# Coffee Old Fashioned > A modern brunch- and after-dinner cocktail that marries classic Old Fashioned structure with bold cold-brew coffee flavors. Smooth bourbon, coffee liqueur and cold brew combine with bitters and orange oil for a refined, slightly caffeinated twist on a beloved whiskey drink. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/coffee-old-fashioned ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 25, 2026 Last Updated: September 24, 2026 ## About This Recipe This Coffee Old Fashioned takes the familiar three-part architecture of a traditional Old Fashioned—spirit, sugar, bitters—and gives it a confident coffee-forward personality that works equally well at a late-morning brunch or as an after-dinner nightcap. Bourbon provides a warm, oaky backbone while cold-brew concentrate and coffee liqueur layer in roasted, chocolatey notes; Angostura bitters and a bright spray of orange oil keep the sweetness from becoming cloying and add fragrant lift. The result is a silky, slightly caffeinated sip that reads more grown-up espresso martini than novelty cocktail. What makes this particular version successful is attention to balance and technique: using cold-brew cut from concentrate (or a deliberately strong cold brew) gives depth without acidity, while the 1:1 simple syrup tames the bitter edges and the short stir brings everything to the right dilution without bruising the spirit. Expressing the orange oils and rinsing the glass with that peel is a small step that gives each sip a citrus flash; for people who love Old Fashioneds but want an espresso jolt, this is the recipe to keep on rotation and tweak to taste. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 10 minutes - Servings: 2 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Drinks ## Ingredients ### Add spirits, coffee and ice - 6 fl oz Bourbon whiskey - 4 fl oz Cold-brew coffee (concentrate or strong) - 2 fl oz Coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa) - 2 cups Ice (for stirring and serving) ### Build bitters, syrup and orange oil - 2 fl oz Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) - 8 dash Angostura bitters - 4 strip Fresh orange peel (for expressing oils and garnish) ### Garnish and finish - 8 bean Whole coffee beans (garnish, optional) ## Instructions ### 1. Build bitters, syrup and orange oil In a mixing glass add the simple syrup and Angostura bitters. Hold one strip of orange peel over the glass and firmly twist to express the oils into the syrup, then drop that peel in and lightly muddle once to release fragrance—do not over-muddle. ### 2. Add spirits, coffee and ice Pour in the bourbon, cold-brew coffee and coffee liqueur over the syrup-bitters mixture. Add plenty of ice to the mixing glass (about 2 cups) and stir briskly for 20–30 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted. ### 3. Strain over fresh ice Place a large ice cube or fresh ice in each rocks glass and strain the chilled cocktail into the prepared glasses. A fine or Hawthorne strainer will ensure a clear, elegant pour. ### 4. Garnish and finish Express a fresh orange peel over each glass and rub the rim with the peel, then drop it in. Garnish with a few whole coffee beans on top for aroma and presentation; optionally flame a thin orange peel briefly for a smoky citrus note. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (1 serving (approx. 437g)): - Calories: 412 kcal - Protein: 0.4 g - Carbohydrates: 41.1 g - Fat: 0.2 g - Saturated Fat: 0.1 g - Fiber: 0.6 g - Sugar: 39.4 g - Cholesterol: 0 mg - Sodium: 5.4 mg ## Tips ### Use cold-brew concentrate If your cold brew is weak, reduce the total coffee volume or use a concentrate so the coffee flavor remains pronounced against the bourbon and liqueur. ### Express orange oils Twist the peel firmly over the drink to spray essential oils onto the surface, then rub the rim to deliver citrus aroma on each sip without adding bitterness. ### Stir, don’t shake Stirring chills and dilutes the drink while preserving clarity and a velvety texture; shaking will aerate and mute the coffee aromatics. ### Mind dilution time Stir 20–30 seconds with plenty of ice to reach about 20–25% dilution, which softens alcohol heat and integrates coffee and syrup without watering them down. ### Pick your ice wisely A single large cube reduces further dilution during sipping and looks elegant, while smaller ice will keep the drink colder but will dilute faster. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Smoky Mezcal Twist Swap half the bourbon for mezcal to introduce a smoky backbone that plays nicely with roasted coffee notes; reduce syrup slightly to let the smoke shine. ### Maple Coffee Old Fashioned Replace simple syrup with an equal measure of pure maple syrup for richer, autumnal sweetness that complements both the bourbon and coffee liqueur. ### Decaf, Low-Caffeine Use decaffeinated cold brew and a decaf coffee liqueur so you can enjoy this in the evening without the jolt, keeping flavors otherwise identical. ### Boozy Espresso Float For a dessert-style drink, top each glass with a small scoop of coffee ice cream or gelato instead of additional ice to add creaminess and a chill float. ## Notes This Coffee Old Fashioned shines at a relaxed weekend brunch or as a digestif after dinner. Home bartenders will love how easily it elevates simple ingredients into a layered, sophisticated sipper. ### Storage and Make-Ahead If you batch this cocktail for a party, make the mixture (without ice) and chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; stir again over fresh ice before serving to re-integrate flavors. Leftover individual cocktails should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours—do not heat them. The cold-brew and coffee liqueur keep well, but expect some loss of aroma after a day in the bottle. ### Serving Suggestions Serve alongside rich brunch dishes like smoked salmon scramble, savory French toast, or a bacon-forward croissant to balance the coffee's bitterness with savory fat. For after-dinner occasions, pair it with dark chocolate truffles, a nutty dessert like pecan tart, or a small plate of aged cheddar and toasted pecans to amplify the cocktail’s roasted and orange notes. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I use hot coffee instead of cold brew? Hot coffee will introduce more acidity and heat that clash with the spirit; if you must, cool it to room temperature first and understand the flavor will be brighter and less smooth than cold brew. ### How can I make this less sweet? Reduce the simple syrup by 25–50% or cut the coffee liqueur by an equal amount and add a splash more bourbon to maintain body while lowering sweetness. ### Is it okay to prepare this in a pitcher? Yes—mix and chill without ice to avoid over-dilution; when ready to serve, stir the chilled batch with ice for 20–30 seconds and strain into individual glasses over fresh ice. ### Why do you recommend Angostura bitters? Angostura adds warm spice and herbal notes that bridge the bourbon and coffee; you can experiment with orange or chocolate bitters, but Angostura gives the most classic counterpoint. ### How do I safely flame the orange peel? Hold a flamed match or lighter briefly behind the peel and squeeze so a tiny burst of oil crosses the flame; do this over the glass and keep the peel moving to avoid charring or unwanted soot. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Grilled Lime Margarita](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-lime-margarita) - [Lillet Spritz](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/lillet-spritz) - [Watermelon Agua Fresca (Easy Blender Recipe)](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/watermelon-agua-fresca-easy-blender-recipe) - [Hemingway Daiquiri](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/hemingway-daiquiri) - [Chartreuse Sour](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/chartreuse-sour) - [Savory French Spritz](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/savory-french-spritz) - [Trending Grillside Drinks for 2026: Cocktails, Low‑ABV Sippers, and Non‑Alcoholic Pairings to Elevate Backyard BBQ](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/trending-grillside-drinks-2026-cocktails-low-abv-non-alcoholic-pairings) - [Blue Drinks at Home: Natural Color Techniques + 10 Viral Blue Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/blue-drinks-natural-ingredients-10-viral-recipes) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan)