Sunset Boulevard Espresso Old Fashioned
A bold and complex take on the classic Old Fashioned, balancing rich espresso with smooth bourbon and a hint of orange. This cocktails & beverages-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs bourbon, fresh brewed espresso, simple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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 bourbon
- 0.75 oz fresh brewed espresso
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 1 piece large clear ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon, 0.75 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled), 0.25 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes of orange bitters.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill without diluting.
- Step 3: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the surface, twisting to release the oils, then rub the peel around the rim and rest it on the edge as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sunset Boulevard Espresso 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 Sunset Boulevard Espresso 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 bourbon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sunset Boulevard 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 Sunset Boulevard 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 Sunset Boulevard Espresso 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.
