The Breakfast Revival

The Breakfast Revival is a cozy, rich drink with a little morning flair. Bourbon lays down a warm, smooth base, while butterscotch schnapps brings in a mellow sweetness. Orange juice adds a bright splash to balance things out, and a touch of maple syrup gives it that breakfast feel without being too heavy. It’s the kind of cocktail that works well at brunch or as an after-dinner sipper when you want something a little different. Simple, balanced, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for another round.

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Tasting Notes

The Breakfast Revival is warm, smooth, and slightly rich without being heavy. Bourbon lays the base with a little spice and oak, while butterscotch schnapps adds a buttery sweetness that blends well with the orange juice. Maple syrup pulls the whole thing together with a hint of depth, giving the drink a light breakfast-inspired feel. The orange keeps it fresh and bright, so it’s not too thick or overly sweet. Garnished with candied bacon and orange peel, you get a mix of sweet, savory, and citrus in every sip. It’s a playful take on a brunch-style old fashioned.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a shaker, jigger, and a strainer for this one. A citrus press helps if you’re using fresh-squeezed orange juice. Shake everything with ice and strain into a rocks glass over fresh cubes for a clean, chilled pour. A bar spoon or tongs will help you place the bacon and orange peel garnish without getting sticky fingers. Pre-chill your glass if you want to keep the drink colder longer. If you’re serving several, batch the base ahead of time and shake individual drinks to order.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz butterscotch schnapps
• 2 oz orange juice
• 0.25 oz maple syrup
• Candied bacon and orange peel, for garnish

Instructions

• In a shaker, combine bourbon, butterscotch schnapps, orange juice, and maple syrup.
• Fill with ice and shake until chilled.
• Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
• Garnish with a strip of candied bacon and an orange peel.

Pro Tips

• Use a bourbon that’s smooth and slightly sweet this isn’t the place for a high-proof or very smoky option.
• Shake hard to chill and blend everything evenly, especially since syrup and juice can separate.
• Fresh orange juice will give the drink more brightness and better balance.
• For the maple syrup, stick with the real thing fake syrup will taste flat.
• If you’re short on butterscotch schnapps, you can sub in a small splash of vanilla or caramel liqueur, though it won’t be quite the same.
• Make the candied bacon ahead so it’s crisp and ready to go.

When to Serve

The Breakfast Revival is a perfect brunch or daytime cocktail. It also works great as a signature drink for breakfast-for-dinner events or holiday mornings. Serve it when you want something lighthearted but still boozy, with a mix of comfort and citrus. It’s also a nice twist for bourbon fans looking for something less heavy than an old fashioned. Because it’s cold and refreshing, it can work just as well at outdoor get-togethers or tailgates especially if you batch the base and garnish at the table.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• For bourbon, try something approachable like Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, or Elijah Craig Small Batch. You want a little sweetness, not too much heat.
• Butterscotch schnapps from brands like DeKuyper or Dr. McGillicuddy’s works just fine no need to overthink it.
• For maple syrup, go for 100% pure Grade A. The orange juice should be fresh or high quality with no added sugar.
• Everything should be chilled before shaking for the best results.
• The candied bacon can be made at home or picked up from a specialty shop just keep it crispy.

Similar Cocktails

• Banana Maple Bourbon Smash
• Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash
• Maple Bourbon Harvest
• Maple Bourbon Espresso Martini
• Oak Smoked Old Fashioned