No, we're not talking about the Beatles' 1966 classic album, the Revolver is a modern cocktail classic, created in the early 2000s by San Francisco bartender Jon Santer. It is essentially a coffee-flavored, bittersweet twist on a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, and it lives up to its name with a bold, uncompromising flavor. This simple recipe highlights the rich, caramel notes of bourbon, which are deepened and intensified by coffee liqueur and brightened with a dash of orange bitters. It's a deeply satisfying, spirit-forward cocktail perfect for a colder evening or as a powerful nightcap.
Revolver Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
- Garnish: Flamed Orange Peel
How to Make a Revolver
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters.
- Stir well for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish with a flamed orange peel to release the citrus aromatics.
For the best result, use a high-proof bourbon (around 100 proof) to ensure the whiskey flavor stands up to the sweetness of the coffee liqueur. The flamed orange peel is essential; hold a match between the glass and the peel, express the oils through the flame, and then rub the peel around the rim before dropping it in.
Revolver Riff
For a spicier, drier variation, substitute the bourbon for a high-proof rye whiskey. You can also intensify the chocolate notes by swapping the orange bitters for mole or chocolate bitters, creating a richer, more dessert-like cocktail.
0 comments