Cold Brew Old-Fashioned Recipe
There's something about the crisp bite of an Old-Fashioned cocktail that never goes out of style. But what if we told you there's a way to give this classic cocktail a refreshing twist perfect for warm weather? Enter the Cold Brew Old-Fashioned! Combining the rich, bold flavors of cold brew coffee with the timeless elegance of an Old-Fashioned, this drink is a delightful treat that's sure to impress your guests. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the ingredients, tools, and steps needed to create this masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- Freshly Made Cold Brew Coffee: Freshly brewed coffee is essential for the Cold Brew Old-Fashioned. Avoid canned products, as they often lack the depth and complexity of flavor that fresh coffee provides. Make your cold brew by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for about 12-24 hours in the refrigerator. Check out how to make cold brew HERE.
- Bourbon or Rye Whiskey: 2 oz of your favorite bourbon or rye whiskey. The choice of spirit can significantly impact the overall flavor of your cocktail, so choose wisely!
- Simple Syrup: 1/2 oz of homemade simple syrup (recipe below).
- Angostura Bitters: A couple of dashes to add depth and complexity to the cocktail.
- Ice: Quality ice cubes or spheres to chill your drink.
- Orange Peel or Twist: For garnish and that lovely citrus aroma.
Items Needed:
Cocktail Shaker: A must-have for mixing and chilling your ingredients.
Jigger or Measuring Tools: Precise measurements are key to a balanced cocktail.
Muddler: For muddling the sugar cube or simple syrup.
Bar Spoon: For stirring your concoction.
Old-Fashioned Glass: The traditional glassware for this classic cocktail.
Homemade Brown Sugar Simple Syrup:
Making your brown sugar simple syrup is easy. Combine equal parts of water and granulated sugar in a saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Assembly:
Chill an Old-Fashioned glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice while you prepare the drink.
In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey, 1/2 oz of simple syrup, and a couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15-20 seconds until it's properly chilled.
Discard the ice from the chilled glass and, if you used a sugar cube, muddle it in the bottom of the glass.
Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass over fresh ice.
Add about 1 oz of freshly made cold brew coffee to the glass and gently stir to combine.
Express the oils from an orange peel or twist over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a gentle twist.
Garnish with the orange peel or twist.
Use high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans for your cold brew. It will make a world of difference in the flavor of your Cold Brew Old-Fashioned.
Experiment with different types of whiskey to find your perfect flavor profile.
If you want to get really fancy, consider adding a coffee bean or two as a garnish.
Fun and Unique Garnish Options:
Cinnamon Stick: Adds a warm, aromatic touch.
Luxardo Cherry: A classic choice that pairs wonderfully with the coffee and whiskey.
Grated Nutmeg: A sprinkle of nutmeg can add a delightful twist to the flavor.
In conclusion, the Cold Brew Old-Fashioned is the perfect fusion of classic elegance and modern flair. By using freshly made cold brew, you'll elevate this cocktail to a whole new level of sophistication. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the rich, bold flavors of this delightful concoction on a warm day or evening. Cheers!
