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 newly-discovered 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 and 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.
Revolver Cocktail Ingredients
The Revolver cocktail make a powerful statement with just the following ingredients:
For our recipe, we used Bulleit bourbon and Tia Maria coffee liqueur just like they did in the original Revolver cocktail recipe. Additionally, we used Angostura orange bitters as the drink’s third ingredient.
Bulleit Bourbon
With a 45% ABV and generous amount of rye in its mix, Bulleit bourbon has a distinctive taste that works well in the Revolver recipe. After reading that the original recipe used this bourbon, we wanted to use it too.
Who are we kidding? The name synergy of Bulleit is too great to ignore. There’s also a bourbon out there called Gun Fighter but that one is produced in Colorado. Since we were able to find Bulleit at a Lisbon liquor store, you should be able to find a bottle where you live. If not, just use your favorite bourbon instead.
Discover our favorite bourbon cocktails.
Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur
Tia Maria is the coffee liqueur used in the original Revolver recipe. Produced in Italy and with roots in Jamaica, its ingredient list includes arabica coffee beans along with Jamaican rum, sugar and vanilla. Its ABV is 20%.
We bought a bottle of Tia Maria specifically to craft this cocktail and we’re glad we did. The tasty liqueur will surely make its way into future White Russians that we craft at home.
Orange Bitters
Since we previously bought a bottle of Angostura orange bitters to craft Bijou cocktails, we already knew that we liked its spicy orange flavor. Made with orange extracts and spices, a little bit goes a long way as these bitters have a 28% ABV.
How To Craft a Revolver Cocktail
In addition to being both boozy and caffeinated, the Revolver cocktail offers a third benefit to lazy mixologists. Its recipe is super easy and doesn’t require any special bar tools. For our recipe, we used the following equipment:
Don’t worry if you don’t have any or all of these tools. Each is inexpensive. Plus, you can improvise in a pinch if you don’t already own them.
Discover 10 necessary bar tools for lazy mixologists.
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 if you don’t have 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, 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.
The final step is to add an orange twist garnish.
If you’re hardcore, you can flame the orange peel as was done in the original Revolver recipe. As for us, we were satisfied without the fiery citrus show.
Revoler Cocktail Alternatives
We consider the Revolver cocktail recipe to be smashing as is but it may not hit your target. Here are some alternatives if that’s the case:
Revolver Cocktail FAQs
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.
Revolver Cocktail Recipe
Revolver Cocktail
The Revolver cocktail is both boozy and caffeinated. Pull the trigger and craft one in just five minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Small ice cubes
- Orange peel
Instructions
- Measure bourbon and coffee liqueur and pour each into a mixing glass.
- Add two dashes or 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.
Recommended Products
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Hiware LZS13B 12 Inches Stainless Steel Mixing Spoon, Spiral Pattern Bar Cocktail Shaker Spoon
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About the Authors
Daryl & Mindi Hirsch
Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website and YouTube. The married Food and Travel content creators live in Lisbon, Portugal.
Original Publication Date: December 30, 2021
DoubleD-SF
Thursday 26th of May 2022
Pretty sure Bruno’s closed in the 90s.
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Monday 30th of May 2022
I checked and it appears that our cited source is incorrect. Thanks for taking the time to let us know!