So, you’ve got bourbon. You’ve got coffee liqueur. You’re craving something bold, smooth, and just a little different. Enter: the Black Oak Old Fashioned—a drink that, up until five minutes ago, didn’t exist. But trust me, it should have.
This one came together because I wanted a cocktail with bourbon and coffee liqueur, but without the usual amaro that often gets thrown into the mix. Challenge accepted. I wanted something that felt both classic and fresh, rich but not too sweet, and still kept that Old Fashioned spirit intact.
What’s in It?
- Bourbon (2 oz) – The backbone. Smooth, warming, and full of caramel and vanilla goodness. I used my current go-to, Wild Turkey 101.
- Coffee liqueur (¾ oz) – Just enough to give a rich, roasty depth without overpowering. I used Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur.
- Maple syrup (¼ oz) – A subtle, natural sweetness that plays beautifully with the bourbon and coffee notes.
- Angostura bitters (2 dashes) – Essential. Adds that spice and complexity to keep things balanced.
- Orange bitters (1 dash, optional) – A little extra brightness never hurt.
- Orange peel (for garnish) – Because the aroma of fresh citrus makes everything better.
How to Make the Black Oak Old Fashioned:
- Stir everything with ice in a mixing glass (no shaking, we’re civilized here).
- Strain into a rocks glass over a big ice cube.
- Express an orange peel over the top, rub it around the rim, and drop it in.
Why It Works
The bourbon and coffee liqueur combo is rich and deep, but the maple syrup keeps it from feeling too heavy. The bitters add just enough complexity, and that little hit of orange ties it all together. It’s the kind of drink you’d sip on a quiet evening or casually impress someone with when they come over.
It’s smooth, a little bold, and ridiculously easy to make. Honestly, it feels like one of those cocktails that should have been in an old bartender’s guidebook decades ago. But hey, now it’s ours.
So, if you’re looking for a new bourbon drink that’s simple, elegant, and just the right amount of different—give the Black Oak Old Fashioned a go. And let me know if you put your own spin on it. Cheers!
Black Oak Old Fashioned
1
servings3
minutes3
minutesIngredients
2 ounces 2 bourbon
3⁄4 ounce 3⁄4 coffee liqueur (e.g., Mr Black, Kahlúa)
1⁄4 ounce 1⁄4 maple syrup (or Demerara syrup)
2 dashes 2 Angostura bitters
1 dash 1 orange bitters (optional, but recommended)
Orange peel (for garnish)
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well for about 20 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Express an orange peel over the drink, rub around the rim, and drop it in.
Equipment
Bell JiggerBuy From A Bar Above
Julep StrainerBuy From A Bar Above
Mixing GlassBuy From A Bar Above
Bar SpoonBuy From A Bar Above
Notes
- Why It Works:
The coffee liqueur adds depth and warmth.
Maple syrup rounds out the drink with smooth sweetness.
Angostura bitters keep it balanced with a touch of spice.
Orange peel brightens it up without overpowering.
Other Recipes to Try:
The Chocolate Chili Old Fashioned: This recipe combines bourbon with chili liqueur and chocolate bitters, offering a spicy-sweet twist on the classic Old Fashioned. Linking to this can provide readers with another unique Old Fashioned variation to explore.
The Zap It To Me Old Fashioned: A creative take that blends scotch and bourbon with orgeat syrup and chocolate bitters, resulting in a nutty and rich flavor profile. This link can showcase another inventive Old Fashioned recipe.
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