Mission Impossible Espresso Old Fashioned
A bold twist on the classic Old Fashioned, combining espresso and bourbon for a high-stakes flavor hit. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together bourbon, 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 210 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
- 0.75 oz espresso (freshly brewed)
- 0.25 oz demerara syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with large clear ice cubes to chill. Pour in 2 oz bourbon, 0.75 oz freshly brewed espresso, 0.25 oz demerara syrup, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled but not overly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the surface, twist to release oils, then rim the glass and drop it in as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mission Impossible 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 Mission Impossible Espresso Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover mission impossible 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 Mission Impossible 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 Mission Impossible 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 Mission Impossible Espresso Old Fashioned?
Cocktails & Drinks 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.