Treat yourself to a decadent twist on a classic cocktail recipe with my Chocolate Old Fashioned! This cocktail combines bourbon and chocolate liqueur for a rich, indulgent drink that’s sure to impress. Smooth, easy to make, and perfect for any bourbon and chocolate lover.
Save this Recipe!
Looking for more chocolate cocktail recipes? Enjoy my Godiva chocolate martini or chocolate peppermint martini for a festive twist.
Jump to:
About this Chocolate Old Fashioned
Recently, I’ve been on a bit of an old fashioned kick. It’s such a timeless cocktail that I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different flavor twists to bring some variety to the classic drink.
That’s how this chocolate old fashioned recipe came to life. It's a delicious twist on tradition, blending the rich depth of bourbon with the smooth, slightly bitter notes of chocolate. The result? A drink that’s equal parts indulgent and refined.
The bourbon and chocolate perfectly complement each other, giving you a velvety, bittersweet flavor in every sip. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can mix up this cocktail in minutes.
This chocolate bourbon cocktail is perfect for cozy nights in, dinner parties, or when you’re just craving something a little extra special to sip on after a long day. Whether you're a chocolate lover or an old fashioned enthusiast, this drink is a must-try!
My favorite old fashioned cocktail recipes:
Ingredients
- Bourbon provides the robust, warming foundation for this drink. With its rich caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors, bourbon beautifully complements the chocolate notes in the cocktail. Choose your favorite bourbon that you enjoy sipping on its own, as its flavor will be the foundation of the cocktail. Rye whiskey can also be used in a pinch to make this a chocolate whiskey cocktail.
- Chocolate liqueur brings a hint of sweetness and a rich cocoa flavor. It also creates a more dessert-like experience while keeping the cocktail smooth and sophisticated. Creme de cacao can also be used.
- Bitters are a key component in a classic old fashioned cocktail, as they bring balance to the sweetness from the bourbon and chocolate liqueur, while adding complexity with their aromatic qualities. I suggest using cherry, chocolate, orange, or angostura bitters.
Variations
Different types of bitters can alter the drink's flavor profile in unique ways:
- Cherry bitters bring a fruity, tart element to the old fashioned cocktail. The slight sourness from the cherry can create a more playful and bright flavor, reminiscent of dark chocolate and cherries.
- For a double dose of chocolate flavor, chocolate bitters intensify the cocoa flavors in the cocktail.
- A dash of orange bitters introduces a bright, citrusy zing that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
- Angostura bitters are the most traditional choice. These bitters provide a spicy, warm note with hints of clove, cinnamon, and allspice.
For even more sweetness, add a dash of simple syrup or chocolate syrup. I don't use a sugar cube or additional sweetness in this recipe because I think the chocolate liqueur adds enough sweetness.
How to Make a Chocolate Old Fashioned
Step 1: Pour bourbon over an ice cube in a rocks glass, a traditional old fashioned glass.
Step 2: Pour in chocolate liqueur.
Step 3: Add 3-4 dashes of bitters.
Step 4: Gently stir with a bar spoon to mix. Garnish with a cocktail cherries, an orange slice, or twist of orange peel.
Expert Tips
Chill the glass. Start by chilling your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making this bourbon chocolate liqueur cocktail. This simple step keeps your drink refreshingly cold from the first sip to the last.
Use a large ice cube. Opt for large ice cubes or a single large ice cube minimize dilution. This helps maintain the drink’s rich flavors and ensures your cocktail stays perfectly balanced as you enjoy it. I recommend using this large ice cube mold to create bigger ice cubes.
Garnish with style. Elevate your chocolate old fashioned cocktail by garnishing it with an orange peel and a cherry, the classic finishing touches that add both flavor and visual appeal. You a fun twist, drizzle chocolate syrup around the rim of the glass.
Recipe FAQs
Choose a bourbon you enjoy sipping on its own, as its flavor will shine through in the cocktail. Popular choices include Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Woodford Reserve, but any smooth bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes will complement the chocolate flavors.
Yes, rye whiskey can be used if you prefer a spicier profile. It adds more complexity and cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a bolder version of the cocktail.
A twist of orange peel and a cherry are traditional garnishes for an Old Fashioned. For a Chocolate Old Fashioned, you can also add a chocolate curl, a melted chocolate rim, or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch.
While it’s best made fresh, you can mix the bourbon, chocolate liqueur, and bitters ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Give it a good stir, add ice, and garnish right before serving.
Recommended
If you try this recipe or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!
Chocolate Old Fashioned
Save this Recipe!
Equipment
- rocks glass
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce chocolate liqueur
- 3-4 dashes bitters
- cherry and orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Pour bourbon and chocolate liqueur over an ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Add 3-4 dashes of bitters to the drink and gently stir. Garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Bitters can alter the flavor of the drink. Choose bitters with a flavor profile you would enjoy. I suggest using cherry, chocolate, orange, or angostura bitters.
- Pop your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making this cocktail. This easy step ensures your drink stays refreshingly cold from the first sip to the last.
- Choose large ice cubes or a single big cube to reduce dilution, preserving the drink's rich flavors and keeping it perfectly balanced. I recommend using this large ice cube mold for the best results.
Leave a Reply