Revolver

• November 16, 2025
• Cocktails

Think of it as an Espresso Manhattan.

By Erin Henderson

My love for the Manhattan cocktail is legendary. Well, maybe not legendary, that’s a bit self-aggrandizing now that I see it in print, but I really enjoy them and the people in my life seem to be vaguely aware of that fact.

So, when I came across the Revolver cocktail, which is basically a Manhattan that swaps vermouth for coffee liqueur and has a bit ore showmanship by way of a flaming orange zest, naturally, I was all in.

You may also like: Dave’s Manhattan

The Revolver came to be in the early aughts and named for the use of Bulleit bourbon, which was new to the scene and loved for its spicy character.

While the cocktail gets balance from sweet coffee liqueur and a subtle depth from the orange bitters, the real razzamatazz comes from flaming an orange peel, making this cocktail very apropos for festive occasions.

This is not a step that can be skipped: the whole point of this drink is the warming oils from the orange skin. If playing with fire makes you nervous maybe check out the Honey Penicillin which has lovely spice and warmth and requires no pyrotechnics. But fortune favours the brave, so if you’re up to the task, this is how you flame a citrus peel:

• Cut a coin-sized circle from the orange peel, avoiding as much white pith as possible.
• Hold a flame a few inches from the cut peel to gently warm it slightly and make squeezing the oil easier.
• Light the lighter or matches and hold the flame beside the drink.
• Gently squeeze the peel to release the oils through the flame and onto the cocktail. They will flare slightly, and elicit the oohs and awws from your duly impressed crowd.