This bold, coffee-forward cocktail brings together smooth bourbon, chilled cold brew, and a subtle hint of smoke for a drink that feels right at home on a warm afternoon or as an after-dinner sipper. By lightly smoking the glass, you add a layer of depth that sets this apart from a standard coffee cocktail. It’s rich, refreshing, and just caffeinated enough to keep the night going.
The balance here leans smooth rather than sweet, letting the bourbon and coffee shine. A touch of sweetness rounds things out while optional coffee liqueur deepens the roast notes. It’s simple to make, but feels elevated—perfect for backyard hangs, late cookouts, or slow evenings by the smoker.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3 oz cold brew coffee, well chilled
- 0.5 oz maple syrup
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
- ice
- Coffee beans for garnish
- orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Lightly smoke the glassPlace your serving glass in the smoker at low heat (180–200°F) for 5–10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
- Build the drinkFill a shaker with ice and add bourbon, cold brew, syrup, and coffee liqueur
- MixShake briefly, just enough to chill and combine.
- ServeFill the smoked glass with fresh ice and strain the cocktail over the top.
- GarnishFinish with a few coffee beans or a simple orange peel for aroma.
Smooth, smoky, and quietly energizing, this Smoked Midnight Wake-Up Bourbon is an easy way to bring coffeehouse vibes into your cocktail lineup—no espresso machine required.