Nutmeg Coffee Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

I’m always up for experimenting with classic cocktails, and honestly, the Nutmeg Coffee Old Fashioned is up there with my favorites. There’s just something about the smooth, rich coffee flavor mixing with warm nutmeg and the familiar notes of an old fashioned that makes it feel extra cozy.

It’s such a simple way to bring a bit of café comfort to your home bar. Sometimes you want a drink that feels special but doesn’t require a ton of fuss, you know?

If you’re into coffee and already like an old fashioned, this one’s probably worth a try. The recipe’s quick, easy, and you likely have most of the ingredients on hand.

No need for fancy gadgets either—great for beginners or anyone who just wants a good drink without a production.

Nutmeg Coffee Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Here’s my own spin on the Old Fashioned. I throw in some coffee and a dash of nutmeg, which honestly just makes the bourbon even warmer and richer.

Equipment

• Old-fashioned glass
• Jigger or measuring spoon
• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Muddler
• Small bowl for sugar
• Ice cube tray (for coffee ice cubes, if you want)
• Zester or peeler (for orange peel)

These are the basics I keep nearby so I can whip up this drink fast. Having the right tools just helps everything mix better and keeps the cocktail cold without watering it down.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz freshly brewed espresso or strong cold brew
• 1 sugar cube or 0.25 oz simple syrup (or maple syrup)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters or coffee bitters
• 1-2 dashes orange bitters
• 1 thick strip of orange peel
• Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)
• 1 splash water (optional, if you need to dissolve sugar)
• Coffee ice cubes or regular ice

Sometimes I’ll use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Maple syrup’s nice when I’m in the mood for a little extra sweetness.

The coffee gives it a bold kick. And honestly, fresh nutmeg and orange peel make the aroma pop.

Instructions

• Drop the sugar cube into your old-fashioned glass.
• Add the bitters and a splash of water.
• Muddle it up until the sugar’s mostly dissolved.
• Pour in the bourbon and your espresso or cold brew.
• Stir everything together in a mixing glass with ice, or just do it right in the old-fashioned glass.
• Toss in coffee ice cubes or a big regular ice cube.
• Express the orange peel over the drink, then drop it in.
• Finish with a little grated nutmeg on top.

I usually stir a little longer than I probably need to, just to make sure it’s super cold and smooth. The nutmeg on top is honestly the best part—it smells incredible.

Notes

I’ll swap in maple syrup for simple syrup if I want something softer and a bit more mellow. Cold brew totally works if I don’t have espresso handy.

If I use coffee ice cubes, the drink stays strong and doesn’t get watered down as I sip. That’s kind of a game changer.

Orange bitters are optional, but I like the little citrus boost alongside the orange peel. If I want more coffee flavor, I’ll go with a bold espresso shot and dial back the sugar a bit.

Freshly grated nutmeg is way better than the pre-ground stuff, trust me. The flavor’s just warmer and brighter.

It’s all about tweaking the sweetness and coffee strength to what you like—I always taste as I go before adding extra sugar or bitters.

Tasting Notes

Right off the bat, there’s this warm, kind of cozy aroma—nutmeg and coffee hit my nose first. It’s almost like someone just ground up a fresh batch of beans and tossed in a handful of holiday spices for good measure.

Taking a sip, I get that deep coffee flavor, but there’s this gentle sweetness tucked in there too. The nutmeg really shines through, giving things a spicy little kick that sticks around longer than you’d expect.

It’s honestly super smooth, almost mellow in a way that makes you want to slow down. Somewhere in the background, there’s a hint of dark chocolate—just enough to add some depth, but not so much that it takes over.

The finish? It’s long, and honestly, kind of comforting. Every sip seems to walk this line between the coffee’s pleasant bitterness, the nutmeg’s warmth, and that sneaky bit of chocolate.

Feels familiar, but there’s something a little special about it too—maybe it’s just me, but I keep coming back for another taste.