This riff on the Old Fashioned cocktail is part coffee, part cocktail and probably could be considered a dessert. It’s the Maple Brown Sugar Espresso Old Fashioned and you’re going to want to bookmark this one. Rich maple syrup and caramelized brown sugar meld seamlessly with bold espresso and smooth bourbon to create a truly indulgent cocktail. We don’t stop there though, we finish with a dash of bitters and topped with an espresso mousse, creating a delightful and decadent harmony of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. Want more details? Here you go!
Key Ingredients for the Maple Brown Sugar Espresso Old Fashioned
Let’s break down the ingredients that make up this delicious coffee cocktail:
- Bourbon: The backbone of the Maple Brown Sugar Espresso Old Fashioned, bourbon provides a smooth and rich base with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Its robust character harmonizes beautifully with the sweet and bold flavors of the other ingredients, creating a well-rounded cocktail.
- Brown Sugar Syrup: Made by dissolving brown sugar in water, this syrup adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cocktail. Its rich molasses undertones enhance the bourbon’s natural flavors, offering a luscious sweetness that perfectly complements the bold espresso.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup introduces a natural, earthy sweetness with subtle hints of vanilla and wood. This ingredient adds depth and complexity, enhancing the overall richness of the cocktail while balancing the bitterness of the espresso.
- Espresso: Bold and intense, espresso delivers a concentrated coffee flavor that invigorates the cocktail. Its rich, aromatic profile pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the syrups and the warmth of the bourbon, creating a harmonious and energizing drink.
- Bitters: A few dashes of aromatic bitters bring a touch of spice and complexity to the cocktail. Their subtle bitterness balances the sweetness of the syrup and espresso, rounding out the flavors and adding depth to each sip.
- Espresso Mousse: Light and creamy, espresso mousse adds a luxurious texture and an extra layer of coffee flavor to the cocktail. This decadent topping enhances the drink’s visual appeal and provides a delightful contrast to the bold and rich flavors of the Old Fashioned.
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 1 tablespoon brown sugar and ½ tablespoon hot water. Add brown sugar syrup to the glass.
Step 3: Add maple syrup to the cocktail.
Step 4: Make a fresh shot of espresso and add on top of bourbon, brown sugar syrup & maple syrup.
Step 5: Add two dashes of aromatic bitters.
Step 6: Stir to combine all ingredients together.
Step 7: Make an espresso mousse by mixing 3 tablespoons cream, 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1 tablespoon espresso together and whisking until light and fluffy.
Step 8: Layer espresso mousse on top of cocktail.
Step 9: Garnish with brown sugar and an orange peel. Enjoy!
Maple Brown Sugar Espresso Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 0.75 oz homemade brown sugar simple syrup see below
- 0.75 oz maple syrup
- 1.5 oz espresso freshly brewed
- 1-2 dashes bitters
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 0.5 tbsp water hot
Espresso mousse
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp espresso
Instructions
Make brown sugar simple syrup
- Mix 2 parts brown sugar to 1 part hot water and stir until brown sugar dissolves.
Make espresso mousse
- Mix heavy cream, maple syrup and espresso together.
- Whisk until mixture is frothy and mouse like. Set aside.
Make cocktail
- Add a large ice cube to an Old Fashioned glass and top with bourbon.
- Add brown sugar simple syrup to glass.
- Add maple syrup to glass.
- Make a fresh shot or double shot of espresso and add on top.
- Add two dashes of Old Fashioned bitters.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Layer espresso mousse on top of cocktail.
- Sprinkle brown sugar on top and garnish with an orange peel.
Notes
- You can make as much of the brown sugar syrup as you want. An extra can be stored in the fridge for a week or two for future use.