Cognac Espresso Old Fashioned
The old fashioned is a traditional American cocktail made with whiskey and sometimes brandy. But this recipe takes the drink to seriously sexy new heights by adding the aphrodisiac of coffee and a touch of French cognac. There may be no better end to a romantic dinner than this espresso old fashioned recipe.
Why you’re going to love this espresso old fashioned
This simple cocktail recipe is made with just four ingredients. You don’t even have to brew espresso!
The drink is just right for coffee lovers and bourbon lovers. The smoky sweetness of bourbon blend with the earthy, bitter notes of coffee for a drink that satisfies two cravings at once.
But rather than having to brew coffee and wait for it to cool, this twist on an old fashioned uses an espresso-infused cognac, Grand Brulot. Made in the traditional method in France’s cognac region, this coffee spirit is the decadent and delicious base for an unforgettable coffee old fashioned.
It takes less than five minutes to make and can be cleaned up in seconds. That’s why the Grand Brulot old fashioned is one of my favorite sexy cocktail recipes.
Ingredients
The first three ingredients you need for this aphrodisiac cocktail are pretty basic if you’re into mixology:
- Bourbon – You can use any bourbon you like. If you have a favorite for a traditional old fashioned, you can also use it here. I typically use Bulleit bourbon for cocktails because it is well-priced and widely available. Maker’s Mark is a standard choice if you prefer something smoother.
- Superfine sugar – Superfine sugar, also known as caster sugar, is granulated sugar ground to a finer texture. It’s used in cocktails because it dissolves more easily than table sugar.
- Angostura bitters – If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, you probably already have this in your pantry. A product of the Caribbean popular with bartenders, Angostura bitters is an aromatic tincture originally used for medicinal purposes. But these days it is most commonly used to curb acidity and balance out flavors in mixed drinks.
The last ingredient is what gives the cocktail its unique twist. You will have to get a bottle of Grand Brulot to make this drink. There simply aren’t any good substitutes for its smooth blend of coffee and cognac flavors.
So what is Grand Brulot? It’s a fairly new coffee-infused spirit inspired by the old, New Orleans cocktail Café Brulôt. The spirit blends Robusta coffee beans with VSOP cognac and aged in French oak barrels. The resulting spirit is a nod to the original cocktail yet something entirely unique.
How do you make this espresso cocktail?
This cocktail recipe is incredibly straightforward. And you don’t need any special equipment other than a shot glass and a fine mesh strainer.
The ingredients should be assembled in a glass–I like to use a mixing glass but you can use whatever you have on hand. Then you gently stir before straining the cocktail into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
The importance of fresh ice in making great cocktails
If you’ve tried any of my cocktail recipes before, you’ve probably heard me talk about the importance of ice. For this drink, you should use cubes that will keep the cocktail chilled but won’t melt too quickly.
But more important than the shape of your ice is its age. Nothing ruins a cocktail like ice that’s been sitting in the freezer for too long. Use bad ice in your drink and you’ll be tasting the freezer, not the delicious balance of flavors from your drink. So always make sure to use freshly made ice to make this or any cocktail.
How do you garnish an old fashioned?
You can serve this cocktail without any adornments and let the fantastic combination of bourbon and espresso shine. Or you can give the drink a traditional old fashioned garnish, a twist of orange.
A twist is a thinly peeled piece of citrus. You make it by gently running a paring knife under the skin of the fruit to remove a thin layer. (You can also use a potato peeler if your peeler is good and sharp.) If your piece looks ragged, you can trim it up on a cutting board.
Hold it over the glass and give the peel a twist to release some of the citrus oils before dropping the peel into the drink. Alternatively, you can notch the peel in the center and slide it over the rim of your rocks glass. (See photo for an illustration.)
Why is this a cocktail for a romantic evening?
Although all alcohol is considered aphrodisiac, some spirits stand out from the rest in their ability to spark romance. Because it combines alcohol with coffee, a surprisingly effective aphrodisiac, this drink checks many of the boxes for what makes a romantic cocktail.
But what I like best about the drink is the voluptuous, mouth-filling effect the cognac adds to the cocktail. This silky, sexy texture is sure to inspire many nights of passion.
Grand Brulot Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 1 oz Grand Brulot Espresso Cognac
- 1.5 oz Bourbon (see intro for favorite brands)
- ½ tsp Superfine sugar
- 2 Dashes Angostura bitters
- Fresh ice*
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass.
- Gradually stir with a mixing spoon to allow the sugar to dissolve into the liquid then strain into a rocks glass over ice.
Notes
A note on the provided nutrition information
The nutrition information provided has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator and is not a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.Nutrition
Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.
Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.
Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.
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