Paul Kushner
Rich, smooth, and indulgently bold, the Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned is a refined twist on a classic. This cocktail masterfully blends the warmth of bourbon with freshly brewed espresso, creating a deep and complex flavor profile. Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness, while chocolate bitters enhance the richness with a velvety finish. Stirred over ice and served with a garnish of coffee beans or an orange twist, this drink is the perfect slow sipper for coffee and whiskey lovers alike. Whether enjoyed as an after-dinner treat or a cozy nightcap, it’s a bold yet balanced indulgence.
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Tasting Notes
The Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned is a sophisticated blend of rich, bold flavors. The smooth bourbon base is complemented by the deep, roasted notes of espresso, while maple syrup adds a natural warmth. Chocolate bitters enhance the complexity, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail with hints of caramel, coffee, and subtle sweetness.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a mixing glass for stirring, a long bar spoon for properly chilling the drink, and a strainer for a clean pour. Serve in a rocks glass over a large ice cube to keep the drink cold without over-dilution. A citrus peeler is useful for preparing the orange garnish.
Ingredients
- Optional garnish: coffee beans or orange peel
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce freshly brewed espresso, cooled
- 1/2 ounce maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 dashes chocolate bitters
Instructions
- Prepare the Espresso: Brew a strong espresso and let it cool down. This step is crucial to ensure the espresso blends well with the other ingredients without affecting their temperature.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, cooled espresso, maple syrup, and chocolate bitters. The maple syrup brings a natural sweetness that complements the robust flavors of bourbon and espresso, while the chocolate bitters add a unique depth and complexity.
- Stir with Ice: Add ice cubes to your mixing glass. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds with a long spoon. This process chills the drink and slightly dilutes it, making the flavors more cohesive.
- Strain: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube (or regular ice cubes if you prefer). A larger ice cube melts slower, keeping your drink cooler and less diluted for a longer time.
- Garnish: Enhance your cocktail with a few coffee beans or an orange peel twist on top. The coffee beans intensify the coffee aroma and flavor, while the orange peel adds a subtle citrus note and makes the drink more visually appealing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned is ready to be enjoyed. This drink perfectly marries the warmth of bourbon with the rich tones of espresso and chocolate, balanced by the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Pro Tips
- Try aging the cocktail by letting it sit with ice for an extra minute before serving to allow flavors to meld further.
- Use high-quality espresso for a smoother, more balanced flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong cold brew concentrate can work as a substitute.
- Adjust the maple syrup based on your sweetness preference—more for a dessert-like cocktail, less for a drier finish.
- Express the orange peel over the drink before dropping it in to release its essential oils, enhancing the aroma.
When to Serve
This cocktail is perfect as an after-dinner drink, a luxurious nightcap, or a sophisticated cocktail hour selection. Its rich flavors make it ideal for colder months, cozy evenings, or as an indulgent treat for bourbon and coffee lovers alike.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
For the best results, use a smooth bourbon like Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, or Maker’s Mark. If you prefer a bolder whiskey, try Knob Creek or Elijah Craig. For chocolate bitters, Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate or Scrappy’s Chocolate Bitters work well.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned, here are five similar cocktails to try:
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce freshly brewed espresso, cooled
- 1/2 ounce maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 dashes chocolate bitters
- Optional garnish: coffee beans or orange peel
Instructions
- Prepare the Espresso: Brew a strong espresso and let it cool down. This step is crucial to ensure the espresso blends well with the other ingredients without affecting their temperature.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, cooled espresso, maple syrup, and chocolate bitters. The maple syrup brings a natural sweetness that complements the robust flavors of bourbon and espresso, while the chocolate bitters add a unique depth and complexity.
- Stir with Ice: Add ice cubes to your mixing glass. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds with a long spoon. This process chills the drink and slightly dilutes it, making the flavors more cohesive.
- Strain: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube (or regular ice cubes if you prefer). A larger ice cube melts slower, keeping your drink cooler and less diluted for a longer time.
- Garnish: Enhance your cocktail with a few coffee beans or an orange peel twist on top. The coffee beans intensify the coffee aroma and flavor, while the orange peel adds a subtle citrus note and makes the drink more visually appealing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned is ready to be enjoyed. This drink perfectly marries the warmth of bourbon with the rich tones of espresso and chocolate, balanced by the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Great combo of flavors
This is so good! I like it better than the original!