Smoky Coffee-Infused Old Fashioned Cocktail

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A sophisticated cocktail combining rich coffee notes with the classic Old Fashioned's smoky depth, perfect for an evening imbibe. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, cold brew coffee, 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with 4-5 ice cubes and pour in 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1 oz cold brew coffee, 1/4 oz simple syrup, and 3 dashes Angostura bitters. Stir gently for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
  2. Step 2: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube to keep the drink cold without rapid dilution.
  3. Step 3: Express the oils of 1 strip of orange peel over the glass by holding it skin-side down and giving it a firm twist, then rub the peel around the glass rim before dropping it in as garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Coffee-Infused Old Fashioned 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 Smoky Coffee-Infused Old Fashioned Cocktail?

Refrigerate any leftover smoky coffee-infused old fashioned 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 Smoky Coffee-Infused Old Fashioned 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 Smoky Coffee-Infused Old Fashioned 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 Smoky Coffee-Infused Old Fashioned 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.