The Revolver cocktail is a modern classic, pairing spicy bourbon with sweet coffee liqueur and orange bitters. It’s simple to make at home, but its flaming orange peel garnish will certainly show off your cocktail prowess.
Ready to give it a try? This three-step revolver drink recipe couldn’t be easier.
The Revolver
The Revolver was introduced by San Francisco bartender Jon Santer around 2003 (1). It’s a fresh (and more caffeinated) take on the classic Manhattan cocktail, replacing sweet vermouth with coffee liqueur.
The original drink at Bruno’s in San Francisco used the rye-heavy Bulleit Bourbon paired with Tia Maria Jamaican coffee liqueur, but you shouldn’t feel confined to these specific ingredients. For the liquor, any high-quality bourbon will do the trick, as will the spicier flavor of rye whiskey; just make sure you choose a premium option.
You can tailor the hint of coffee flavor to your taste by experimenting with different coffee liqueurs. Keep it simple and affordable with Kahlua, or try the smooth Galliano Espresso (formerly Galliano Ristretto), which adds a touch of bitterness. You can even make homemade coffee liqueur with your favorite coffee or espresso beans.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ½ ounce coffee liqueur
- 2 dashes of orange bitters
- Ice cubes
- Strip of orange zest, about 1” x 2” (for garnish)
How to Make a Revolver Coffee Cocktail
This simple recipe has only three steps, and one of them is the flamed orange peel garnish. So without further ado, here’s how to make a Revolver drink.
Not sold on the Revolver? Here is a list of coffee cocktails to try instead.
Step 1: Mix And Chill
Combine bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters in a tall mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled with ice. Stir or shake it for about 30 seconds to thoroughly chill the drink.
Pro tip: Turn this into more of a brunch cocktail by adding a shot of espresso or ristretto to the mix. We recommend a sweet medium roast with caramel tasting notes to maintain the balance of flavors.
Step 2: Strain
Strain the drink into a cocktail glass. You can use either an old fashioned or martini-style glass.
Pro tip: Chill the glass beforehand. Otherwise, this small volume of liquid will warm up quickly.
Step 3: Flame The Orange And Serve
You can garnish with a simple strip of orange peel, but we prefer to kick things up a notch with a flamed orange twist. It’s easy to do, amps up the orange flavor by releasing more volatile oils, and adds a wonderful smoky note to the drink. Plus, it’s a feast for the eyes!
To flame an orange peel, hold a lit match or lighter over the drink’s surface. Hold the orange peel over the flame. Squeeze the peel gently to release the oils. Run the peel around the lip of the glass before dropping it into the drink.
Pro tip: Once you’ve mastered the flamed orange peel, you can use it in all kinds of coffee cocktails, including our popular Coffee Negroni recipe.
Final Thoughts
The Revolver drink is a simple but lovely cocktail of just three ingredients. Made with bourbon and coffee liqueur amped up by a few dashes of orange bitters, it’s a perfect balance of sweetness, spiciness, and bitterness – with just a bit of brightness from the orange. Enjoy the flavors of this gentle sipper as an aperitif or after-dinner treat. Just keep the caffeine content in mind.
FAQs
Do you need to refrigerate coffee liqueur?
No, you don’t need to refrigerate coffee liqueur. But it should be stored in a cool, dark location to preserve flavors (2). It will last up to two years (three years if unopened). Cream-based coffee liqueurs are shelf-stable for up to two years due to their high alcohol content. But once opened, they should be kept in the fridge and used within 6 months.
How many calories are in the Revolver?
There are approximately 190 calories in a Revolver. But this number can vary slightly depending on the exact coffee liqueur you choose.
Is the Revolver coffee cocktail vegan?
Yes, the Revolver coffee cocktail is vegan, provided you follow the original recipe using Tia Maria coffee liqueur. Not all coffee liqueurs are vegan; for example, Kahlua is not. So make sure you read the label carefully if you are concerned.
References
- DeJesus, E. (2014, October 24). Why California’s Jon Santer Is the Ultimate ‘Bartender’s Bartender.’ Retrieved from https://www.eater.com/2014/10/24/7040587/bartenders-bartender-jon-santer
- Rooney, B. (2023, March 20). 12 Liquors You Should Always Keep In The Fridge. Retrieved from https://www.tastingtable.com/1232515/liquors-you-should-always-keep-in-the-fridge/