Espresso Old Fashioned
A robust twist on the classic Old Fashioned with espresso and dark bitters, inspired by enduring quality and strength. This recipe, ready in about 7 minutes, brings together rye whiskey, fresh espresso, 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 180 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 rye whiskey
- 1 oz fresh espresso
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- 1 piece orange peel
- 1 piece large ice cube
The espresso machines we’d pull this shot on → Best Espresso Machines for Home in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim. Pour in 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, 1/4 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes chocolate bitters.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 3: Strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express an orange peel over the glass by twisting it to release oils, then rub the rim with the peel and rest it on top as garnish.








