Fall's easiest cocktail upgrade, featuring Orange Bitters
This cocktail started as a little experiment on a fall evening. Just me, my bar cart, and a hunch that whiskey and chocolate might get along. I mean... was there ever any doubt?
The Chocolate Old Fashioned takes everything that we love about the classic: rich whiskey, a touch of sweetness, and that satisfying slow-sip energy, then adds a cozy fall twist with crème de cacao and Orange Bitters.
You don’t need fancy bar tools to make it. Just your favorite whiskey, a bottle of crème de cacao, and a few dashes of bitters. Shake with ice, strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with an orange peel, or a dark chocolate shaving if you’re feeling fancy. It’s simple, comforting, and a little indulgent in the best way.
Chocolate Old Fashioned
3 oz Branch Point Oregon Wheat Whiskey
1/2 oz crème de cacao
1 dropper Orange Bitters
Orange peel, to garnish
Shake whiskey, crème de cacao, and bitters with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with a large cube. Express orange peel over top and garnish.
Why Orange Bitters work in a Chocolate Old Fashioned
Bright and citrusy, Orange Bitters bring balance to the richness of the chocolate liqueur. They keep the drink from feeling too heavy and pull out the natural orange and spice notes already hiding in your whiskey.
The result? Something elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for Tuesday night after work.
Old Fashioned Variations to Try At Home
The Old Fashioned is the ultimate cocktail template. Once you know the basics: spirit, sugar, bitters, you can riff endlessly.
Swap in maple syrup for a warm tone. Try Cherry Sarsaparilla Bitters for something nostalgic or Chamomile Vanilla Bitters for a comforting after-dinner sip. Even small changes can make it feel like your signature drink.
That’s the beauty of bitters: they’re tiny bottles of creativity. Keep a few varieties on hand, and you’ll always have an easy way to mix up something that fits your mood or season.
New to bitters? Start with our guide to what bitters are and how to use them.
Whether you’re making this for a cozy night in or sharing a round with friends, the Chocolate Old Fashioned is a reminder to slow down, savor, and delight in the small details, one sip at a time.
