I first encountered the King Cole at a bar in Manhattan where the bartender described it as “an Old Fashioned with a grudge.” Bourbon stirred with Fernet-Branca, simple syrup, and an orange peel expressed over the glass. The Fernet is the grudge. A quarter ounce (7ml) of that bitter, herbal, almost medicinal spirit sitting underneath the bourbon changes the character completely. It is darker and more complex than a standard Old Fashioned, with a menthol-like finish that keeps you reaching for the glass.
The drink is stirred, not shaken. Poured over fresh ice in an old-fashioned glass. The orange peel is cut over the drink so the oils spray across the surface, then dropped in. Simple, if you can get your hands on Fernet-Branca.
How to Make a King Cole
Stir Until Cold
Pour 60ml (2 oz) bourbon, 7ml (0.25 oz) Fernet-Branca, and 7ml (0.25 oz) simple syrup into a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until the glass frosts on the outside. 
Stirring keeps the drink clear and silky. Shaking would cloud it and change the texture.
Express the Orange Peel
Cut a wide strip of orange peel. Hold it over the glass, skin side down, and squeeze it to spray the citrus oils across the surface of the drink. Drop the peel into the glass.
The oils from the peel are aromatic, not flavouring. They hit your nose before each sip and change how the bourbon and Fernet register on your palate.
King Cole: Cousin of the Old Fashioned
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A cousin of the Old Fashioned, this bourbon cocktail is sophisticated yet easy to make. Perfect for a cozy night in or a sophisticated gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) Bourbon
- 0.25 oz (7 ml) Fernet-Branca
- 0.25 oz (7 ml) simple syrup
- Orange peel
Instructions
- Pour all the liquid ingredients into an ice-laden mixing glass and stir until cold.
- Strain the cocktail into an old-fashioned glass over fresh ice.
- Cut a piece of orange peel over the glass, ensuring the zest coats the top of the drink.
- Toss the peel in the glass or skewer it with a sharp object.
Notes
- For a smoother cocktail, chill the bourbon before mixing.
- Agave nectar can be substituted for simple syrup for a slightly sweeter, less refined taste.
- Store leftover simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 15
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fernet-Branca?
An Italian bitter liqueur, dark and herbal, with a strong menthol and anise character. Sold at most liquor stores. It is an acquired taste on its own but works well in small amounts in cocktails.
What bourbon works best?
A mid-range bourbon with some rye spice, like Bulleit or Buffalo Trace. The Fernet is strong enough that a very smooth bourbon gets lost. You want something with backbone.
Can I adjust the Fernet amount?
Start with 7ml (1/4 oz) as written. If you find it too bitter, reduce to a barspoon (about 5ml). If you love Fernet, you can go up to 15ml, but the drink becomes a Fernet cocktail rather than a bourbon cocktail.
Anyone made this with Cynar or a different amaro instead of Fernet-Branca? Curious if the bitterness profile holds up or if it lands sweet.
fernet under the bourbon, exactly that menthol finish.
Smoother Old Fashioned for sure, the Fernet adds depth without taking over, glad I split the simple syrup down to a quarter ounce!
I made one of these for my husband tonight and the orange peel oils across the surface were exactly the touch he loved.
Fernet-Branca scared me when I tried it neat in college and I’ve never sipped it since. A quarter ounce in a stirred bourbon drink sits underneath everything and adds that menthol finish. Made one with a smoked orange peel for the change in aroma.