Chocolate Old Fashioned Recipe

Prepare glass

Chill an Old Fashioned (rocks) glass briefly by filling it with ice and cold water for about 1–2 minutes. Discard the ice water and dry the glass.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass or stirring vessel, add 2 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz chocolate liqueur, 0.25 oz demerara syrup, 2 dashes chocolate bitters, and 1 dash Angostura bitters.

Stir and chill

Fill the mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir gently for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 full turns) until the mixture is well-chilled and slightly diluted (the mixing glass will frost).

Prepare serving glass

Place a large clear ice cube (or several large ice cubes) in the chilled Old Fashioned glass.

Strain

Strain the chilled cocktail from the mixing glass into the prepared Old Fashioned glass over the large ice cube.

Express orange oil

Take the orange peel, hold it about 2–3 inches above the drink with the outer (zested) side facing down, and firmly fold/press to express the oils over the surface of the cocktail. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass, then drop it into the drink.

If using, grate about 1 tsp of dark chocolate over the surface of the drink for an aromatic chocolate finish. Optionally add a maraschino cherry on a pick.

Give the cocktail a brief 5-second rest so the flavors settle, then serve immediately.