The Mr. Brown cocktail is a rich and subtly buzzy drink that boasts a beautiful copper hue. It is a delicious concoction made with bourbon, coffee liqueur, vanilla syrup, and a few dashes of Angostura and orange bitters. This cocktail was created in 2011 by bartender Ms. Franky Marshall at New York City’s Clover Club. It is the perfect nightcap-style cocktail that drinks like a vanilla-infused Coffee Old Fashioned.
Marshall may have drawn inspiration from another modern classic cocktail, the Revolver, created by veteran bartender Jon Santer in the early 2000s. The Revolver is a Manhattan riff that swaps vermouth for coffee liqueur and is typically served up with a smoky, burnt-citrus edge from a flamed orange peel. The Mr. Brown cocktail shares a similar flavor profile with the Revolver but adds a touch of vanilla sweetness to the mix.
The origin of the name “Mr. Brown” remains unknown, but it could be a nod to the cocktail’s deep umber hue or to the minor character “Mr. Brown” played by Quentin Tarantino in his 1992 film Reservoir Dogs.
What makes the Mr. Brown cocktail work so well is the combination of complementary flavors. Bourbon, coffee, vanilla, and orange all come together harmoniously in this drink. While you can use store-bought vanilla syrup, homemade syrup is preferred for a more authentic and flavorful experience. The choice of coffee liqueur is crucial as it plays a key role in the overall taste of the cocktail.
Bourbon provides a strong and warming base for the cocktail, while the coffee liqueur takes center stage in terms of aroma and flavor. The addition of vanilla syrup helps to smooth out the edges of the drink and enhance the vanilla notes present in the bourbon. Angostura and orange bitters add a spicy kick and a lift to the cocktail, while an orange twist garnish adds a sharp citrus contrast for a clean and fragrant finish.
Overall, the Mr. Brown cocktail is a delightful and sophisticated drink that is perfect for sipping as a nightcap or special occasion treat. With its complex yet balanced flavor profile, it is sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail connoisseurs.
