Coffee Old

Name: Coffee Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tsp Instant Coffee; 1/2 C Water; 2 tsp Powdered Sugar; 2 dash Bitters; 1 oz Bourbon; 2 oz Club Soda

The Coffee Old Fashioned is a caffeinated spin on the timeless Old Fashioned, blending instant coffee with bourbon, bitters, and a splash of club soda for a sophisticated, smooth drink that combines coffee and whiskey flavors.

🏷️Equipment: old-fashioned glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$14–$23

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's and Party Guide

Ingredients

1 1/2 tsp Instant Coffee
1/2 C Water

2 tsp Powdered Sugar

2 dash Bitters

1 oz Bourbon

2 oz Club Soda

6 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Dissolve coffee in water; stir in sugar, bitters, and bourbon.
2
Add soda and pour over ice in old-fashioned glass.
3
Garnish with orange slice and cherry.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Dissolve instant coffee and powdered sugar in warm water first to ensure even distribution before adding bourbon and bitters
Add club soda last and stir gently to preserve carbonation
Serve over a large ice cube or crushed ice depending on preference for dilution and presentation
Chill the glass beforehand for a properly cold cocktail without over-dilution

Substitutions

Instant Coffee → freshly brewed cooled coffee (use 1.5 oz; reduce water accordingly)
Powdered Sugar → simple syrup (use 1 tsp in place of 2 tsp powdered sugar)
Bourbon → rye whiskey or brandy (maintains structure; flavors will shift)
Club Soda → ginger ale or sparkling water (ginger ale adds spice; sparkling water keeps it clean)

Storage & make-ahead

Best served fresh immediately after mixing. If preparing ahead, mix coffee, sugar, and water; store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 hours, then add bourbon, bitters, and soda when serving.

Equipment

cocktail mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger

Common Questions

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?

Yes, use 1.5 oz of cooled brewed coffee in place of instant coffee mixed with water for a richer flavor, though you may need to adjust the water ratio slightly.

What type of bitters works best?

Angostura bitters are traditional, but chocolate or coffee-flavored bitters will enhance the coffee notes even more.

Can I make this without bourbon?

You can substitute with rye whiskey or brandy for a different profile, though bourbon's vanilla notes complement coffee best.

Should this be served hot or cold?

The club soda and bourbon suggest a cold serving over ice, making it an iced coffee cocktail rather than a hot drink.

How far in advance can I prep this?

Mix the instant coffee with water and powdered sugar ahead of time, but combine with bourbon, bitters, and club soda just before serving to keep carbonation.