Revolver Cocktail Recipe

Revolver Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:7g

Alcohol:22%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Revolver cocktail was created by San Francisco bartender Jon Santer in the early 2000s. It is a modern classic that has gained popularity among whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The cocktail is named after the revolver firearm, as it packs a punch with its strong flavors and high alcohol content.

  • The Revolver is a popular choice for whiskey aficionados who appreciate bold flavors.
  • It is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or nightcap.
  • The cocktail has a strong, robust flavor profile that is perfect for sipping slowly and savoring.

How Revolver Tastes?

The Revolver cocktail is a rich, bold, and slightly sweet drink with a strong coffee and whiskey flavor. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a warming, boozy finish.

Interesting facts about Revolver

  • The Revolver is a modern classic cocktail that was created in the early 2000s.
  • The cocktail is named after the revolver firearm, as it packs a punch with its strong flavors and high alcohol content.
  • It is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or nightcap.

Ingredients

Bourbon

The foundation of many classic cocktails, bourbon brings a rich, vanilla-laden woody profile that can swing from sweet to smoky. In the Revolver, 2oz is the sweet spot; too much and you'd overpower the nuanced dance with coffee, too little and it's a wimpy spin on the trigger.

Mary Mitkina

Coffee Liqueur

Half an ounce is just enough to wake the drink up without turning it into an alcoholic coffee. It complements the bourbon while adding a hint of sweetness and depth. If you skip it, you miss the whole 'bang' of the Revolver - instead, it's just bourbon with a hint of citrus. Substituting it with a different liqueur, say, amaretto, might lower the caffeine kick but would add a nutty character.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Bitters

Two dashes are the aim here. It's like citrusy seasoning, aligning the sweetness of the bourbon and coffee liqueur with a touch of fruity zest. Leave it out, and the cocktail loses its defined edge. A different bitter could introduce unexpected twists – chocolate bitters, for example, would give a mole-like complexity.

Alex Green

Orange Peel

More than garnish, the expressed orange oils are the Revolver's final polish, highlighting the orange bitters' work on the olfactory front. Without it, the drink is undressed - dimensionless and less inviting. No orange? Try a lemon peel for a sharper citrus note, changing the cocktail's aromatic finish.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Revolver Drink

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add 2oz of bourbon, 0.5oz of coffee liqueur, and 2 dashes of orange bitters.
  3. Stir the mixture until well chilled.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube.
  5. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and garnish with the peel.

Pro Tips

  • Bourbon: Choose a high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Homemade coffee liqueur can add a unique twist.
  • Stirring: Stir the cocktail gently to avoid diluting it too much.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Cheese plate: A selection of aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda can complement the bold flavors of the bourbon and the sweet notes of the coffee liqueur.
  • Dark chocolate desserts: The richness of dark chocolate will pair nicely with the coffee and citrus notes of the cocktail.
  • Grilled meats: The smoky flavor of grilled steak or pork would be enhanced by the bourbon's robust character.
  • Spiced nuts: Snack on some spiced or candied nuts for a playful contrast in taste.

Drink Pairings

  • Espresso: Having a strong espresso on the side can highlight the coffee flavors in the drink.
  • Sparkling water: A palate cleanser like sparkling water can help refresh the taste between sips.

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What you could change in Revolver

  • Bourbon: Can be replaced with Rye Whiskey.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Can be replaced with a Chocolate Liqueur for a sweeter taste.
  • Orange Bitters: Can be replaced with Angostura Bitters for a different flavor profile.

Explore all drinks starting with R here

And of course - twists🍹

Revolver con Twist de Vainilla

  • Bourbon: 2oz
  • Vanilla-infused coffee liqueur: 0.5oz
  • Orange Bitters: 2 dashes
  • Vanilla bean: 1

Recipe: Follow the classic Revolver method but infuse the coffee liqueur with vanilla or use a vanilla-flavored coffee liqueur. Split a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds, and stir into the drink to integrate a fragrant vanilla twist. Expect an extra layer of sweet, creamy flavor that merges seamlessly with the existing profile, offering a silky finish.

Spiced Revolver

  • Spiced bourbon: 2oz
  • Coffee Liqueur: 0.5oz
  • Chocolate Bitters: 2 dashes
  • Cinnamon Stick: 1

Recipe: Swap the bourbon for a spiced variant and the orange bitters for chocolate bitters. After stirring the drink, garnish with a cinnamon stick. This version will have a more pronounced autumnal vibe, with a warming spice flavor that's perfect for cooler weather.

Revolver Ristretto

  • Rye whiskey: 2oz
  • Coffee Liqueur: 0.5oz
  • Ristretto shot: 0.5oz
  • Orange Bitters: 2 dashes
  • Orange Peel: 1

Recipe: Use rye whiskey instead of bourbon and add a half-ounce of ristretto to emphasize the coffee flavors. This twist will introduce a spicier, bolder taste profile to the Revolver, along with a more pronounced coffee punch.

In case you forgot basics how to make Revolver

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Revolver

What is the origin of the name 'Revolver' for this cocktail?

The cocktail is named 'Revolver' due to its punchy, strong flavors. It is likened to a revolver firearm, which also packs a punch.

How should the 'Revolver' cocktail be served?

The 'Revolver' cocktail is best served in an old-fashioned glass with a single large ice cube. The glass should be chilled before serving.

What is the ideal time to enjoy a 'Revolver' cocktail?

The 'Revolver' is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or nightcap. However, it can be sipped at any time of the day depending on your preference.

Which taste palette does the 'Revolver' cater to?

The 'Revolver' cocktail appeals to those who love strong, robust flavors. The rich mixture of bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters makes for a bold, slightly sweet drink.

Can I make a 'Revolver' cocktail at home, and is it easy to prepare?

Yes, you can make a 'Revolver' cocktail at home. The process is straightforward and the ingredients are widely available.

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