The Cold Fashioned is a coffee-forward Old Fashioned riff that drinks like “bourbon + cold brew meets classic bittersweet spice.” Bourbon (or a barrel-aged spirit of choice, or a zero proof alternative) brings warm oak depth, Top Hat Old Fashioned Syrup delivers dialed bitters + citrus + spice in one clean pour, and an ounce of Java City Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate adds roasted backbone and silky coffee lift. Stir it cold, strain over a big rock, and you’ve got a slow-sipping cocktail that’s equal parts bold, smooth, and ridiculously easy to nail.
This build is all about “tight” balance: just enough coffee to add roast and viscosity, and just enough sweet-bitter-spice to keep it Old Fashioned-clean (not dessert). Top Hat Old Fashioned Syrup does the heavy lifting—bitters + citrus + spice in one consistent pour—so the whiskey stays center stage and the cold brew reads smooth and aromatic.
Method
- Add to a mixing glass: 2 oz Bourbon (or spirit/Zero Proof Alternative), 0.25 oz Top Hat Old Fashioned Syrup, and 1 oz Java City Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate.
- Fill with ice and stir for 15–20 seconds until very cold.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large fresh cube (or fresh cubed ice).
- Optional: express an orange peel over the top and discard or drop it in.
Pro move: Keep the cold brew concentrate and spirit chilled—less stir time = less dilution, so the drink stays bold and silky instead of watery.