Espresso Old Fashioned

old-fashionedbourbonrye

Next to an Espresso Martini, same idea minus the vodka and the foam — an Old Fashioned with a caffeine problem. Cool the espresso before it goes in or the ice just makes a weak brown puddle, and demerara syrup holds its own under the roast where plain sugar disappears. Shake it for froth, build it for dignity.

Ingredients

Where there's a range: the low end is lighter, the high end is fuller.

• 2 ozBourbon — or rye
• 1–1½ ozFresh espresso — cold brew concentrate or espresso liqueur might work as a substitute
• ½–¾ ozSimple syrup — Demerara or vanilla-infused syrup gives a richer, darker flavor that complements the coffee flavor
• 2 dashesChocolate bitters — cherry bitters would be good as well

Garnish

Expressed orange peel and chocolate shavings

Method

Add all to a shaker filled with ice and shake if you want a frothy concoction; otherwise, build in a highball glass like a normal Old Fashioned.

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