The REVOLVER - a bourbon lover's coffee cocktail! (3 ingredients)

[@AndersErickson]

Last week’s whiskey alternatives were fun, but I’m happy to be back to the real stuff. Cheers, everyone!

[@GoaConstrictor]

I'm about to make this with some of the Lyre's whiskey from last week. Sure, there's alcohol in the coffee liqueur, but the overall will be way reduced! =)

[@kyleclemmons7295]

Man right on time the weather hear in Oklahoma has been cloudy, foggy, and misty the last few days. It always put me in a whiskey mood. Definitely had to try this one this weekend.

[@JoshRzepkaMusic]

Nice one - I'll be trying this one soon. Also ... looks like you're within striking distance of 500k subs 🙌🙌🙌

[@als.2983]

Anders, I really appreciate when you call out a brand (Tia Maria) when you have settled on it after much trial and error. Great value in your recommendations.

[@AndersErickson]

Appreciate the comment. Cheers and happy weekend!

[@jakefrechette3224]

We've fallen in love with Mr. Black via Anders' Iced Irish Coffee recipe and recommendation for that bottle in that episode. Looks like it's time for another coffee liquer to find its place on the bar next to Mr. Black! The hunt for these bottles at local stores just adds to the fun of mixology as well.

[@Phlucious]

Totally agree. Anders recommendations are the best! It really sets him apart from many other channels.

[@scientistwithanaxe2570]

You say that but then Anders recommended Mister Black in a recent video. I suppose the Tia Maria works better here - not as dark roasted

[@angelarochester116]

I’m looking forward to making this cocktail, I love Tia Maria 👍

[@JustinHixson]

Just want to echo what others are saying: I love it when you give a list of recommended labels, and explain what specifically, if anything, that label is bringing to this specific cocktail in place of other possibilities. "I'm using this Burbon, but I don't think it's too important which one. On the other hand, I'm using this cordial, and here is why"

[@sibergirl]

Anders, I really love your channel. My late father was a bartender in Southampton, NY and later at The Breakers in Palm Beach, FL. This was back in the 1970s and 80’s. I never really thought much about making cocktails until Covid. Then, my husband and youngest child, a daughter who was 20 at the time, got into watching different shows and drinking cocktails based on the period of time of the television show. I really got into your channel. Thanks for connecting me to cocktails and in a weird weird way connecting me to my late dad. I wish you all the success in the world.

[@AndersErickson]

Love this. Thank you so much for sharing. Cheers

[@MichaelDinsmore]

Thanks for explaining why you prefer a particular coffee liquor. Sometimes, people recommend particular brands, but don’t explain why - so it leaves you guessing based on your own preferences. Much appreciated! Looks like a tasty drink!

[@laracorkrey]

You've just spiced up date night! I haven't been to Bourbon and Branch in years and my other half has never been despite living in San Francisco for nearly 15 years. Thanks to this video, I'm taking him for his inaugural visit tonight. Thanks, Anders!

[@PaigeC-xf5kx]

Made this just now with Makers Mark and the Canadian-made coffee liqueur described on the label thusly: "1836 Spring Mill Distillery, a John Sleeman & Sons Company, Ward Series, No. 02 Coffee Liqueur" a hand-numbered bottle 626/1500, Batch 3, that I have had for several years without much inspiration to use it. Being a wheat-y bourbon the coffee flavour is really up front and lovely. Plenty sweet enough and this will definitely be going in my favourites notebook. Merci beaucoup, Anders!

[@thegoldenratio1618]

I have also tried the mr black vs kahula vs tia maria and agree that the tia maria wins for this drink. This is also my favourite cocktail to smoke. It even feels thematic with the name - a smoking revolver

[@tobebrockner]

If you haven’t read Tom Bulleit’s autobiography “Bulleit Proof” then you’re really doing yourself a disservice. Fascinating read into the building of that brand and the huge role the Revolver played in helping take his bourbon mainstream.

[@TheBrookelizabeth21]

Adding this to my “to read” list right now!!😊

[@dimitarapostolov9788]

Fantastic drink! Although I would say it's more of a riff of an Old Fashioned than a Manhattan as you mentioned (no fortified wine but the Coffee liqueur acts as a sweetener for an Old Fashioned) - I love this drink on a big rock (courtesy of Vino)! Cheers Anders & Az, another modern classic video! 🍹

[@AndersErickson]

I'm with you on that. Good call with the big rock too - Vino gets it. Cheers!

[@revums]

Or maybe a Rusty Nail. Somewhere in between.

[@AlexWilliams-yy5zk]

Was thinking this as well - reminds me of a Godfather, down to the flamed orange zest. Also got me thinking that a Godfather would be improved massively by the ratios of a Revolver

[@ericazimmerman4110]

​@@AlexWilliams-yy5zk I like a fourth oz of amerato to the liquor

[@roidh1525]

I didn't actually know this was a cocktail, but what my dad and I have been doing is something similar for awhile using a 1:1 Mr. Black and Rye. Then we drip in a few in a few drops of orange oil using a pipette (the pure concentrated orange oil is so strong that 3-5 is all you need depending on how orangey you want it) and serve it on the rocks. If we want to get extra decadent then we add some heavy cream on top and that really pushes it to new levels of goodness.

[@GPSjammer]

Oooohhh, going to try the heavy cream idea now

[@luvergirl416]

That sounds pretty amazing. I love Mr. Black.

[@DelOLoughlin]

I would try that!

[@bob-rogers]

Sounds good. When I go camping sometimes I put bourbon in my coffee, so I'd probably really like this.

[@philipward6300]

When I made this drink, I used Kikisi Mexican Coffee Liqueur. It has a good vanilla and sugar flavor to it which balances out the coffee flavor.

[@rlespinoza06]

I love to see the bloopers. They bring a smile. 😂 Thank you for the content you create. Huge fan here!

[@PoppycockPrincess100]

I always love seeing the flaming orange oil, such a neat trick.

[@Minyassa]

I love Old Grand-Dad! This is the first time I've seen anyone use it in a video, I was happy to see it. 'Cause that's what I've got. xD I'll be making this with that and my homemade coffee liqueur--I made it with dark rum and cold-brewed Trader Joe's beans and it's dope.

[@CrippleCreekStudios]

I’ve never had this drink before, but I like it. (Not a far stretch as I love bourbon based drinks). And, I had all the ingredients! I used Four Roses Small Batch, Kahlúa, and Fee Brothers Orange bitters. I have Mr. Black, but thought I would use the Kahlúa that I had. The beard is cool. Keep it like you have it.

[@ericschneck3278]

I didn't have any orange bitters, but we had some chocolate bitters. So, we swapped Triple Sec for the Tia Maria and used the chocolate bitters. We were pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

[@SAK59]

Hey! I made this tonight for my wife and myself. I used Bulleit Bourbon and Kahlua with Angostura Orange Bitters. It was very nice. Well rounded and we both enjoyed it a lot. I've never heard of it before. This may go into our weekend rotation. Thanks so much for sharing this enjoyable cocktail, Anders!

[@yvescosentino]

I love this cocktail. Totally agree with your point on how it needs to be adjusted when working with drier coffee liqueurs. With my own (Algebra Extra Dry), I like to simply add a touch (5ml) of cane syrup, maraschino cherry jar syrup or (sweet) Pedro Ximenez sherry to the mix to round things out. It yields a darker, deeper Revolver with a more intense coffee character, but still balanced and delicious. Love the channel, keep it going!

[@karenbettendorf7604]

My husband and I had this exact build for the Revolver this afternoon and it was awesome! It is one of my favorites!!!

[@SergeantSphynx]

I made this for my brother, a bourbon drinker, a couple of years ago and he loved it.

[@CRQ5508]

Okay, at first it just tasted like a very sweet Old Fashioned without the Angoatura bitters. Then after a few seconds I started to get the coffee notes. I let it sit for a little bit like one would an Old Fashioned and it just got better. So much better. I had to add a couple extra dashes of the orange bitters to notice the flavor, but it is so good. Thank you for sharing this recipe Anders, it’s quickly becoming a favorite.

[@jasonbaker1887]

I make this regularly for myself at home and make little variations all the time. My most recent one I did was with Mr Black and a little simple syrup and a little Ancho Reyes Chili Liquor to make up for the lack of sweetness in the Mr Black I also used New Riff Rye in that instead of a Bourbon. It was really tasty.

[@AndersErickson]

I'll have to give this one a shot - sounds great. Cheers

[@jdglock9114]

“Give this one a shot”. Perfect expression for a Revolver 🤣 Thanks for the great vids.

[@jasonbaker1887]

@@AndersErickson I hope you enjoy it. If you do make one and come up with anything that you think is an improvement on it let me know :-)

[@tombremer2096]

My favorite Ancho Reyes use is Mezcal Campari and Ancho Reyes like a spicy smoky Negroni

[@throwawayavclubber7269]

@@tombremer2096 Red or green? What proportions do you use? I happen to have all those bottles, and that sounds pretty tasty.

[@girl_friday9185]

Beard-Yes! Oz samplin’-Yes! Outtakes-Yes, Yes, Yes!! Thx for the tips on this excellent & simple cocktail. Camerawork capturing the garnish flame was mighty nifty. Cheers, all!🥃🍊🔥

[@DelOLoughlin]

Made this tonight after coming home from a play we got free tix to. I altered it based on what we had. Used Four Roses Bourbon, Loon Liquor coffee liqueur (local in Minnesota), and Dashfire Orange Bitters. It was very tasty! I look forward to trying it with the liquors you referenced next! Thank you! We love watching your videos!

[@DelOLoughlin]

My wife says she is pro beard, btw.

[@ronobvious8528]

I made three versions of this cocktail over the weekend. I used Basil Hayden bourbon in all three. I tried Caffe Lolita, Café Del Mar, and Journeyman Distillery's Snaggle Tooth Coffee Liqueur for the coffee liqueur. The Snaggle Tooth was by far the most interesting. Great cocktail!

[@SharonFoley-hm8zg]

Thank you!! Found the Tia Maria and made it with Angastora orange bitters. Yum. So good!!! ❤

[@kevinconnolly8784]

Thanks Anders, love your content and style. I discovered the Revolver within the last year, and make one at least a couple of times per week. My recipe: 2 dashes Fee Bros orange bitters, 1/2 oz Mr Black, 2 oz bourbon (OGD 114, Early Times BIB, etc.), and ~1/8 oz simple syrup, garnish with a flamed orange peel coin. Perfection! Although now I need to buy a bottle of Tia Maria 😊. Keep up the good work!

[@robertjennings9105]

Made it and I like it. Simple to make and used your suggestion on Tia Maria and the same orange bitters you suggested. Used Four Roses Select bourbon. Slacked on the orange this time but definitely won’t next time. Thanks for sharing.

[@dougwhite6505]

This is great. I just found a new coffee liquor, Cantera Negra, a tequila base coffee liquor and just tried it in the Revolver…. Had some nice sweetness - 40 proof. Thanks for all you do - we love watching every week!!! Doug.

[@TheTylerNCC]

I finally made this one tonight, exactly as shown. Man, yet another cocktail I learned about from Anders that I will for sure make again many more times!

[@GPSjammer]

I used Old Grandad bonded and Tempus Fugit Creme de Moka. Delicious! Just enough sweetness, and some chocolate notes. Thank you for the specs! 😊

[@LucasBadur]

I would like to see you use Borghetti as a coffee liqueur sometimes! I find it a good balance on sweetness and coffee "power". I shall try Tia Maria if I ever have the chance!

[@BrianVaughn]

I have a variation with this that uses maple syrup and cold brew. 2oz bourbon, 1oz cold brew, .5oz coffee liqueur and bar spoon of maple syrup and chocolate bitters. I use a Good Lands coffee liqueur.

[@briankerr2628]

My favorite. I’ve used many different bourbons. As for coffee liqueur, Borghetti cafe is my favorite to use. NOLA is a little dryer but still works.

[@rebeccah2729]

Hey, thanks for the recipe, Im new to the Mixology thing and its an AT HOME schooling. I made this using Kalua and Kentucky Bourbin (thats what we had on hand) and my hubs loved it. I even did the garnish!

[@mrbrown1366]

Great cocktail! I used Mr Black though.. I do prefer the dryness of it though.. keep it coming Anders. Always enjoy your content!

[@jasonjames-eyers6207]

Great cocktail, thanks Anders & Az. Flaming orange oil always looks impressive (probably the child in me)! Definitely yes to the beard!

[@kevinclark9176]

I agree with you on the coffee liqueur comments. I hadn’t watched this video yet, but I made a few of these a week ago, and I first used Mr. Black and wasn’t a fan. But it was much better with Trader Vic’s. Though what I then did after was follow the Curiada recipe that came with the Mr. Black for the “Cold Fashioned” that ups the Mr. Black to 2oz and it was much more balanced that way. I don’t recall what I liked better between the two (darn, I guess I’ll have to make them again).

[@Bast-kavothe]

Great flame technique and execution.

[@davidg5308]

Thank you so much for all your work! I have learned so much and am inspired to try new things thanks to your channel. With this one, completely agree that Tia Maria is the best and I am experimenting with ratios - the coffee is a different flavor to pair with bourbon and is delicious but takes a little getting used to if you are in the "old fashioned" arena. I love coffee and this is a delicious drink. So much to learn and so much fun - thank you!!!

[@benfisher3695]

A variation on this that I love is making an Amaretto revolver. Split the coffee liqueur with the amaretto. So so good.

[@3frogltd987]

The Amaretto sounds good, another option is using orgeat syrup instead of Amaretto.

[@seamusotoole8547]

I used Kahlua and Makers (that’s what I had). Very nice! A sugar rimmed glass would make it a nice dessert drink.

[@jda0000]

Delightful, I don't know how I've been in SF this long and not tried this earlier. I didn't have coffee liqueur in my cabinet when I watched this, so this also inspired me to try substituting with Heering and an absinthe wash - may need a little workshopping but pretty good!

[@Metalhead121396]

oh hey! i've been making a version of this with Mr Black and Buffalo Trace at home for like the past 3 years! nice to find that it has an actual name :)

[@TrevorAngell]

I've made this a couple times with Mr. Black. Adding a quarter ounce rich simple syrup balances it nicely.

[@kristenlegore9436]

Anders, this was excellent!!! I did use Mr Black because that’s what I had on hand, but added just a touch of simple and it was amazing! Cheers! 🥃

[@cristobal71]

Hi Anders, so happy you show us the Revolver. First because I like it ( I make mine with Kalhua but want to buy Tia Maria since few weeks, so I definitely try) and second because I ask you several months ago to show us this cocktail. You are a great KZbinr, listening their subscribers 😘 Long live to your channel ❤ Cheers 🍸

[@rstuartwilson7127]

I used Tia Maria and it was delicious!! A new cocktail to add to my arsenal. Thank you!

[@cjmixer99]

Awesome to see this video! I also had this at Bourbon and Branch back in 2009, and loved the cocktail along with the experience.

[@TizzoMcBizzo]

Just tried this, substituting the coffee liqueur with Belgian beer liqueur. It was quite lovely. I call it a Belgian revolver. My naming creativity knows no end.

[@discordia013]

Fabrique Nationale

[@billvetter5328]

I'm literally doing a whiskey/bourbon thing tonight at my place... I will be grabbing some Tia Maria and Orange bitters on the way home...

[@stephenarmbrust6385]

Just tried this with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Mr. Black, the Fee Bros. Orange Bitters and a splash of simple syrup. It was excellent!

[@kilrathi827]

So I made this using Tempus Fugit Creme de Moka (which is sweeter but still has amazing coffee flavor), and Fee's Cardamom bitters as I am presently out of orange for some reason. This is a very delicious Manhattan riff, very much would recommend and is going into my normal rotation

[@medicus5565]

Not an exaggeration - I just made (and enjoyed) this cocktail 30 minutes prior to watching your video. I used Café Dulce Coffee Liqueur and this drink remains in my top 5 cocktails. I always have trouble getting the flame out of my orange peel 😞 Oh, and keep the beard!

[@AlexWilliams-yy5zk]

heat your orange peel until it starts to flicker, and then squeeze! Also better to use firmer oranges, and careful not to bend the peel much before the oil is heated. Coin > strip. Dunno if that helps but I have to do flamed zests at work all the time

[@medicus5565]

@@AlexWilliams-yy5zk I haven't tried heating the peel first - I'll have to try that. Also, I usually have oranges that are not so firm. All good suggestions, thanks.

[@FazeL-2]

having some guests over tomorrow and ive pre ordered bottles to be delivered to give this cocktail a try im excited to try this cocktail out

[@1964trooper]

The beard rocks; great recipe! I used Jack Daniels Bonded, and Mr. Black's; to soften the Mr. Blacks, I added a barspoon of semi-rich simple syrup. Cheers!

[@schneids02]

Made one of these for my wife tonight! She loved it. Love the channel, Anders.

[@eMiddify]

Seems more like a riff on Old Fashioned sub-ing coffee liquor for the simple syrup and served up. Also explains why you need a sweeter coffee liquor. Thanks for sharing as always! Now off to buy an extinguisher so I can practice that orange fire ball trick.

[@SoSaMin1]

Love this drink 🙂 I typically use Kōloa Kauaʻi Coffee Rum as my coffee liqueur 🙂Will have to try it with the Tia Maria 🙂

[@LandonCahow]

I love Bulleit, always have a bottle on hand and love coffee as well so this is definitely a must-try for me

[@fretless05]

CRAZY! I actually make this drink, or a version of it, already! The play of the flavors of the bourbon and coffee liqueur and the orange bitters. Some good coffees have a citrus tone, so it's a great compliment (I've done it with chocolate bitters which works well, too). If we're talking riffs, I'd say this is more a riff on the Old Fashioned, with the sweet liqueur replacing the simple syrup.

[@CallMeSlavik]

Made this exact cocktail last week but used Mr Black, and added 2 bar spoons of maple syrup, because it was a little too coffee-ey lol. What a coincidence, can’t wait to try this way

[@kimnarveson5190]

This looks delicious! And the Tia Maria gives me warm fuzzzy memories of Jamaca!

[@gyangearon8729]

Huh I do love a good old fashioned and love coffee. I need to try this one. I only have some local distillery coffee liqueur which is not sweet. But I’ll try it just that. But maybe a bar spoon of simple syrup could be the trick

[@johnsarcaneautos]

Friend's father was bartender at Bruno's. Loved going there to have him make us drinks... probably had a 7 & 7!

[@michaeldemarco9999]

Ive been watching for 4 years. I love your description of history, and tasting notes. Ive tried a few drinks myself, at home of course. Lol. I always look forward to the next episode. keep up the great work. Peace for now ..... mike d

[@T100ley]

Ooo!! I need to try this with Caffé Amaro from J. Reiger & Co. (terrific Kansas City Missouri distillery, FYI their whiskey & gin are terrific too) I’ll report back, I have Mr. Black too so might try a few combo ratios.

[@johnapemantus2003]

I've had this before with Mr. Black and Old Forester 100. Enjoyed it. Recently made it with Caffe Lolita and Jack Daniels Triple Mash. Very, very delicious! I agree that a somewhat sweeter coffee liqueur and 'spicier' bourbon works out better. I've learned a lot watching your videos as much as I've enjoyed them. Keep up the good work! Cheers.

[@AndersErickson]

Love that you worked out a winning combination! Cheers

[@CoachVinoLLC]

This is an absolute BANGER! One of my go-to night caps. Fun to play with different coffee liqueurs, different bitters and with big ol' cube. Okay, now I need to go make one. Cheers Anders! 🥃

[@pandafragrance]

I’ve made this with the same specs with Mr Black and Buffalo Trace many times. Sometimes I’ll switch up the bitters to be a dash of orange and a dash of mole or chocolate bitters. Or just chocolate bitters.

[@jamesplante2511]

Great Cocktail, I used some of my homemade coffee liqueur with it, I used Wild Turkey 101, my wife loved the theatrics with the flamed orange peel. My liqueur is on the sweeter side and mixed nicely. Thanks for your videos!

[@hikerrev]

Made this drink with Richardo's Decaf Coffee Liqueur and the Evan Williams I had in the cabinet. The Richardo's is a sweeter liqueur with delicious vanilla overtones - it works really well in this drink, imo.

[@mattcode8317]

I love the simplicity of this drink Anders. Thanks for sharing and you’re right that Tia Maria is absolutely perfect for this recipe. Have you ever thought about doing a video on garnishes for cocktails? our Aussie friend Steve, the bartender did one and it was fun. I’d like to see your spin on something like that. Best wishes to you and Oz.

[@paul46038]

Love me a revolver, but have never thought of it as Manhattan-like. I've been using Cafe Bravo as my coffee liqueur lately, which I think is more coffee-forward than Kahlua (and cheaper). Still plenty sweet, I think (and cheaper).

[@rafael3646]

I just made one inspired by the video with wild turkey 101 and it's a tad bit too much alcohol for my taste, but even so the vanilla flavour from tia maria is very upfront, loved it!

[@timk8021]

I use belle isle cold brew moonshine instead of other coffee liqueurs. I think the corn based alcohol goes better with bourbon than some of the others. I do use a little simple syrup as well. Great stuff!

[@colbywright3362]

Love me a Revolver. Great for the winters in Fairbanks. Beards are always a yes for me, but I am biased. Might as well plug Permafrost Beards for their honest, natural beard care products. Take care of that facejacket! All made in Alaska, too. Cheers!

[@edmundosbaldeston7351]

Thanks for the review on this drink, I've enjoyed it several times since I made it for the first time early in December. When I used Mr. Black I came to the same conclusion that it need to be balanced with some sweetness, so I added .25oz of Demerara Syrup

[@blackaces26]

I use Borghetti espresso liqueur from Italy good balance of sweetness and coffee.

[@stevewright454]

Hey Anders Built this with what I had Michener’s Rye Jäegermeister cold brew And your Fee bros orange bitters And the orange “coin” was from a Sumo orange. Verdict: Wonderful! Cheers 🍻

[@windowdoog]

Wild Turkey 101 Mr. Black with a silverware teaspoon of simple syrup and a go orange bitters. . Not sure this is the best version but it’s what I got on hand and it ain’t horrible.

[@5uck3rfr33]

I liked the idea of this revolver…I don’t like orange though. So I did the Tia, with a bourbon from 1845 Distillery 5min from my house, and a few dashes of Angostura cocoa bitters. Garnished with shaved piece of dark chocolate. I say shaved but I actually use a spoon to scrape across the top to make it curl up so it can sit on the rim.

[@CopyCatCo]

Love a Revolver. Though I've also had a riff I'm partial too that uses a drier coffee liqueur and IIRC a quarter ounce of sweet vermouth.

[@peterbushell5348]

Sounds nice, basically an old fashioned with a splash of coffee liqueur

[@DarrinMartinVW]

Thank you for having us

[@FFDfirechef]

I'll be making this with "Grind" Love your stuff.

[@86thepodcast11]

I cannot believe you made this! One of my favorite cocktails

[@bullfrog417]

Just tried with Mr Black (it's what I have) and added 1/4 oz semirich syrup. Still a bit too dry as you mentioned. Really like the coffee and bourbon flavors though. Either I find a way to bakance this drink or Tia Maria goes on the shopping list! Great video. Better drink. Thanks!

[@robertjennings9105]

Just picked up the Tia Maria, can’t wait for the weekend to make this drink.

[@petermartin2643]

As far as your beard I live in northern Alberta we just had a week of -40C weather. I’m glad I grew a full beard this year.

[@hudsonwebber784]

I started making my revolver with a little Benedictine too, and that made it much better for me

[@darinlee2182]

I have done equal parts (1.5 oz) Mr Black and rye with 2 dashes of orange bitters. Need to try this now. Maybe Mr Black + .25 Demerara for sweetness?

[@JoshuaHorst-io9cj]

Anders the original Revolver used Bay Area local coffee liquor called St George NOLA coffee liquor. It has chicory in it.

[@joegrimm9629]

About why you prefer a sweet coffee liquor, I have a strong one (colombian coffee liquor), so I used a honey flavoured whiskey and it tasted good. Cool video

[@TheDreamThief]

Revolution Spirits has "chocolate cafecito"; the coffee, chocolate and orange all go really well together. I also mix it up with different ryes to sample some of the spicy notes.

[@stevenkeller3047]

You always make me want to make your cocktails. That Revolver looks yummy.

[@studiolusk]

I tried this last night with a local coffee liquor (Adrift Distillery) and it's probably similar to Mr. Black, I assume. Next time, I'll probably add some simple syrup, but it was VERY good. Thank you.

[@JP-JustSayin]

Coffee and burbon go great together ... but I'm usually starting with a white russian and swapping the vodka out. 😉👍