Smoky Espresso Cardamom Old Fashioned
A bold twist on the classic old fashioned with rich espresso, aromatic cardamom, and smoky mezcal. This cocktails & beverages-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs mezcal, fresh espresso, cooled, dashes Angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 170 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 mezcal
- 1 oz fresh espresso, cooled
- 1/2 oz cardamom simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water infused with cardamom pods)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a large clear ice cube into a rocks glass and set aside.
- Step 2: Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes halfway. Pour in 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz cooled fresh espresso, 1/2 oz cardamom simple syrup, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture over the large ice cube in the rocks glass.
- Step 5: Express the oils of a wide orange peel over the surface, twist it to release the aroma, then rest it on the rim as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Espresso Cardamom Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Smoky Espresso Cardamom Old Fashioned?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mezcal from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Espresso Cardamom 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 Smoky Espresso Cardamom 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 Smoky Espresso Cardamom Old Fashioned?
Cocktails & Beverages quick meals 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.
