Lakefront Espresso Old Fashioned
A bold twist on the classic Old Fashioned featuring espresso for a rich, smooth finish evocative of Chicago’s lakeside energy. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together rye whiskey, espresso (freshly brewed), demerara 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 175 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 espresso (freshly brewed)
- 1/4 oz demerara syrup
- 3 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 large clear ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, 1/4 oz demerara syrup, and 3 dashes Angostura bitters into a mixing glass filled halfway with large ice cubes.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express the wide strip of orange peel over the drink to release oils, then rim the glass and rest the peel atop the ice as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lakefront Espresso Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Lakefront Espresso Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover lakefront espresso 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 Lakefront Espresso 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 Lakefront Espresso 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 Lakefront Espresso 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.
