The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that has withstood the test of time. Traditionally made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a citrus twist, the Old Fashioned has been popular among cocktail lovers for generations.
However, a new twist has emerged in recent years—the Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail. This delicious variation brings a rich, decadent flavour to the classic drink, making it a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth and an appreciation for delicate cocktails.
This guide will explore how to make a perfect chocolate old-fashioned cocktail, from the ingredients you’ll need to the steps for crafting this delightful drink. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or a cocktail enthusiast looking to try something new, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make this sophisticated yet indulgent drink.
What is a Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail?
The Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail is a spin-off of the classic Old Fashioned, replacing the traditional citrus and sugar with rich chocolate flavours.
While the basic structure of the Old Fashioned remains intact—bourbon, bitters, and a muddled sugar cube—the addition of chocolate bitters or a chocolate infusion transforms the drink into a dessert-like experience that’s perfect for any occasion.
The key to making a perfect Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail is balancing the sweetness of the chocolate with the boldness of the bourbon and the subtle bitterness of the cocktail bitters. The result is a beautifully smooth drink that combines the best elements of a traditional Old Fashioned with the irresistible allure of chocolate.
Ingredients for the Perfect Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail
To make a Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
2 oz Bourbon: The base spirit for the Old Fashioned. Choose a smooth, high-quality bourbon for the best flavour.
1 tsp Chocolate Syrup: A rich chocolate syrup adds a sweet, creamy texture that transforms this classic drink into a chocolate lover’s dream.
2 dashes Chocolate Bitters: Chocolate bitters elevate the chocolate flavour, adding a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness.
1 Sugar Cube: The traditional Old Fashioned requires a sugar cube to create a smooth, sweet base for the drink.
A Few Dashes of Angostura Bitters: Classic Angostura bitters give the flavour deeper depth. Cocktail and help balance the sweetness of the chocolate syrup.
Ice: Crushed ice or cubes, whatever you like.
Orange Peel (Optional): Some prefer to garnish their Chocolate Old Fashioned with a twist of orange peel to add a fresh citrus aroma.
Tools Needed for Making a Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail
To make the perfect Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail, you will need the following tools:
- Old Fashioned Glass (or Lowball Glass): A classic Old Fashioned glass is wide and short, allowing the drink to be served over a large ice cube or a few smaller cubes.
- Muddler: This tool is used to muddle the sugar cube and bitters in the glass to release the flavours.
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon: Mix the ingredients and combine everything well.
- Jigger: For measuring the precise amounts of bourbon, chocolate syrup, and bitters.
How to Make a Perfect Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
First, put the sugar cube into your Old Fashioned glass. To the sugar cube, add two dashes of Angostura bitters. The bitters help to balance the sweetness of the sugar and enhance the flavours of the bourbon and chocolate.
Step 2: Muddle the Sugar and Bitters
Using your muddler, gently crush the sugar cube and bitters together. The goal is to break up the sugar cube and dissolve it in the bitters, creating a smooth base for your cocktail. Be careful not to over-muddle; ensure the sugar is dissolved and the bitters are well combined.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Syrup and Bitters
Next, add 1 tsp of chocolate syrup to the glass. You can use any high-quality chocolate syrup, but for a truly indulgent experience, opt for one made with rich, dark chocolate. Then, add 2 dashes of chocolate bitters to the mix. Chocolate bitters are essential for enhancing the chocolate flavour and adding a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness.
Step 4: Pour the Bourbon
Now, it’s time to add the 2 oz of bourbon. Bourbon is the backbone of the Old Fashioned, and for the perfect Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail, choose a bourbon with a smooth, rich flavour that pairs well with chocolate. A bourbon with caramel, vanilla, or nutty undertones will complement the chocolate flavour beautifully.
Pour the bourbon over muddled sugar, bitters, and chocolate syrup.
Step 5: Add Ice and Stir
Fill your glass approximately halfway with ice. You can use a large ice cube or several smaller cubes, depending on your preference. Once the ice is in, stir the cocktail well using a stirrer or bar spoon. The objective is to combine all components, ensuring the chocolate syrup and bitters are fully incorporated with the bourbon.
Stir 15-20 seconds to chill the drink and dilute it slightly, allowing the flavours to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish (Optional)
You may add a garnish to your chocolate as a finishing touch to an Old Fashioned Cocktail with a twist of orange peel. The citrus oils from the peel will add a bright, refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate and bourbon flavours. To create the garnish, Cut a thin strip of orange peel with a knife or vegetable peeler, then swirl it over the beverage to release the oils. Drop the peel into the glass for a beautiful, aromatic garnish.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail
Quality Ingredients: Since the Chocolate Old Fashioned relies on just a few ingredients, the quality of each one matters. Use high-quality bourbon, fresh chocolate syrup, and premium bitters for the best flavour.
Experiment with Flavors: Please feel free to try out various kinds of chocolate bitters or chocolate syrup. The dark chocolate syrup will create a more intense flavour, while milk chocolate syrup will give the drink a creamier, sweeter taste.
Balance the Sweetness: If you like less sweet food, drink and adjust the chocolate syrup you use. You can always add more bitters to balance the flavours.
Serving Suggestions for Your Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail is the perfect drink for various occasions. It’s ideal for a cosy evening at home, a special celebration, or an after-dinner drink. Pair it with decadent, chocolate-based desserts like brownies or chocolate mousse, or serve it alongside savoury appetizers to balance the flavours.
Ideal Pairings:
- Dark chocolate truffles
- Bourbon-infused desserts like pecan pie
- A charcuterie board with rich cheeses
- Spicy nuts or roasted almonds
Conclusion
Learning to make a perfect Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail is an excellent way to bring a modern twist to a classic drink. By combining the boldness of bourbon with the smooth richness of chocolate, this cocktail provides a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavours that will satisfy both cocktail connoisseurs and chocolate lovers alike.
You can create an unforgettable drink with easy procedures and basic materials that make it ideal for any occasion. The Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail will impress, whether hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply treating yourself to a delightful drink.
Try it out today and enjoy a sophisticated yet indulgent cocktail experience like no other!
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):
What is a Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail?
A Chocolate Old Fashioned is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, replacing traditional citrus and sugar with rich chocolate flavours enhanced with chocolate syrup and bitters.
What ingredients do I need for a Chocolate Old Fashioned?
You will need bourbon, chocolate syrup, chocolate bitters, Angostura bitters, a sugar cube, ice, and optionally, orange peel for garnish.
How do I make a Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail?
Start by muddling a sugar cube with bitters, adding chocolate syrup and bitters, then pouring in bourbon. Add ice, stir, and garnish with orange peel if desired.
Is it possible to change the sweetness of the Chocolate Old Fashioned?
It is possible to change the sweetness by utilizing more or less chocolate syrup, depending on your preference for sweetness.
What type of bourbon should I use for a Chocolate Old Fashioned?
Use a smooth, high-quality bourbon with caramel or nutty undertones to complement the rich chocolate flavour.
Can I serve this cocktail with food?
The Chocolate Old Fashioned pairs well with decadent chocolate desserts, cheeses, or spicy nuts to balance its sweetness.
Can I use other types of bitters for variation?
While chocolate bitters are ideal, you can experiment with others, like orange or cherry bitters, to create your flavour profile.
