Espresso old fashioned
This minimalist riff on the classic old fashioned swaps out simple syrup for our coffee liqueur, adding bold espresso depth without complicating the build. Rye whiskey keeps it structured and dry, while orange bitters give it just enough brightness.
It’s a coffee cocktail built for whiskey drinkers—boozy, bitter, and perfectly balanced. Whether you're searching for an espresso old fashioned recipe or simply want a fun switch up on the classic, this one's all signal, no noise.
ingredients
- 1 oz Atomic Black
- 1 oz rye whiskey
- 2 dashes of orange bitters
- orange peel for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice—ideally large cubes. That’s 1 oz Atomic Black coffee liqueur, 1 oz rye whiskey, and 2 dashes of orange bitters. The coffee liqueur pulls double duty here, adding both sweetness and espresso intensity.
2. Stir quickly for about 20 seconds. You’re chilling and slightly diluting the drink while preserving its structure. The goal is a smooth, spirit-forward sip with no rough edges.
3. Strain into a chilled double rocks glass over a large cube. A big cube keeps the temperature low without watering things down too fast, which is essential for a clean, balanced old fashioned.
4. Garnish with an orange peel. Express the peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in. The citrus brings out the brighter notes in both the bitters and the coffee liqueur.
Freezer door espresso old fashioned (batch recipe)
Serves 8 - Ready-to-Pour
Pre-batched and pre-diluted, this freezer espresso old fashioned is built for those moments when you want a great cocktail right now—no shaking, no stirring, no fuss.
By combining Atomic Black with rye whiskey, orange bitters, and just the right amount of water, this ready-to-pour version delivers all the complexity of a hand-stirred espresso old fashioned, straight from the freezer. It’s rich, bold, and smooth from the first sip, with a subtle espresso backbone and just enough bite from the rye.
Whether you’re prepping for a dinner party or winding down at the end of a long day, this coffee cocktail is always on deck—and always dialed in.
Final Volume: ~20 oz
Serving Size: 2.5 oz per drink
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (8 oz) Atomic Black
- 1 cup (8 oz) rye whiskey
- 16 dashes orange bitters (or 0.5 oz)
- 4 oz cold filtered water (for dilution)
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a freezer-safe bottle or swing-top container. Shake or stir well to integrate the bitters and water. Store in the freezer for at least 2 hours before serving.
To Serve:
Pour 2.5 oz into a chilled double rocks glass over a large cube. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.
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