Yeah, I know - it's St. Patrick's Day and all you've heard about for a week or so are cocktails with Irish whiskey and what-not.
I'm offering an alternative that I came up with on a whim last night: The Black Oak Old Fashioned.
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.
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.
