Coffee and whiskey have always shared a similar appeal. Both invite you to slow down, pay attention, and appreciate a little bitterness and depth. When they’re combined with care, the result feels natural and considered! The Coffee & Brown Sugar Old Fashioned is exactly what is says! A slow-sipping cocktail that leans into roasted depth, soft sweetness, and the comforting ritual of a well-made drink.
This version is especially appealing in colder months, when darker flavors naturally shine. It’s not a brunch cocktail, not a dessert drink – just a classic Old Fashioned gently nudged toward espresso and caramel.
Why Coffee Belongs in an Old Fashioned
Coffee works here because it mirrors the bitter-sweet balance the Old Fashioned already relies on. A small amount of cold brew concentrate deepens the whiskey without diluting it, while brown sugar adds molasses warmth that white sugar simply can’t match.
If you enjoy spirit-forward riffs, this recipe sits comfortably alongside other Old Fashioned variations, including the Ginger Molasses Old Fashioned and the Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned, all designed to enhance the original structure.
Choosing the Right Bourbon
Because coffee adds bitterness, the base spirit matters. Look for bourbons with notes of vanilla, caramel, or toasted oak rather than heavy spice. Our breakdown of the best bourbons for cocktails highlights bottles that complement darker modifiers like coffee and brown sugar without losing clarity.
Why Lush Life Loves It
Coffee is used as an accent, not a gimmick, and brown sugar adds roundness without excess sweetness. It’s the kind of drink we often feature in our Lush Life seasonal cocktail recipes—where subtle shifts make familiar classics feel new again.
Here is the recipe:
Coffee & Brown Sugar Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- ¼ oz rich brown sugar syrup*
- 1-2 tsp. strong, cooled brewed coffee*
- 2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Garnish: Orange peel or lemon peel
- Optional: a small pinch of sea salt
- ice cube
Instructions
- *Rich Brown Sugar Syrup: Add 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed) to ½ cup water. Add the brown sugar and water to a small saucepan. Heat gently over medium-low, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Once dissolved, remove from heat—do not boil. Cool completely, then transfer to a clean bottle or jar.
- Add bourbon, brown sugar syrup, bitters, and a small pinch of sea salt to a mixing glass.
- Stir until well chilled—about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over one large cube.
- Express the citrus peel over the drink, then drop it in.
Nutrition
FAQ
Can I use espresso instead of cold brew?
You can, but use it sparingly. Espresso is more acidic and intense; cold brew provides smoother bitterness and better balance.
Is this cocktail sweet?
No. The brown sugar adds depth rather than sweetness. If it tastes too sweet, reduce the syrup slightly or increase bitters.
Can I batch this cocktail for guests?
Yes. Combine bourbon, brown sugar syrup, and cold brew ahead of time. Refrigerate and add bitters just before serving.
Looking for more spirit-forward classics? Explore our full archive of bourbon cocktail recipes for modern and seasonal inspiration.
You dont have the coffee in the recipe.
Hello. Yes – it’s the third ingredient. Sorry you didn’t see it.