Dark Chocolate Old Fashioned

The Dark Chocolate Old Fashioned is a bold twist on the classic cocktail, offering a smooth balance of bourbon’s warmth with the rich depth of chocolate bitters. Orange bitters brighten the flavor, while a dehydrated orange slice adds a touch of aroma and visual flair. This drink is designed for those who enjoy a spirit-forward cocktail with layers of complexity. Best served slowly over a large ice cube, it’s perfect for sipping on a quiet evening, pairing with dessert, or sharing at an intimate gathering. A timeless drink with just enough intrigue to feel fresh and memorable.

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Tasting Notes

The Dark Chocolate Old Fashioned is a bold twist on a timeless classic. Bourbon provides a warm backbone with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, while chocolate bitters add depth and a subtle cocoa richness. Orange bitters bring balance, lifting the drink with a touch of bright citrus. The large ice cube keeps the cocktail cool and slightly dilutes over time, allowing the flavors to open gradually. The dehydrated orange slice garnish adds aroma and a touch of visual flair. Each sip combines smooth bourbon with hints of chocolate and citrus, creating a layered drink that feels both comforting and refined.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare this Dark Chocolate Old Fashioned, you’ll need a mixing glass and a bar spoon for stirring the bourbon and bitters until properly chilled. A jigger ensures precise measurements, keeping the balance between bourbon and bitters consistent. Use a strainer to pour the finished drink cleanly into the serving glass. The ideal vessel is an Old Fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass, which accommodates large ice cubes that chill the drink without excessive dilution. A sharp knife or garnish tool is useful for preparing or placing the dehydrated orange slice neatly. Clear, fresh ice helps highlight the cocktail’s presentation.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 2 dashes Chocolate bitters
• Dehydrated orange slice for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the glass:

• Take an Old Fashioned glass and fill it with ice to chill. Set aside.

Mix the drink:

• In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz of bourbon, 2 dashes of orange bitters, and 2 dashes of chocolate bitters.
• Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds until well chilled.

Strain and serve:

• Discard the ice from the chilled Old Fashioned glass.
• Strain the mixed drink into the glass over one large ice cube or a few smaller ice cubes.

Garnish:

• Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice by placing it on the edge of the glass or floating it on top of the drink.

Enjoy:

• Sip and savor the rich, complex flavors of the Dark Chocolate Old Fashioned.

Pro Tips

• Use a large ice cube to slow dilution.
• Stir gently but consistently for 30 seconds.
• Experiment with different bourbon styles for unique profiles.
• Try artisan chocolate bitters for richer flavor.
• Dehydrated orange slices add both garnish and subtle citrus aroma.
• Keep glassware chilled before serving.
• Avoid over-stirring, which can water down the drink.

When to Serve

The Dark Chocolate Old Fashioned is perfect for evening sipping, after-dinner relaxation, or small gatherings where a classic cocktail with a modern twist is appreciated. Its warming character makes it especially fitting for autumn and winter nights, though it can be enjoyed year-round. This cocktail pairs well with rich desserts like flourless chocolate cake, pecan pie, or crème brûlée. It also works as a refined option for whiskey tastings or special occasions when presentation matters. Its balance of bitters, bourbon, and garnish makes it versatile equally suited to quiet nights at home or as a conversation starter at social gatherings.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Bourbon

• Woodford Reserve
• Maker’s Mark
• Buffalo Trace
• Knob Creek
• Elijah Craig Small Batch

Chocolate Bitters

• Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters
• Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters
• Angostura Cocoa Bitters
• Scrappy’s Chocolate Bitters
• The Bitter Truth Chocolate Bitters

Orange Bitters

• Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6
• Angostura Orange Bitters
• Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters
• Scrappy’s Orange Bitters
• Bitter Truth Orange Bitters

Similar Cocktails

• Oak Smoked Old Fashioned
• Spring Old Fashioned
• Cinnamon Bourbon Old Fashioned
• Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz
• Cranberry Bourbon Sour