Coffee Old-Fashioned

Pro tips

• Chill your glass before pouring to keep the drink cold longer and prevent rapid ice melt.
• Stir the bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters together first, then add cold brew and soda water to preserve carbonation.
• Use freshly made cold brew (brewed within 24 hours) for cleaner, brighter flavor; old cold brew tastes stale and flat.
• Express the orange wheel's oils over the drink surface and use it as garnish for aroma and bitterness balance.

Substitutions

• Simple syrup → honey syrup or agave nectar (use slightly less; both are sweeter)
• Soda water → ginger ale (adds spice; reduce simple syrup slightly)
• Bourbon whiskey → rye whiskey (spicier, drier finish)
• Cold brew coffee → espresso cooled to room temperature (stronger, more intense)

Storage & make-ahead

This cocktail is best consumed immediately. Pre-mix the bourbon, syrup, and bitters in a covered bottle for up to 5 days; add cold brew and soda water fresh.

Equipment

cocktail jigger or measuring glass · bar spoon or long spoon for stirring

Can I use hot coffee instead of cold brew?

Yes, but cold brew creates a smoother, less bitter base. If using hot coffee, let it cool completely before mixing to avoid dilution from ice melt.

What type of bourbon works best?

Mid-range bourbon (80–90 proof) balances well with coffee. Avoid overproof bourbons, which can overpower the coffee.

Can I make this ahead?

Mix the bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters in advance, but add cold brew, soda water, and ice just before serving to preserve carbonation and temperature.

What if I don't have angostura bitters?

Omit them or substitute aromatic or chocolate bitters in the same 2-dash quantity for a different flavor profile.

Is this recipe caffeinated?

Yes; 1 cup cold brew coffee contains roughly 150–240 mg caffeine depending on brew strength and origin.