By adding chocolate bitters and chocolate whiskey, this chocolate old fashioned is a unique twist on a classic cocktail.

I'm all about taking a classic cocktail and putting fun spin on it - from a vodka sunrise to an Aperol negroni to a Baileys espresso martini to a vodka sour, there are so many variations.
And this chocolate old fashioned is the latest and greatest. If you love whiskey and chocolate, there isn't a better way to enjoy the combination together.
Why This Cocktail Works
- It is a great way to use your favorite bourbon.
- The flavors of the chocolate complement the the subtle orange notes, giving you those old school chocolate orange ball vibes.
- It can be prepared in under 5 minutes and it can work as a dessert cocktail or an anytime drink.
Jump to:
Ingredient Notes
- Sugar - adds a slight sweetness to the drink to mellow it out.
- Chocolate bitters - I'm a fan of Fee brothers as it isn't overly expensive but adds the right amount of chocolate flavor.
- Regans' Orange Bitters No. 6 - complex orange flavor infused with spicy cinnamon and clove.
- Chocolate whiskey - I used Bird Dog, but there are plenty of options.
- Bourbon - use your favorite brand.
- Orange peel - just for the look.
Best Chocolate Whiskey
There are more options than you think when it comes to chocolate whiskey and all will add slightly different flavors. Some options include:
- Bird Dog - notes of caramel and vanilla round out the chocolate and it isn't overly expensive.
- Ballotin - has notes of bing cherries and coffee and is a little richer with additions of real cream.
- Cocoa Bomb - the most chocolatey of the whiskey options.
- Whiskeysmith - blends the flavors of chocolate with notes of vanilla and a subtle spice.
Step-by-Step Photos
Please note full ingredient list and instructions for this cocktail can be found in recipe card below.
Stir the sugar, bitters and water until the sugar is dissolved. Add some ice, the chocolate whiskey and bourbon and stir until combined. Garnish with an orange peel.
FAQs
The old fashioned is a cocktail made by muddling some sugar with bitters and water. You then add whiskey and garnish with an orange slice or cocktail cherry. It is usually served with ice in an old fashioned glass.
This cocktail uses chocolate and orange bitters instead of the usual Angostura bitters and adds chocolate whiskey.
If you don't see yourself buying chocolate bitters/whiskey just for this drink you can use chocolate liquor. Just use 1.5 oz bourbon and 0.5 oz of your favorite chocolate liquor.
You want to stir this cocktail. If shaken, it will add additional liquid from the melting ice.
You usually serve in an old fashioned whiskey glass. It has old fashioned in the name for a reason.
Yes. Just omit the ice and add to a glass when ready. You can keep in the fridge for as long as it takes you to drink it.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Use a bourbon you like as some of the flavor comes from it.
- If you want a sweeter drink, add another teaspoon of granulated sugar.
- Use large cubes of ice so it melts slower. Big cubes melt slowly and allow you to enjoy the taste of a spirit before it gets watered down.
- If you prefer cherries, garnish with it instead of an orange peel.
Other Cocktails
If you’ve tried this chocolate old fashioned or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.
Chocolate Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 dash chocolate bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1.5 oz chocolate whiskey
- 0.5 oz bourbon
- 1 orange peel
Instructions
- Add the sugar and bitters to a rocks glass. Add the water and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Fill the glass with large ice cubes, add the chocolate whiskey and bourbon, and gently stir to combine. Garnish with an orange peel.
Notes
- Use a bourbon you like as some of the flavor comes from it.
- If you want a sweeter drink, add another teaspoon of granulated sugar.
- Use large cubes of ice so it melts slower. Big cubes melt slowly and allow you to enjoy the taste of a spirit before it gets watered down.
- If you prefer cherries, garnish with it instead of an orange peel.
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