Espresso and Bitter Orange Bitters Cocktail
A bold cocktail that combines the sharp bitterness of espresso and orange bitters for a sophisticated and invigorating drink. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together freshly brewed espresso, vodka, dashes bitter orange bitters 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 170 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
- 1.5 oz freshly brewed espresso
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 3 dashes bitter orange bitters
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 for garnish orange twist
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew 1.5 oz freshly brewed espresso and let it cool slightly.
- Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, then add 1.5 oz vodka, the cooled espresso, 0.5 oz simple syrup, and 3 dashes of bitter orange bitters.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly frothy.
- Step 4: Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1 twist of orange peel by expressing the oils over the drink and placing it on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Espresso and Bitter Orange Bitters Cocktail take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Espresso and Bitter Orange Bitters Cocktail?
Refrigerate any leftover espresso and bitter orange bitters cocktail 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 Espresso and Bitter Orange Bitters Cocktail?
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 Espresso and Bitter Orange Bitters Cocktail 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 Espresso and Bitter Orange Bitters Cocktail?
General 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.
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