Experience the Perfect Blend of Coffee and Cocktail

Picture this: a smooth, rich cocktail that kicks off your evening with a delightful buzz while still feeling indulgent. Enter the Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned. This delightful drink combines the bitterness of espresso with the warmth of bourbon, creating a perfect harmony that’ll leave your taste buds dancing. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels fancy but comes together in a snap, making it ideal for both cozy nights and festive gatherings. 🍹

Why Make This Recipe

Why not sip something that feels like a luxury without breaking the bank? Here’s why you’ll love making your own Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned:

Fast and Simple: In less time than it takes to find your favorite pair of socks, you can mix up this delectable drink. No complicated techniques here!
Versatile Indulgence: Perfect for a rainy day, a celebration, or anytime you need a pick-me-up. Who knew coffee could be this fun?
Dazzle Your Friends: Impress your pals with a homemade cocktail that’s guaranteed to get the party started. Just wait for the compliments to roll in!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics for your Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned:

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)

Directions

Ready to get mixing? Let’s break it down into simple steps:

Start with the sugar: Place a sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp sugar) in an Old Fashioned glass.
Add the bitters: Pour in 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 1 dash of orange bitters.
Muddle time: Muddle or stir to dissolve the sugar completely.
Mix in the espresso: Pour in the cooled shot of espresso and 1/4 oz of chocolate syrup (or a few dashes of chocolate bitters). Stir to combine into a smooth mixture.
Add the booze: Pour in 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey and 1/2 oz of coffee liqueur. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors.
Ice it up: Add a large ice cube (or several smaller cubes). Stir gently for 20–30 seconds to chill the cocktail.
Garnish, baby: Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink, rubbing it around the rim of the glass, and then drop it into the drink.
Extra indulgence: Optionally, grate a little dark chocolate over the top for some added decadence.
Sip and savor: Now, take a moment—sip slowly and enjoy the rich, layered flavors!

How to Make Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned (Overview)

Making a Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned is like a mini adventure in a glass! You start with muddling some sugar and bitters, creating a sweet base. Then, you add a cooled shot of espresso mixed with chocolate syrup to wake up those taste buds. Next, pour in your favorite bourbon or rye and a hint of coffee liqueur for a bold kick. Finish off with some ice, a splash of citrus, and a sprinkle of chocolate for a sublime cocktail experience. Pro tip: Chill your glass beforehand for an extra touch of cool! 🧊

How to Serve Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned

Make your serving game shine bright! Pour your beautifully crafted Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned into a simple glass that lets the rich, dark color shine through. Add a twist of orange peel for vibrant fall hues, and maybe a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate twinkling on top. The aroma? It’s a heavenly blend of coffee and chocolate that beckons you in every time you take a sip.

How to Store Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned

Bumping back to basics, we don’t really recommend storing cocktails once they’re mixed—they’re best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have extra ingredients or a batch of espresso, feel free to stash those in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just remember, cocktails trump leftovers when it comes to flavor! 🍸

Tips to Make Chocolate Espresso Old Fashioned

Use chilled espresso: This prevents the ice from melting too quickly and diluting your drink.
Experiment with sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your taste – more sugar for sweet lovers and less for the bold drinkers.
Go dark: Grating extra dark chocolate on top elevates the flavor and adds texture. Who can say no to chocolate?
Ice cubes matter: Large ice cubes melt slower, keeping your cocktail cooler and less watery. It’s science, folks!
Bitters variety: Don’t hesitate to play around with other bitters, like chocolate or coffee bitters, for unique twists.

Variation

Want to switch it up a bit? You can try this recipe with vodka instead of whiskey for a completely different vibe. If you’re going for a vegan approach, opt for agave syrup instead of sugar and make sure your coffee liqueur is plant-based. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

1. Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
Not recommended. Cocktails are best fresh! However, you can prep your ingredients in advance.

2. Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s very strong and cooled before mixing.

3. What if I don’t have chocolate syrup?
No problem! Use chocolate bitters for a drier flavor that complements the bourbon nicely.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!