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Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned

Picture this: a cozy evening, soft jazz playing in the background, and a cocktail in hand that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.

That’s the Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned for you—a sultry, bittersweet twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail.

This beauty combines the depth of espresso, the velvety allure of chocolate, and the timeless charm of bourbon or rye whiskey.

Why do I adore it? It’s sophisticated yet approachable, rich but not overpowering. It’s the perfect drink for date nights, holiday gatherings, or when you’re simply feeling fancy at home.

Think of it as your little black dress of cocktails—versatile, elegant, and always appropriate.

Why This Cocktail Works

The Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned strikes a perfect balance between bold and sweet, classic and modern.

The espresso provides depth and intensity, the chocolate adds a touch of indulgence, and the whiskey brings everything together with warmth and complexity.

It’s a drink that feels special but isn’t fussy—a treat you can whip up on a weeknight or showcase at your next dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1/2 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa or Mr. Black)
  • 1/4 oz chocolate syrup (or chocolate bitters for a drier finish)
  • 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp granulated sugar)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters
  • 1 shot espresso (cooled)
  • Ice (preferably a large cube)
  • Orange peel (for garnish)
  • Grated dark chocolate (optional garnish)

Ingredient Breakdown:

Bourbon or Rye Whiskey: The backbone of this drink. Bourbon adds a sweeter, vanilla-like profile, while rye brings spice and complexity. Go with what you love—there’s no wrong choice here.

Coffee Liqueur: This is where the espresso flavor gets a major boost. Kahlúa is a classic, but if you want a more robust, less sweet coffee note, try Mr. Black.

Chocolate Syrup or Bitters: Choose syrup for a dessert-like vibe or bitters if you want to keep things more traditional. Both bring a velvety richness that’s irresistible.

Sugar Cube or Granulated Sugar: This is the foundation of your sweetener. A sugar cube dissolves beautifully in bitters, but granulated sugar works in a pinch.

Bitters (Angostura & Orange): These are your flavor enhancers. Angostura bitters add warmth and spice, while orange bitters bring a subtle citrus zing.

Espresso: Freshly brewed and cooled espresso is non-negotiable. It’s the soul of the cocktail, lending depth and richness.

Ice: A large, slow-melting cube is ideal—it keeps your drink cold without watering it down.

Orange Peel & Dark Chocolate: The final flourish! The orange peel adds a burst of citrusy aroma, while grated chocolate makes it extra indulgent.

How to Make a Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned

1. Start with the Sugar and Bitters

Place the sugar cube (or granulated sugar) in the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 1 dash of orange bitters. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to crush the sugar and mix it with the bitters.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling fancy, use a Demerara sugar cube for a subtle molasses flavor.

2. Add the Espresso and Chocolate Syrup

Pour in the cooled shot of espresso and the chocolate syrup (or bitters). Stir gently to combine. This is where the magic starts to happen—the espresso and chocolate begin mingling with the bitters to create a rich base layer.

3. Introduce the Whiskey and Coffee Liqueur

Add 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey and 1/2 ounce of coffee liqueur to the mix. Stir again to ensure everything is well combined. Don’t rush this step—give the ingredients time to get acquainted.

4. Ice, Ice, Baby

Drop a large ice cube into the glass. If you don’t have large cubes, use a few smaller ones, but avoid crushed ice—it’ll water down the drink too quickly. Stir the cocktail gently for about 20–30 seconds to chill it without diluting it too much.

5. Garnish Like a Pro

Take an orange peel, hold it over the glass, and gently twist to release the citrus oils. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass for an extra aromatic kick, then drop it into the drink. If you’re feeling extra decadent, grate a little dark chocolate over the top.

6. Sip, Savor, and Enjoy

Take a moment to admire your masterpiece, then dive in. This cocktail is meant to be savored—sip slowly and enjoy how the flavors evolve as the ice melts slightly.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned

  1. Chill Your Glass: Pop your glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before making the drink. It keeps the cocktail colder for longer.
  2. Fresh Espresso is Key: Don’t skimp here—use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor. Pre-made espresso shots or instant coffee won’t cut it.
  3. Experiment with Ratios: Like your cocktails sweeter? Add a touch more chocolate syrup. Prefer a drier, boozier drink? Go lighter on the syrup and heavier on the whiskey.
  4. Go Big on Ice: A large cube not only looks cool but also keeps your drink at the perfect dilution level. Silicone molds for large ice cubes are a game-changer.
  5. Make It a Batch Cocktail: Hosting a party? Scale up the recipe and mix everything except the ice and garnishes in a pitcher. Pour over ice and garnish when ready to serve.

Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned Recipe

Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned

The Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned is a rich, indulgent twist on the classic cocktail. With bold espresso, smooth whiskey, and a touch of chocolate, it’s the perfect drink for cozy evenings or impressing guests.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Servings 1
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1/2 oz coffee liqueur e.g., Kahlúa or Mr. Black
  • 1/4 oz chocolate syrup or chocolate bitters for a drier flavor
  • 1 sugar cube or 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters
  • 1 shot espresso cooled
  • Ice large cube preferred
  • Orange peel for garnish
  • Grated dark chocolate optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Place a sugar cube or 1/2 tsp sugar in an Old Fashioned glass.
  • Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 1 dash of orange bitters.
  • Muddle or stir to dissolve the sugar.
  • Pour in the cooled shot of espresso and 1/4 oz chocolate syrup (or a few dashes of chocolate bitters). Stir to combine into a smooth mixture.
  • Add 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey and 1/2 oz coffee liqueur. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors.
  • Add a large ice cube (or several smaller cubes). Stir gently for 20–30 seconds to chill the cocktail.
  • Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink, rub it around the rim of the glass, and drop it into the drink.
  • Optionally, grate a little dark chocolate over the top for extra indulgence.
  • Sip slowly and savor the rich, layered flavors!

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