Revolver: Bourbon Cocktail with a Caffeine Kick
This article contains affiliate links. We may receive compensation if you make a purchase using one of these links at no additional cost to you. See our Disclaimers and Terms of Use for more information.
The Revolver cocktail is a boozy bourbon bombshell with a caffeine kick. Why not pull the trigger and give the three-ingredient potent potable a try?
Our love for bourbon has taken us on a journey. But not just any journey. We’re talking about a bourbon journey.
To be clear, this journey doesn’t involve any planes, trains or automobiles. Unlike our journey to Kentucky’s Buffalo Trace in 2016, this one is all about researching, crafting and imbibing new-to-us bourbon cocktails.
The Revolver cocktail is our latest destination.
What Is the Revolver Cocktail?
The Revolver cocktail isn’t just the latest stop on our bourbon journey. It’s also a cocktail that packs a one-two punch…
First, the cocktail is pure alcohol. Its recipe doesn’t include any mixers, nor does it need any.
But that’s not all. The Revolver cocktail has an added bonus – caffeine.
Yes. This is a potent potable that will make you tipsy and keep you awake if you over-indulge. Better yet, just sip one or two and call it a night.
History of the Revolver Cocktail
Unlike many of our favorite bourbon drinks, the Revolver cocktail doesn’t qualify for classic status and doesn’t have a Kentucky home. Instead, it’s a modern creation with roots in San Francisco.
Our research has revealed that Jon Santer, a San Francisco bartender, created the Revolver while working at a bar called Bruno’s. The original recipe included just three ingredients – Bulleit bourbon, Tia Maria coffee liqueur and orange bitters. Being an over-achiever, he added a flamed orange twist garnish for good measure.
While Santer’s cocktail creation hasn’t become a standard yet, it’s a favorite among bartenders and mixology mavens. Who knows? Maybe its day will come with more of a whimper than a bang.
Ingredients
The Revolver cocktail makes a powerful statement with just the following ingredients:
Ingredient quantities are detailed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Craft a Revolver Cocktail
After assembling the ingredients, the first step is to measure the bourbon and coffee liqueur. We use a Japanese jigger in this and other recipes to secure accurate measurements and minimize spillage.
Buy a Japanese jigger from Amazon if you need a jigger or want an inexpensive upgrade.
The next step is to pour the two liquors into a mixing glass immediately after you measure each. We often use the base of our Boston shaker but any sturdy vessel will suffice.
Immediately add two dashes of orange bitters directly into the mixing glass or, in our case, the shaker.
After adding a couple handfuls of small ice cubes, mix the cocktail until the three liquors are combined and chilled.
Strain the cocktail into a glass. We like to use a small martini glass but a coupe glass would work well too.
Variations
We consider the Revolver cocktail recipe to be smashing as is, but it may not hit your target. Here are some variations if that’s the case:
Discover 10 essential bar tools for the home mixologist.
Revolver Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ½ ounce coffee liqueur
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 1 orange peel (garnish)
- ice cubes (for mixing)
Instructions
- Measure bourbon and coffee liqueur and pour each into a mixing glass.
- Add two dashes of orange bitters.
- Add small ice cubes and stir until the liquids are mixed and chilled – approximately 20 seconds.
- Strain the liquid into a small martini or coupe glass.
- Express the glass with an orange twist before adding it as garnish.
Nutrition
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
The Revolver is a bourbon cocktail crafted with bourbon, coffee liqueur and orange bitters.
The Revolver was invented in San Francisco.
Bourbon, Coffee Liqueur, Orange Bitters, Orange Peel (garnish) and Ice Cubes (for mixing)
The Revolver is stirred, not shaken.
We like to serve this cocktail in a small martini glass but you could use a coupe glass instead.
📍 Pin This Recipe
