Revolver Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Revolver recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Bourbon
Alcohol 22%
Calories 180 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 7g
Prep time 2 minutes

Ready to elevate your cocktail game? The Revolver is more than just a drink; it’s a story in a glass, combining bold flavors with a touch of sweetness and a whisper of coffee. Join us as we explore its rich history, unique taste, and artful presentation—perfect for the aspiring mixologist or the cocktail aficionado. Let’s dive in and discover the essence of this intriguing concoction together! ⬇️

History

The Revolver cocktail is a modern classic, born in the early 2000s in San Francisco. It quickly gained popularity for its unique twist on traditional bourbon drinks. This cocktail has become a symbol of innovation in the mixology world.

  • The name “Revolver” is inspired by the cocktail’s ability to “spin” traditional bourbon flavors in a new direction.
  • It was created by Jon Santer, a prominent bartender in San Francisco’s burgeoning cocktail scene.
  • The Revolver gained fame at Bourbon & Branch, a speakeasy-style bar known for its craft cocktails.

The taste of a Revolver?

A Revolver tastes like a smooth dance of whiskey and coffee, with a hint of orange sweetness. It’s a bold yet balanced drink that warms the palate and intrigues the senses.

I enjoy the Revolver for its robust flavor that combines the warmth of bourbon with the complexity of coffee liqueur, creating a sophisticated sip every time.

Interesting facts about Revolver

  • The coffee liqueur in the Revolver adds a rich depth, contrasting the bourbon’s heat.
  • Orange bitters contribute a subtle fruity note that rounds out the cocktail’s flavor profile.
  • A well-made Revolver is often garnished with a flamed orange peel, adding a smoky aroma.

Ingredients 📃

  • Bourbon: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Coffee Liqueur: 0.5 oz (15ml)
  • Orange bitters: 2 dashes

A Revolver is typically served in a rocks glass, which allows the aromas to concentrate and enhance the sipping experience. An alternative could be a lowball glass, which also suits the drink’s strong character.

Recipe. How to make Revolver 🍹

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add 2 oz of bourbon.
  2. Pour in 0.5 oz of coffee liqueur and add 2 dashes of orange bitters.
  3. Stir the ingredients until well chilled, about 20 seconds.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  5. Express the oils of an orange peel over the drink and use it as a garnish.

While the Revolver is certainly a treat, it’s wise to enjoy it in moderation. The drink does contain sugar and calories from the bourbon and coffee liqueur, but you can opt for a coffee liqueur with natural sweeteners to make it a tad healthier. Remember, too many Revolvers might leave you spinning!

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Food Pairings

Certain bites can elevate the Revolver experience, bringing out its complex flavors. Here are a few food recommendations that harmonize with the cocktail’s rich profile.

Smoked Meats

The smokiness of meats like brisket or ribs complements the warm, spicy notes of the Revolver, creating a delightful symphony of flavors.

Dark Chocolate

A piece of dark chocolate alongside a Revolver enhances the cocktail’s coffee notes, making for a decadent pairing.

Spiced Nuts

The nutty crunch of spiced almonds or cashews pairs wonderfully with the smooth, sweet undertones of this bourbon-based drink.

I find the Revolver’s deep flavors exceptionally comforting; it’s like a fireside chat in a glass, full of warmth and whispered stories.


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Bartender Advice

  • To achieve the perfect Revolver, stir the cocktail instead of shaking to maintain its clarity and silky texture.
  • Always use freshly expressed orange peel for garnish to enhance the cocktail’s aroma and taste.
  • For a twist on the classic, experiment with different brands of bourbon to find your preferred flavor profile.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Revolver, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Revolver

  • You can swap traditional coffee liqueur with a cold brew coffee concentrate for a fresher twist.
  • Experiment with various types of bitters to find a flavor that suits your palate.
  • Consider using a smoked bourbon to amplify the Revolver’s inherent smokiness.

Revolver Variations

Midnight Revolver

  • Ingredients: Substitute coffee liqueur with a dark chocolate liqueur.
  • Recipe: Follow the original Revolver recipe, garnish with a dark chocolate twist.

Smokey Revolver

  • Ingredients: Add a splash of Islay scotch to the mix.
  • Recipe: Stir all ingredients and strain into a glass over a smoked ice cube.

Vanilla Revolver

  • Ingredients: Use vanilla-infused bourbon.
  • Recipe: Combine ingredients as usual and garnish with a vanilla bean.

For a non-alcoholic twist, the Virgin Revolver swaps bourbon for a non-alcoholic spirit or tea with a smoky profile. Add a splash of coffee syrup and orange bitters to complete the mocktail.

Q&A

Can the Revolver be made sweeter?

Absolutely! Adjust the sweetness by using a coffee liqueur with a higher sugar content, or add a touch of simple syrup.

Is the Revolver a strong drink?

Indeed, with its bourbon base, it’s a drink with a kick! Savor it slowly to fully enjoy its complex flavors.

What’s the best bourbon for a Revolver?

That depends on your taste! A medium-bodied bourbon with caramel notes usually works well.

Can I make a batch of Revolvers in advance?

Sure thing, mix up a batch without ice and chill it. Serve over ice when ready to enjoy.

Is the Revolver suitable for all seasons?

Yes, it’s versatile! Cozy in the winter and refreshing with a large ice cube in the summer.

What’s an easy way to flame an orange peel?

Hold a piece of orange peel over the drink and carefully use a lighter to warm the oils before squeezing it to flame. Watch the magic happen!

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.

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