
  • Step 3: Shake vigorously until well-chilled and properly diluted.
  • Step 4: Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
  • Step 5: Express orange oils over the drink and garnish with the peel.
  • A hand pours bitters from a bottle into a clear patterned glass on a tiled surface.
  • Borubon is poured from a small cup into a textured glass on a tiled surface.
  • Pouring coffee from a small carafe into a glass on a tiled surface.

Expert Recipe Tips

  • Tip 1: Use freshly pulled espresso rather than cooled coffee for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Tip 2: Select a bourbon between 90-100 proof to stand up to the coffee’s intensity.
  • Tip 3: Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer to ensure silky smoothness.
A glass of dark iced espresso old fashioned garnished with an orange peel sits on a tiled surface with shadows.

How to Serve This Espresso Old Fashioned Cocktail

Serve in a heavyweight rocks glass over a large ice cube. Present with an expressed orange peel garnish, ideally alongside a small dark chocolate square to complement the coffee notes.

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Espresso Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Mix a remarkable espresso old fashioned that balances coffee and bourbon. This recipe shows you how to layer flavors for a perfectly balanced modern classic.
Print Recipe
An espresso old fashioned with a large ice cube and orange peel garnish sits on a tiled surface.
Prep Time:5 minutes
Total Time:5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 oz espresso
  • 50 ml bourbon
  • 2 dashes bitters
  • ½ oz brown sugar syrup
  • Orange Peel

Instructions

  • Add the espresso, bourbon, bitters and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker.
  • Add lots of ice and shake until chilled.
  • Strain over ice into a short glass and garnish with an orange twist.
Servings: 1 cocktail
Author: Kita

Recipe FAQs

Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?

While possible, fresh espresso provides better texture and a more pronounced coffee flavor.

Which bourbon works best?

We recommend a high-rye bourbon like Four Roses Single Barrel or Woodford Reserve.

How long will the cocktail stay fresh?

It’s best enjoyed immediately while the espresso is fresh and the dilution is optimal; otherwise, it can get bitter.

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Award-winning cocktail maker, picture taker, content writer, editor, and all around imbiber behind the Libation Chronicles and a few other fun projects.

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