Revolver Cocktail Drink

Revolver Cocktail

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Looking for a new cocktail to try? This Revolver Cocktail recipe is easy to make and contains tasty ingredients!

Revolver Cocktail Recipe

This easy Revolver Cocktail recipe is your perfect companion for a crisp fall evening! It's a drink that invigorates with bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

189 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • ½ oz coffee Liqueur
  • 2 dashes Angostura orange bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Mixing Glass
  • Strainer
  • Cocktail Glass
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Fill your cocktail glass with ice to chill it.
  • Add 2 dashes Angostura orange bitters to a mixing glass.
  • Measure and pour ½ oz coffee Liqueur.
  • Pour 2 oz Bourbon into the mixing glass.
  • Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
  • Stir the ingredients gently using a bar spoon for about 20 times.
  • Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
  • Garnish with an orange twist.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, rye whiskey can be a good substitute. It will give the cocktail a spicier edge compared to the sweet, full-bodied flavor of bourbon.
  • Coffee Liqueur: If you're out of coffee liqueur, you can make a quick substitute by combining equal parts espresso and sugar. Alternatively, chocolate liqueur can also work in a pinch, adding a different but equally delicious dimension to the drink.
  • Orange Bitters: You can use Angostura bitters instead if you don't have orange bitters. It won't have the same citrusy note but will still add complexity to your cocktail.

Making a Pitcher of Revolver Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 4 oz of coffee liqueur, and 16 dashes of orange bitters.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters with ice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into individual chilled cocktail glasses, garnish with an orange twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute; several brands are available that mimic the flavor of bourbon without the alcohol.
  • Coffee Liqueur Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic coffee syrup or make your own by combining strong brewed coffee and sugar in equal parts.
  • Orange Bitters Substitute: You can make a non-alcoholic version of orange bitters by infusing water with orange peel and spices like cloves and star anise.

Making it Vegan:

The Revolver Cocktail is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. However, always check your ingredients' labels to ensure they're vegan-friendly. Some brands of bourbon and coffee liqueur may use animal products in their production process.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
189
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.04
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
8
g
3
%
Sugar
 
7
g
8
%
Potassium
 
1
mg
0
%
Protein
 
0.01
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Iron
 
0.02
mg
0
%

 

Revolver Cocktail Drink

Revolver Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
This easy Revolver Cocktail recipe is your perfect companion for a crisp fall evening! It's a drink that invigorates with bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 189

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • ½ oz coffee Liqueur
  • 2 dashes Angostura orange bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Mixing Glass
  • Strainer
  • Cocktail Glass
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Fill your cocktail glass with ice to chill it.
  • Add 2 dashes Angostura orange bitters to a mixing glass.
  • Measure and pour ½ oz coffee Liqueur.
  • Pour 2 oz Bourbon into the mixing glass.
  • Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
  • Stir the ingredients gently using a bar spoon for about 20 times.
  • Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
  • Garnish with an orange twist.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, rye whiskey can be a good substitute. It will give the cocktail a spicier edge compared to the sweet, full-bodied flavor of bourbon.
  • Coffee Liqueur: If you're out of coffee liqueur, you can make a quick substitute by combining equal parts espresso and sugar. Alternatively, chocolate liqueur can also work in a pinch, adding a different but equally delicious dimension to the drink.
  • Orange Bitters: You can use Angostura bitters instead if you don't have orange bitters. It won't have the same citrusy note but will still add complexity to your cocktail.

Making a Pitcher of Revolver Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 4 oz of coffee liqueur, and 16 dashes of orange bitters.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters with ice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into individual chilled cocktail glasses, garnish with an orange twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute; several brands are available that mimic the flavor of bourbon without the alcohol.
  • Coffee Liqueur Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic coffee syrup or make your own by combining strong brewed coffee and sugar in equal parts.
  • Orange Bitters Substitute: You can make a non-alcoholic version of orange bitters by infusing water with orange peel and spices like cloves and star anise.

Making it Vegan:

The Revolver Cocktail is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. However, always check your ingredients' labels to ensure they're vegan-friendly. Some brands of bourbon and coffee liqueur may use animal products in their production process.

What is a Revolver Cocktail?

A Revolver Cocktail is a bourbon-based cocktail made of high-quality bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters. This drink is relatively easy to make as it only requires the correct measurements of these three ingredients mixed. It’s not a variant of any well-known cocktail. Still, it stands on its own due to its unique blend of flavors – the robustness from the bourbon complemented by the sweetness from coffee liqueur and finished with a hint of citrusy zest from orange bitters. An interesting fact about this cocktail is that despite being relatively new (created in the early 2000s), it has gained popularity among whiskey lovers for its simplicity yet complex taste profile.

A side shot of a Revolver cocktail in a coupe glass on a coaster placed on a wooden table with a red cloth and a jigger.

What is a Revolver Cocktail made of – The ingredients

A Revolver Cocktail requires the following ingredients:

  • Bourbon Whiskey: The cocktail’s base spirit provides a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Adds a sweet, robust coffee flavor to the cocktail. It complements the bourbon and adds depth to the drink.
  • Orange Bitters: These provide a citrusy contrast to the sweetness of the other ingredients. They help balance out the flavors and add complexity.
  • Orange Peel: Used as a garnish, it adds a fresh, zesty aroma that enhances the overall sensory experience of the cocktail.

Bourbon, coffee Liqueur and Angostura orange bitters laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Revolver Cocktail?

Learn the ropes of creating a Revolver Cocktail with our simple guide:

1
<p>Start by filling a cocktail glass with ice, chilling your service glass to perfection, and enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.</p>

Start by filling a cocktail glass with ice, chilling your service glass to perfection, and enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.

2
<p>Incorporate two dashes of orange bitters into the mixing glass, adding a subtle citrusy note to your cocktail, and balancing out the sweetness of the bourbon and coffee liqueur.</p>

Incorporate two dashes of orange bitters into the mixing glass, adding a subtle citrusy note to your cocktail, and balancing out the sweetness of the bourbon and coffee liqueur.

3
<p>Add half an ounce of coffee liqueur to the mix, giving your cocktail a unique, robust taste that complements the bourbon beautifully.</p>

Add half an ounce of coffee liqueur to the mix, giving your cocktail a unique, robust taste that complements the bourbon beautifully.

4
<p>Pour two ounces of bourbon into the glass. The bourbon serves as the base of the Revolver cocktail, providing a rich, full-bodied flavor.</p>

Pour two ounces of bourbon into the glass. The bourbon serves as the base of the Revolver cocktail, providing a rich, full-bodied flavor.

5
<p>Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.</p>

Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.

6
<p>Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined and the cocktail is appropriately chilled.</p>

Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined and the cocktail is appropriately chilled.

7
<p>Strain the cocktail into the chilled cocktail glass, removing the ice and any potential chunks, and resulting in a smooth, enjoyable drinking experience.</p>

Strain the cocktail into the chilled cocktail glass, removing the ice and any potential chunks, and resulting in a smooth, enjoyable drinking experience.

8
<p>Finally, garnish the cocktail with a flamed orange twist. This adds a touch of elegance to your cocktail and imparts a slight citrus aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile of the Revolver.</p>

Finally, garnish the cocktail with a flamed orange twist. This adds a touch of elegance to your cocktail and imparts a slight citrus aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile of the Revolver.

Revolver Cocktail Variations

Considering other possibilities? Here are a few that we highly recommend:

  • Bourbon Revolver: This uses bourbon instead of rye whiskey, which imparts a sweeter, fuller flavor that I find quite warming and satisfying. The bourbon’s richness really comes to the forefront, making it perfect for a chilly evening.
  • Mexican Coffee: This features an exciting twist with aged reposado tequila and a dusting of cayenne powder, served warm. The tequila adds a smooth vanilla and caramel undertone which I love because it enhances the overall warmth and complexity. The cayenne powder provides a brave kick, elevating the usual coffee profile into something more intriguing.
  • Blackjack: This combines coffee amaro, cognac, cherry liqueur, and cold-brewed coffee. It offers a fresh espresso flavor complemented by a delightful cherry and orange finish, which beautifully marries the deep, rich notes of coffee and cognac with the sweet and fruity cherry.

A Revolver cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a beige marmol table surrounded by Bourbon, coffee Liqueur, Angostura orange bitters, and an orange.

History and Origin of the Revolver Cocktail

The Revolver Cocktail, a delightful blend of whiskey, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters, can be considered a twist of a Manhattan. The creation of this cocktail dates back to the early 2000s, making it relatively young in the world of classic cocktails.

San Francisco is the birthplace of the Revolver. A talented bartender named Jon Santer first introduced this drink at Bruno’s, a popular bar in the city. Santer was known for his creativity and passion for mixology. He had a knack for creating simple yet sophisticated drinks, and the Revolver was no exception.

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FAQ

How many calories does a Revolver Cocktail contain?
A standard serving of the Revolver Cocktail contains approximately 200 calories. However, this can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredient brands.
How strong is the Revolver Cocktail?
The strength of a cocktail is typically measured in Alcohol By Volume (ABV) and proof. The Revolver Cocktail has an ABV of around 32%, translating to 64 proof. This makes it a moderately strong cocktail.
What type of alcohol is used in the Revolver Cocktail?
The primary alcohol used in the Revolver Cocktail is bourbon whiskey. It's important to use high-quality bourbon as it significantly influences the overall taste of the drink.
In what kind of glass is the Revolver Cocktail served?
Traditionally, the Revolver Cocktail is served in a martini or a coupe glass.
What does a Revolver cocktail taste like?
The Revolver Cocktail offers a complex flavor profile that balances sweetness, bitterness, and warmth. The bourbon provides a robust base, while the coffee liqueur adds depth and sweetness. Orange bitters lend a subtle citrus note, rounding out the flavors.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Revolver Cocktail?
The classic ratio for a Revolver Cocktail is 2 parts bourbon whiskey to ½ part coffee liqueur, with a dash of orange bitters added for complexity.
How is the Revolver Cocktail served with ice?
The Revolver Cocktail can be served up or on the rocks according to personal preference. Serving it up means stirring it with ice and then straining it into your glass without ice, while serving it on the rocks means pouring it over ice cubes in your glass.
Can I make a Revolver Cocktail at home?
Absolutely! The Revolver Cocktail is relatively simple to make at home. You only need bourbon whiskey, coffee liqueur, orange bitters, and ice.
Is the Revolver Cocktail suitable for all occasions?
Yes, the Revolver Cocktail is versatile and can be enjoyed any occasion. Its rich flavors make it a great after-dinner drink and suitable for casual gatherings or cocktail parties.
What is the history of the Revolver Cocktail?
San Francisco bartender Jon Santer created the Revolver Cocktail in the early 2000s. It quickly gained popularity due to its unique combination of flavors and has since become a modern classic in the cocktail world.

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