Trust me, this drink is going to be your favorite coffee cocktail this summer.
Gone are the days of the espresso martini and in are the days of this espresso cocktail that mixes bourbon, a brown sugar syrup, freshly brewed espresso and lemon bitters. Enter the Lemon Espresso Old Fashioned — a delightful twist on a classic favorite that brings together the zesty brightness of lemon with the rich, bold flavors of espresso and the smooth, sweet bourbon. Perfect for lazy summer afternoons or lively evening gatherings, this cocktail is certain to become your new favorite go-to summer coffee cocktail.
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The Classic Old Fashioned with a Twist
The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that has stood the test of time for good reason. Its simple yet sophisticated blend of whiskey, sugar, and bitters that has been a favorite for decades. I’ve been a big fan of mixing coffee into my Old Fashioneds for years, but only recently experimented with using espresso and lemon together to elevate the drink. The addition of lemon brightens up the drink, while the espresso adds depth and complexity, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that is truly irresistible. It is delicious any time of the year, but the refreshing kick of the lemon pairs perfectly with the warmer summertime weather.
Key Ingredients for the Lemon Espresso Old Fashioned
The Lemon Espresso Old Fashioned has a simple set of ingredients:
- Bourbon: Bourbon is the key ingredient in any Old Fashioned. You can use rye or other whiskey, but I’ve found that a sweet and well-balanced bourbon works best and pairs beautifully with the espresso and lemon elements.
- Brown Sugar Syrup: For the sugar in the recipe we are using a simple brown sugar syrup consisting of equal part of brown sugar and water. The brown sugar adds some depth to the drink and pairs better with the bourbon and espresso than a standard simple syrup.
- Espresso: The espresso adds the coffee element to the drink and adds a beautiful depth to the cocktail. You can use cold brew concentrate or other coffee options, but freshly brewed espresso really is supreme here.
- Lemon Bitters: This drink swaps the typical Angostura bitters with lemon bitters. It adds a great lemon character to the drink without being overpowering.
How to Make this Recipe
Step 1: Add large ice cube to Old Fashioned glass and top with bourbon.
Step 2: Make brown sugar syrup with equal parts brown sugar and water. Add brown sugar syrup to glass.
Step 3: Make a fresh shot of espresso and add on top of bourbon and brown sugar syrup.
Step 4: Add two dashes of lemon bitters.
Step 5: Stir to combine all ingredients together.
Step 6: Garnish with lemon zest and three coffee beans.
Lemon Espresso Old Fashioned
Ingredients
For Brown Sugar Syrup
- 3 TB brown sugar
- 3 TB hot water
For Cocktail
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 1-2 oz espresso
- 1 oz brown sugar syrup
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers lemon bitters
Instructions
- Make brown sugar syrup by mixing brown sugar and hot water together and stirring until brown sugar dissolves.
- Add a large ice cube to an Old Fashioned glass and top with bourbon.
- Add brown sugar syrup to glass.
- Make a fresh shot or double shot of espresso and add on top of bourbon and brown sugar syrup.
- Add two dashes of lemon bitters.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Garnish with lemon zest and three coffee beans.