Cuban Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
An old fashioned cocktail recipe with a caffeine kick! This Cuban Old Fashioned is made with Cuban coffee, bitters, bourbon with a twist of citrus rind.
I’m no cocktail connoisseur but when I find a drink I like, I’m ordering it everywhere I go and/or recreating it at home.
Case in point: Guava Basil Moscow Mule (see also: Italian Limoncello Margarita)
Inspired by one of my favorite restaurants here in Miami that I’ve spoken about on this blog multiple times, FINKA, this Cuban Old Fashioned is the perfect marriage of Cuban espresso and the ultimate classic old fashioned cocktail.
If you’re a bourbon lover, this cocktail is for you. And if you’re a coffee lover, this recipe will impress you.
Here’s how you bring this Cuban Old Fashioned to life!
How To Make A Cuban Old Fashioned Cocktail
For this cocktail, I used Old Forester 86 Proof Bourbon because of its bold yet smooth taste. Using this bourbon paired with the espresso simple syrup made for a strong, nutty, slightly spicy and sweet cocktail. Any bourbon works however so feel free to use your favorite one here. If you prefer not to use Cuban coffee, any strong brewed espresso works! You can even use cold brew coffee. ;)
- Make the espresso simple syrup. Combine sugar and brewed espresso in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat. Transfer to a container and let cool completely. You can even make this the day before serving and keep the rest in the fridge for future occasions.
- Make the cocktail. Place a large square ice cube or ice ball in a whiskey glass. Pour the espresso simple syrup and bitters. Stir to combine then pour the bourbon. Garnish with an orange peel. Enjoy!
That’s all folks!
Cheers!
Cuban Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Cuban Espresso Simple Syrup
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup hot brewed Cuban espresso, (any strong brewed espresso works!)
Cuban Old Fashioned
- 2 ounces Cuban espresso simple syrup
- 3 dashes orange Angostura bitters
- 1 ounce bourbon, (I used Old Forester Bourbon 86 Proof)
- orange peel
Instructions
- Combine sugar and espresso in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat. Transfer to a container and let cool completely. Set aside.
- Place a large square ice cube or ice ball in a whiskey glass. Pour the espresso simple syrup and bitters then pour the bourbon. Garnish with an orange peel. Enjoy!
Hi, just want to confirm the measurements for the cocktail. Is it 2 oz Espresso Syrup + 1 oz Bourbon or 2 oz Bourbon + 1 oz Espresso syrup? The former (what’s listed) seams like a lot of syrup. Delicious either way.
Cheers.
Feel free to adjust the syrup to your preference, Ian! :)
Looked up this recipe after visiting FINKA and sure enough the author references the restaurant as well. The Cuban Old Fashioned is absolutely delicious. FINKA used Basil Hayden during our visit but Old Forester is another excellent bourbon.