recipe
November 15, 2023
Coffee Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail known for its simplicity and timeless appeal. It typically consists of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus. However, many bartenders and enthusiasts have created variations of the Old Fashioned, experimenting with different spirits, sweeteners, and bitters to put a unique spin on the traditional recipe. Here are a few popular Old Fashioned variations, including my coffee version:

Coffee Old Fashioned
This is a spirit-forward cocktail perfect for after-dinner drinks.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Bullet Rye Bourbon
- ½ oz Coffee Liqueur (I like Cafe Frieda from Du Nord)
- ½ oz Maple Syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange wheel
- Garnish with cherry.
Instructions
Muddle orange wheel, bitters, and maple syrup in a lowball glass. Add ice, whiskey, and coffee liqueur. Stir from bottom to top. Garnish.
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- Rye Old Fashioned:
- Instead of bourbon, use rye whiskey for a spicier and more robust flavor.
- Brandy Old Fashioned:
- Substitute bourbon or rye with brandy for a smoother and slightly sweeter version.
- Maple Old Fashioned:
- Replace the simple syrup with maple syrup for a rich and autumnal twist.
- Smoked Old Fashioned:
- Infuse a smoky flavor by using a smoking gun or adding a smoked element like smoked ice cubes.
- Fruit Infusions:
- Muddle fruits such as orange slices, cherries, or berries in the bottom of the glass for a fruity variation.
- Chocolate Old Fashioned:
- Add a chocolatey element by incorporating chocolate bitters or a small amount of chocolate liqueur.
- Herb-Infused Old Fashioned:
- Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to add herbal complexity.
- Tea-Infused Old Fashioned:
- Infuse the cocktail with tea flavors by using tea-infused simple syrup or adding brewed tea to the mix.
- Sazerac (New Orleans Old Fashioned):
- A Sazerac is a variation that involves absinthe, creating a more complex and aromatic cocktail. It typically includes rye whiskey, absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, and a sugar cube.
- Spiced Old Fashioned:
- Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, or allspice for a comforting and festive twist.
- Citrus Twist:
- Experiment with different citrus twists, such as grapefruit or lemon, to add a bright and zesty note.
- Bitters Variations:
- Try different types of bitters, such as orange bitters, chocolate bitters, or aromatic bitters, to change the flavor profile.
Remember, the Old Fashioned is a versatile cocktail, and these variations provide a starting point for your creativity. Feel free to adjust the ratios and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.