Butterbeer Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup cream soda (For the cream soda syrup)
• 0.5 cup water (For the cream soda syrup)
• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar (For the cream soda syrup)
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (For the cream soda syrup)
• sea salt (A pinch, for the cream soda syrup)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (For the butterscotch cream)
• 0.5 cup whole milk (For the butterscotch cream)
• 1 tbsp butterscotch sauce (For the butterscotch cream)
• sea salt (A pinch, for the butterscotch cream)
• 4 oz bourbon (For the cocktails)
• 1 oz cream soda syrup (Prepared from the syrup ingredients above)
• 4 dashes aromatic bitters (For the cocktails)
• 2 dashes orange bitters (For the cocktails)
• sea salt (A tiny pinch, for the cocktails)
• butterscotch cream (Prepared from heavy cream, whole milk, butterscotch sauce, and salt; to top)
• freshly grated nutmeg (Optional, for finishing)

Steps

1. 1

   Make the cream soda syrup by adding the cream soda, water, and packed brown sugar to a small saucepan.

2. 2

   Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup has reduced slightly.

3. 3

   Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the vanilla and a pinch of sea salt.

4. 4

   Let the cream soda syrup cool completely before using.

5. 5

   Make the butterscotch cream by combining the heavy cream, whole milk, butterscotch sauce, and a pinch of sea salt.

6. 6

   Whip or froth the butterscotch cream until thickened but still pourable, almost like cold foam rather than whipped cream.

7. 7

   Add the bourbon, cream soda syrup, aromatic bitters, orange bitters, and a tiny pinch of sea salt to a mixing glass filled with ice.

8. 8

   Stir until the cocktail is chilled and properly diluted; the outside of the mixing glass should become frosty.

9. 9

   Strain the cocktail over two glasses, each containing a large ice cube.

10. 10

    Float a thin layer of butterscotch cream over each cocktail.

11. 11

    Finish with a little freshly grated nutmeg, if desired.

Notes

The cream soda syrup recipe makes about 3/4 cup. Butterscotch cream may be prepared with a hand frother, espresso-machine steam wand, stand mixer, or electric hand mixer. The source does not specify a chilling time for the syrup beyond cooling it completely.

Nutrition per serving

• drink
• cocktail
• alcoholic
• Harry Potter inspired
• bourbon
• make-ahead syrup
• holiday
• winter