If you love a classic Old Fashioned but want to give your cocktail hour a bold new twist, this coconut bourbon Old Fashioned recipe will do just that. The drink layers deep flavors like maple syrup with bright ones like lemon juice for a nuanced profile. Ancho Reyes Verde liqueur adds a gentle, smoky heat.
What makes this cocktail recipe truly unique, though, is the fat-washed bourbon. Infused with unrefined coconut oil, it has a rich, smooth mouthfeel and just a hint of tropical flavor. This is the kind of cocktail that surprises and delights everyone who tries it. It’s a conversation starter, a sipper with personality, and a creative upgrade to a beloved bourbon classic.
What is the difference between whiskey and bourbon?
Whiskey is a broad category of distilled spirits made from grains like barley, rye, or corn. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is always made with corn (at least 51%), aged in new, charred oak barrels, and distilled right here in the United States. Bourbon has a sweeter, fuller flavor that makes it ideal for cocktails like the Old Fashioned—classic or not!
Are there different kinds of bourbon?
Yes! Bourbon and whiskey come in several different styles, and each one has its own story, production method, and best use. Here’s a guide to help you spot the differences.
Most Versatile: Straight Bourbon
The standard. Made in the U.S. with at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at 80 proof or higher.
Best for Collectors: Single Barrel and Small Batch Bourbons
Blended from a limited number of barrels for a more consistent and carefully crafted flavor. Every batch has its own unique character.
Best for Sipping: Wheated Bourbon
Uses wheat instead of rye in the mash bill, making it smoother, softer, and slightly sweeter. Perfect for those who like a gentle, mellow sip.
Excellent in Cocktails: High-Rye Bourbon
Contains more rye (usually 20% or higher), giving it a bolder, spicier kick.
Great for Bourbon History Lovers: Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
A traditional style regulated under the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act—aged at least four years, bottled at 100 proof, and from one distillery and one distilling season.
Good for Beginners: Blended Bourbon
A mix of two or more straight bourbons. Usually smooth and approachable.
Sour Mash Bourbon
Uses a portion of the fermented mash from a previous batch (kind of like a sourdough starter) to help regulate consistency, pH, and flavor. Popular in big bourbon brands for its smooth, balanced flavor.
100% Corn Bourbon
Made entirely from corn. Sweet and full-bodied, with a rounder finish.
Tennessee Whiskey
Meets the legal definition of bourbon AND goes through the Lincoln County Process: it’s filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging. Clean, mellow, sweet.
Kentucky Bourbon
Bourbon can be made anywhere in the U.S., but it was made first in Kentucky. The state’s climate and limestone-rich water give its spirits an earthy and robust flavor. Often considered the “true” bourbon experience.
What is fat-washed bourbon?
Remember when I said this recipe uses a bourbon with coconut oil in it? Let’s break down what that actually means. Fat-washing is a bartending technique where liquor is infused with fat—like coconut oil, bacon drippings, or butter—to create a silky texture and add subtle flavor. In this cocktail, you’ll mix your bourbon with melted unrefined coconut oil, then freeze it so the fat solidifies and can be strained out. What’s left is bourbon with an extra-rich body and a light coconut essence.
What types of bourbon are used for an Old Fashioned?
When mixing an Old Fashioned cocktail, choose a bourbon that’s smooth, balanced, and not overly smoky. Mid-range bottles like Koval (my favorite local Chicago distillery), Buffalo Trace, or Woodford Reserve work beautifully. Since this recipe uses fat-washed bourbon, you’ll want something that’s flavorful but not too bold—so the coconut infusion can shine through.
What is good to pair with an Old Fashioned cocktail?
This cocktail is rich and layered, making it a great match for savory appetizers. Try pairing it with blue cheese, prosciutto-wrapped dates, or spicy roasted nuts—check out my article on how to make your own charcuterie board for more ideas! On the sweeter side, dark chocolate desserts (like my Chocolate Lava Cakes or my Bittersweet Chocolate Truffles) would make a good match!
What other garnishes can you use for this recipe?
This recipe uses orange peel as a garnish. Other garnishes that go well with Old Fashioneds are cocktail cherries, green apple slices, a toasted Homemade Marshmallow, cinnamon sticks, an orange slice, or some Candied Citrus Slices.
More Cocktail Recipes with Bourbon
More Bourbon Recipes
Fat-washed Bourbon Recipe
Fat-washed bourbon is so rich and unique—and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how easy it is to prepare at home. This recipe uses coconut oil.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small pan, melt the coconut oil over medium-low heat. Set aside to cool after it has completely melted.
- Measure your bourbon into your container of choice. When the coconut oil is cool (but still liquid), add it to the container, put the lid on and shake a few times. Shake it every now and then over the next few hours and then place it in the freezer overnight.
- The following day, take the container out of your freezer. You will see the fat has risen to the surface and solidified.
- Place a funnel into the neck of a clean bottle, and line the funnel with a coffee filter. Pop the solid fat out of the container or pierce a hole through it. Then, pour half of the bourbon into the filter and let it drip into the bottle. This will take some time, about 20 minutes or so. When this has finished, change the filter and proceed with the second half of the batch.
- Cap it or cork it to store until ready to use.
Spiced Coconut Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe with Maple and Citrus
If you’re looking for a delicious cocktail to round out the last days of summer, here’s a fresh new variation on the Old Fashioned. I know you’ll love it!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Roll the orange peel between your fingers and squeeze it over the surface to express its oils, run it around the rim and drop it into your glass. Enjoy.
