Spiced Cuban Coffee Old Fashioned
A bold twist on the classic old fashioned combining Cuban espresso, dark rum, and warming spices for a rich and complex nightcap. This cocktails-inspired caribbean ready in about 7 minutes pairs dark rum, freshly brewed espresso, demerara syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 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 dark rum
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
- 0.5 oz demerara syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- 1 cube large clear ice cube
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew 1 oz of fresh espresso and let it cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz dark rum, 1 oz cooled espresso, 0.5 oz demerara syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 3: Add one large clear ice cube and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass over a fresh large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express the oils of a wide strip of orange peel over the surface, twist it to release essential oils, then rest it on the rim as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Cuban Coffee Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Spiced Cuban Coffee 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 dark rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Cuban Coffee 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 Spiced Cuban Coffee 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 Spiced Cuban Coffee Old Fashioned?
Cocktails caribbean 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.
