This Praline Coffee Old Fashioned cocktail is a rich, nutty twist on the classic, made with bourbon, praliné liqueur, and crème de cacao, then poured over a coffee ice cube for a smooth, slow-sipping drink perfect for fall entertaining.

Praline Coffee Old Fashioned Using Praline Liqueur

The Old Fashioned is a famous cocktail, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have fun with it and play around with the ingredients.

And if you’re a coffee-lover, this whiskey cocktail may be something you’d be interested in.

The praline addition gives this cocktail a subtle nutty flavor that’s a perfect fit for the cooler days and months leading into the thick wool sweaters of our Midwest winters.

The Praline Coffee Old Fashioned Cocktail is a play on the original Old Fashioned, featuring praline and white crème de cacao syrups.

So go ahead and grab the ingredients because we think we’ve got a winner over this way. If you are a lover of Old Fashioneds, you’ll enjoy this one.

What You Will Need:

Bourbon Whiskey. Go with a quality bourbon here because it’s the backbone of the drink. We used Journeyman’s Featherbone Bourbon for its smooth, rich profile, but any well-balanced bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes will do.

Praliné Liqueur. This is where the magic starts. Praliné liqueur brings that deep, nutty sweetness inspired by classic pralines: think brown sugar, quality butter, rich cream, and toasted pecans all wrapped into one. It gives the drink a cozy, almost dessert-like vibe without needing extra sweeteners. And a good praline syrup has notes of all of those flavors, and in my opinion, the rich nutty flavor signals autumn and all the telltale signals that summer is behind us.

Crème de cacao (blanche ou noire). Adds a subtle chocolate undertone that plays nicely with the praline flavors.

Angostura Orange Bitters. A couple of dashes go a long way. These cut through the sweetness and tie everything together with a bright citrus edge, keeping the drink from feeling too heavy.

Chilled Water. Don’t skip this. It helps mellow the alcohol and brings balance right from the start, before the ice even begins to melt.

Coffee Ice Cube. The big difference in this unique cocktail creation is that it is then poured over a large block of coffee ice, freeze-brewed coffee, or cold brew, all made into large cubes. Not only does it look neat, but as the ice slowly melts, it dilutes the cocktail, infusing it with a beautiful, refreshing coffee flavor.

Orange Peel. Not just a garnish, this is your finishing touch. Expressing the oils over the drink adds a fresh citrus aroma that cuts through the richness and elevates the entire cocktail.

And how about the large block ice cube of frozen coffee tho? This is pure genius, and because coffee is a fall and winter mainstay, okay, a winter necessity.

This recipe is an ideal whiskey cocktail, best enjoyed curled up on the couch in front of a roaring fire.

How To Make A Praline Coffee Old Fashioned Using Praline Liqueur

1 serving

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
1/2 ounce praliné liqueur
1/2 ounce crème de cacao (white or dark)
1 1/2 ounces chilled water
1 large coffee ice cube (made from chilled brewed coffee or cold brew)
2 dashes Angostura orange bitters

Directions:

Add all of the ingredients into a cocktail mixing glass or shaker tin with lots of ice.
Stir with a long-handled bar spoon for 30 seconds.
Into an old-fashioned or rocks glass, add a large block of coffee ice cube. Strain the mix into the glass.
Express an orange peel over the drink, then drop the peel into the glass.
Serve.

Can I Make This Cocktail Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can mix the bourbon, praliné liqueur, crème de cacao, water, and bitters ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour over a fresh coffee ice cube and garnish with an orange peel for the best flavor and presentation.

What Type Of Coffee Should I Use For The Ice Cube?

Brewed coffee or cold brew both work well. Go with a smooth, not-too-bitter coffee since it will slowly infuse into the drink as the ice melts.

Let it cool completely before freezing into large cubes.

Can I Use Regular Bitters Instead Of Orange Bitters?

You can, but orange bitters really elevate this cocktail by adding brightness and balance.

Regular bitters will work in a pinch, but the flavor will be a bit deeper and less vibrant.

Is This Cocktail Very Sweet?

It leans slightly sweet thanks to the praliné liqueur and crème de cacao, but the bourbon, bitters, and coffee ice help balance it out.

If you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the crème de cacao slightly.

What Glass Should I Serve This In?

A rocks glass (Old Fashioned glass) is the way to go.

It gives you room for that large coffee ice cube and keeps the presentation clean and classic.

Can I Make A Batch For A Crowd?

Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients and stir in a large pitcher or mixing glass.

Serve over individual coffee ice cubes in each glass so every drink gets that slow coffee infusion.

What Can I Use Instead Of Praliné Liqueur?

If you can’t find praliné liqueur, try a pecan or hazelnut liqueur as a substitute.

The flavor will be slightly different, but you’ll still get that rich, nutty profile.

Okay. My job is done. What are some of your favorite fall flavors you love to enjoy in a cocktail?

Cinnamon and caramel are a couple of my favorites, too, and of course, who wants to go without the holy trinity of toasted marshmallows, chocolate, and Graham crackers? Not I! Cheers!

If Praline Liqueur is your thing, check out the following recipes using this delicious liqueur:

Praline + Whiskey Pumpkin Pie Cocktail

Adult Butterbeer Recipe + Kid-Friendly Butterbeer Version

Whiskey Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel

Sweater Weather Whiskey