Smoked Espresso Old Fashioned
A rich, moody old fashioned with bourbon, espresso, vanilla, and a subtle hint of smoke. Smooth, layered, and perfect for a slow date night sip.
Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.
Ingredients
2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce fresh espresso or strong cold brew
½ ounce simple syrup
Small pinch smoked salt
Small smidge vanilla bean paste
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions
Add the bourbon, espresso, simple syrup, vanilla bean paste, smoked salt, and bitters to a shaker glass.
Fill with ice and shake until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Express an orange peel over the glass and place it on the rim.
Notes from the Bar
Sweetness Adjustment
We prefer ½ ounce of simple syrup, which rounds out the bitterness of the espresso without overpowering the bourbon or the coffee. If you enjoy a sweeter, more dessert-forward cocktail, increase the syrup to ¾ ounce.
Vanilla Bean Paste
Vanilla bean paste adds depth and warmth without extra sweetness. We use the vanilla bean paste from Trader Joe’s, which is easy to find and works beautifully here.
Vanilla Syrup Option
If you do not have vanilla bean paste, you can make vanilla syrup instead. Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let cool completely before using in place of the simple syrup and vanilla paste.
Smoked Salt
A small pinch of smoked salt adds subtle complexity and brings out the espresso and vanilla without making the drink savory. A little goes a long way. → Link to our favorite smoked salt
Stovetop Espresso Option
If you do not have an espresso machine, a moka pot is an easy stovetop alternative. It makes a strong, concentrated coffee that works beautifully in this drink and is a great tool to keep on hand for espresso-style cocktails. → Link to our favorite moka pot
Espresso Choice
Fresh espresso creates a bold, slightly bitter edge. Strong cold brew is a great substitute for a smoother finish.
Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.
Make It a Date Nite
This cocktail is part of something bigger for us. It's a ritual we return to week after week.
Each week, we create a Date Nite designed around one drink, one thoughtful menu, and the feeling of slowing down together. The kind of night where the table is set with intention, the music hums softly in the background, and the evening unfolds without rushing.
For this Date Nite, we’ve paired a cocktail with a cozy, make-ahead-friendly menu, so you can enjoy the process without spending the whole night in the kitchen. We also include little touches we love like timing notes, a head start option, and a playlist to set the mood. Feel to pair the meal with any of our cocktails.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And turning an ordinary night at home into something that feels quietly special.
Each Date Nite includes a curated menu, cocktail pairing and a playlist, as well as another thoughtful extras like make-ahead tips, leftover ideas or table talk prompts to carry the night.
Kevin & Kate
Stories worth Savoring
Our latest blog posts for inspiration, reflections, and recipes.
