This Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned is a fun twist on the classic drink! It blends rich chocolate and bold espresso with whiskey, making it a delightful choice for coffee lovers.
Honestly, it feels really fancy while being simple to make. I enjoy sipping this on cozy evenings—it’s perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bourbon or Rye Whiskey: Both spirits work well here, but I usually go for bourbon for its sweet notes. If you’re looking for a less sweet version, rye adds a nice spice.
Freshly Brewed Espresso: If you don’t have espresso, strong coffee is a great alternative, though it won’t be quite as rich. Cold brew can work too—just adjust the amount to match the strength.
Chocolate Liqueur: Crème de cacao is my go-to, but you could use any chocolate liqueur you like. If you’re aiming to cut down on sugar, a dark chocolate syrup can be a nice swap.
Simple Syrup: You can easily make your own by dissolving sugar in an equal amount of water. Alternatively, honey or agave syrup could be interesting substitutes, just remember they might change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Perfectly Stir an Old Fashioned Cocktail?
Stirring is key to balancing flavors and achieving the right chill. Follow these tips to get it just right:
- Use a mixing glass or shaker. It helps control the temperature.
- Fill it with ice cubes, not crushed. This keeps the drink cold without diluting it too fast.
- Stir gently for 20-30 seconds. You’re looking for a nice chill, not froth.
- Taste along the way! If you need more sweetness, you can always add a bit more simple syrup.
Mastering this technique will elevate your cocktail game and impress anyone you make it for!
How to Make a Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled slightly)
- 1/2 oz chocolate liqueur (like crème de cacao)
- 1/4 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 dashes of chocolate bitters or aromatic bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Luxardo cherry or maraschino cherry (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes brewing the espresso and mixing the ingredients, then just a little time garnishing your drink. Perfect for a quick yet impressive cocktail!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brew Your Espresso:
Start by brewing a fresh shot of espresso. Once it’s ready, set it aside to cool down a bit. We don’t want it to melt the ice too quickly later on!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Grab a mixing glass and pour in the bourbon or rye whiskey, your cooled espresso, chocolate liqueur, simple syrup, and bitters. This is where the magic begins!
3. Chill the Mixture:
Now, fill your mixing glass with ice cubes. Stir the mixture gently for about 20-30 seconds. This will chill the drink and blend the flavors perfectly—enjoy that satisfying stirring motion!
4. Prepare Your Glass:
Next, strain the mixture into a rocks glass. If you have a large ice cube, use that! Or if you prefer, you can fill the glass with several smaller ice cubes. Either way works great.
5. Add the Citrus Touch:
Take your orange peel and twist it over the drink to release those aromatic oils. Then, rub the peel around the rim of the glass for that fragrant burst of citrus! This adds a lovely aroma to each sip.
6. Garnish Your Cocktail:
Finish it off by garnishing with the orange peel and placing a Luxardo cherry or maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick into the drink. It’s a perfect touch for a stylish finish!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Now your Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned is ready to be enjoyed! Take a moment to admire it, and then sip on the delicious blend of chocolate, espresso, and whiskey flavors. Cheers!
This cocktail is a sophisticated yet easy way to enjoy the classic Old Fashioned with an exciting twist! Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying during a quiet evening at home.
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Can I Use Instant Coffee Instead of Espresso?
While fresh espresso gives the best flavor, you can absolutely use strong instant coffee if that’s what you have on hand. Just mix it with hot water according to package instructions and let it cool before adding it to the drink!
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, simply add more simple syrup a little at a time, tasting as you go. Conversely, if it’s too sweet, you can dilute it slightly by adding a splash more whiskey or a touch of additional espresso!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ingredients?
For any leftover chocolate liqueur, store it in a cool, dark place or in the fridge if you prefer. Espresso should be used fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can chill it and use it within a day or so for another drink!
Can I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! To create a non-alcoholic version, substitute the whiskey with a whiskey-flavored non-alcoholic spirit or a splash of non-alcoholic wine. You can still use the espresso, chocolate flavor, and bitters for that rich taste.
