Spiced Espresso Vanilla Old Fashioned
A bold cocktail blending rich espresso, warm vanilla, and spiced bourbon notes for an indulgent evening sip. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together bourbon, fresh espresso, vanilla 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 220 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
- 1 oz fresh espresso
- 1/2 oz vanilla syrup
- 1/4 oz allspice dram
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with large ice cubes. Pour in 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, 1/2 oz vanilla syrup, 1/4 oz allspice dram, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 3: Strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Garnish with a wide orange peel, expressing its oils over the surface then resting it elegantly on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Espresso Vanilla Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Spiced Espresso Vanilla Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover spiced espresso vanilla 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 Spiced Espresso Vanilla 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 Espresso Vanilla 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 Espresso Vanilla 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.
