Ingredients
For a single serving of Coffee Pecan Old Fashioned, gather the following:
- Bourbon (2 ounces): Provides the backbone of the cocktail, with its caramel, vanilla, and oak notes pairing perfectly with coffee and pecan flavors.
- Coffee Liqueur (½ ounce): Adds a robust coffee flavor and slight sweetness. Popular choices include Kahlúa or Tia Maria, but homemade coffee liqueur works wonderfully as well.
- Pecan Syrup (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle nutty sweetness, evoking the comforting flavor of toasted pecans. Store-bought or homemade options work equally well.
- Chocolate Bitters (2 dashes): Enhances the drink’s complexity by adding a layer of dark, bitter chocolate that complements the bourbon and coffee.
- Ice Cubes: Essential for chilling and diluting the drink slightly, allowing the flavors to meld. A single large cube works best for slow melting.
- Orange Peel (for garnish): Brings a fresh citrus aroma and visually brightens the drink.
- Crushed Pecans (optional garnish): Adds texture and enhances the pecan theme.
Optional: A splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for additional warmth and depth.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glass: Start by preparing the serving glass, typically a rocks glass. For an extra-special presentation, lightly coat the rim of the glass with pecan syrup and dip it into a plate of crushed pecans to create a sweet, nutty rim. Place the glass in the freezer to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine 2 ounces of bourbon, ½ ounce of coffee liqueur, 1 teaspoon of pecan syrup, and 2 dashes of chocolate bitters. These ingredients will form the base of your cocktail, offering a harmonious balance of sweetness, warmth, and complexity.
Step 3: Add Ice and Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture gently for 20–30 seconds. This step chills the drink and dilutes it slightly, ensuring that the flavors blend seamlessly without overpowering each other.
Step 4: Strain the Cocktail: Remove the chilled rocks glass from the freezer and place a single large ice cube or several smaller cubes inside. Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass, pouring it gently over the ice.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches: Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by holding the peel over the glass and giving it a gentle twist. Drop the peel into the glass for garnish. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or add crushed pecans for an additional layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Bourbon Selection: The quality of the bourbon will significantly impact the flavor of your cocktail. Choose a bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, as these flavors complement the coffee and pecan elements perfectly.
- Coffee Liqueur: A high-quality coffee liqueur is essential for achieving a rich, bold coffee flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own by infusing vodka or rum with coffee beans, sugar, and vanilla.
- Pecan Syrup: While store-bought pecan syrup is convenient, making your own at home allows you to control the sweetness and flavor intensity. To make pecan syrup, simmer equal parts sugar and water with crushed pecans for 10–15 minutes, strain, and store in the refrigerator.
- Bitters: Chocolate bitters add depth to the cocktail, but you can experiment with other bitters, such as orange or walnut bitters, to tailor the flavor to your liking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
- Sodium: 5mg
- Protein: 0g