Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned

This Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned cocktail brings a delightful twist to a classic recipe, merging deep chocolate notes with the rich, fruity flavor of cherries. It’s the perfect choice for anyone seeking a sophisticated yet flavorful drink to enjoy during a cozy evening or festive gathering.

I first stumbled upon this idea while experimenting for a party, and it quickly became the crowd favorite. The balance of the bitters, cherries, and bourbon is simply irresistible.

Ingredients

• Bourbon: for a strong, smooth base. Aim for a mid-range quality brand for the best flavor.
• Cherry liqueur: to bring out a sweet, fruity depth. Luxardo or any high-quality cherry liqueur works wonderfully.
• Chocolate bitters: for a subtle touch of cocoa. These add complexity without overwhelming the drink.
• Sugar cube: to balance the bitters with a gentle sweetness. Use a plain white sugar cube.
• Brandied cherries: for a rich garnish with authentic cherry flavor. Ensure they are high quality for the best final touch.
• Orange peel: for its zesty aroma and added elegance. Look for fresh produce with bright and firm skin.
• Ice cube: to chill the drink and enhance the sipping experience. Choose large cubes to keep dilution minimal.

How To Make Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail

Drop the sugar cube:

Place a sugar cube into the bottom of your mixing glass. Add two dashes of chocolate bitters and a splash of water, then muddle thoroughly until the sugar dissolves as much as possible.

Add the liquors:

Pour in the cherry liqueur and bourbon. For best results, measure precisely to maintain the balance of flavors.

Stir:

Add ice to the mixing glass and stir gently for 20 to 30 seconds. This step ensures the mixture is well-blended and properly chilled.

Strain and serve:

Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. The large cube helps keep the drink cold while avoiding excessive dilution.

Garnish:

Top with two brandied cherries and a twist of orange peel. The garnish adds visual appeal and enhances the aroma with its fruity and citrusy notes.

One of the things I love most about this cocktail is the garnish. The brandied cherries and orange peel make it feel so elevated. Since making this, it has become my go-to post-dinner drink to share with friends.

Storage Tips

This cocktail is best served fresh, but you can pre-mix the bourbon, cherry liqueur, and bitters in advance for a party. Keep the mixture chilled in the fridge in a sealed container for up to one day, then stir with ice and serve when ready.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find chocolate bitters, a dash of regular bitters with a tiny splash of chocolate syrup can work as a substitute. For the cherry liqueur, pomegranate syrup might also bring a similar sweet-tart profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cocktail as an aperitif before dinner, or pair it with a dark chocolate dessert for a delightful flavor pairing. It also works well alongside smoked nuts or a charcuterie board for a sophisticated spread.

Cultural Context

The Old Fashioned is believed to be one of the oldest cocktails, dating back to the early 19th century. This chocolate cherry variation pays homage to the original while incorporating modern tastes and ingredients, creating a nostalgic yet innovative experience.

Making cocktails can feel intimidating at first, but recipes like this one prove that simplicity is all you need to create something elegant. Once you have mastered the basics, feel free to explore and experiment, finding your own unique twist to elevate the drink even further.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bourbon works best for this cocktail?

A mid-range bourbon with smooth and slightly sweet notes pairs well. Avoid heavily spiced or overly smoky bourbons to let the cherry and chocolate flavors shine.

→ Can I substitute the cherry liqueur?

If you don't have cherry liqueur, you can use a cherry syrup or a small amount of cherry juice, but the flavor might be less complex.

→ Can I use regular bitters instead of chocolate bitters?

Yes, regular Angostura bitters can be used if chocolate bitters are unavailable, though the chocolate flavor will be missing.

→ What are brandied cherries, and can I use fresh cherries instead?

Brandied cherries are preserved in a sweetened brandy syrup, which adds depth to the flavor. Fresh cherries can work if brandied isn’t available, but the richness will differ.

→ How important is the large ice cube in this cocktail?

Large ice cubes melt more slowly, preserving the balance of flavors in the cocktail longer. If unavailable, smaller ice cubes can still work.