Coffee-Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned
A warming twist on the classic Old Fashioned, incorporating coffee bitters and a hint of cinnamon for rich depth and aromatic spice. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon, dashes coffee bitters, simple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 195 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3 dashes coffee bitters
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 1 stick cinnamon stick
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- 1 cube large clear ice cube
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 0.25 oz simple syrup and 3 dashes of coffee bitters into a mixing glass.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon and fill the mixing glass with large clear ice cubes.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface by holding it with the outside facing down and bending it sharply.
- Step 6: Rub the peel around the rim of the glass, then rest it on the ice.
- Step 7: Garnish with 1 cinnamon stick placed upright in the glass to infuse subtle spice as you sip.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Coffee-Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Coffee-Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover coffee-spiced bourbon old fashioned in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Coffee-Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Coffee-Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Coffee-Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
