Chocolate Old Fashioned recipe
A decadent twist on the classic whiskey staple infused with rich dark cocoa.
Method: Stirred ·
Glass: Rocks glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Old Fashioned Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon whiskey (100 proof recommended)
- 1/4 oz Rich demerara syrup (2:1 ratio)
- 2 dashes Chocolate bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
How to make a Chocolate Old Fashioned
- Add bourbon, demerara syrup, and both bitters to a mixing glass filled with quality ice.
- Stir thoroughly for 30 seconds to achieve proper dilution and chilling.
- Strain the mixture over a single large clear ice cube in a chilled rocks glass.
- Express the oils from an orange twist over the surface and tuck it against the ice.
- Garnish with a light grating of high-percentage dark chocolate across the ice cube.
Garnish
Orange twist and grated dark chocolate
Pro tip
Use high-cocoa solid chocolate for grating so it sits atop the ice without dissolving instantly into the spirit.
History of the Chocolate Old Fashioned
While the classic Old Fashioned dates back to the early 19th century, chocolate variations emerged during the craft cocktail renaissance of the 2000s as bartenders explored bitter and sweet flavor pairings with aged spirits. Exact attribution remains disputed across several American craft bars.
Flavour profile
Rich, Chocolate, Bitter, Warm
Variations
- Mole Chocolate Old Fashioned — Substitute chocolate bitters with mole bitters and add a quarter ounce of ancho chile liqueur.
- Mint Chocolate Old Fashioned — Muddle a few fresh mint leaves with the demerara syrup before adding the spirit.
- Hazelnut Chocolate Old Fashioned — Replace half of the demerara syrup with hazelnut liqueur for a nutty cocoa profile.
Practise making the Chocolate Old Fashioned in the free Virtual Bar game.