Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

I love making classic cocktails at home, but sometimes it’s fun to give them a fresh twist.

A Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned combines the bold taste of a classic old fashioned with rich chocolate and sweet cherry flavors.

This drink blends the feel of a dessert cocktail with the timeless style of an old favorite.

It’s perfect for relaxing evenings or get-togethers, honestly—who doesn’t want a little treat now and then?

Whenever I want something simple but a little special, this cocktail is my go-to.

The chocolate and cherry mix easily with bourbon to create a drink that’s smooth, sweet, and just right for anyone who likes a hint of dessert with their whiskey.

Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

This Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned is a sweet twist on the classic, adding chocolate bitters and a juicy cherry for a rich and smooth flavor.

I love how the orange peel, bourbon, and chocolate work together for a bold yet balanced drink.

Equipment

To make this cocktail, I need just a few simple tools.

Everything on this list helps me get the best texture and flavor—can’t skip the basics.

• Old fashioned glass
• Bar spoon
• Muddler (for crushing the sugar and bitters)
• Jigger (to measure the bourbon and bitters)
• Peeler or sharp knife (for the orange peel)
• Strainer (if I want to strain out any bits)
• Large ice cube mold (for a slow-melting ice cube)

I find using the right glass and a big ice cube makes the cocktail look and taste better.

My muddler helps me mix the sugar with the bitters and cherry for smooth layering.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this drink brings special flavors.

The combo of chocolate bitters and cherry with bourbon makes the old fashioned taste like dessert—kind of indulgent, honestly.

• 2 oz bourbon (or rye whiskey for a bit more spice)
• 1 sugar cube (or ½ teaspoon simple syrup)
• 2 dashes chocolate bitters
• 1 dash Angostura bitters (optional, for extra depth)
• 1 cocktail cherry (Luxardo or any high-quality cherry)
• 1 orange peel
• 1 large ice cube

I always use a good quality bourbon and cherry to get the best result.

Chocolate bitters add the rich cocoa taste that makes this version of the cocktail special.

Instructions

Making this drink at home is simple when I follow these steps.

• Place the sugar cube in the old fashioned glass.
• Add the chocolate bitters (and Angostura bitters if using) over the sugar.
• Drop in the cocktail cherry.
• Muddle until the sugar is mostly dissolved and mixed with the cherry and bitters.
• Pour in the bourbon (or rye whiskey if I prefer).
• Add one large ice cube to the glass.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine and chill the drink.
• Twist the orange peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in as garnish.

I like to stir for about 20 seconds, so everything mixes well and the flavors blend smoothly.

Notes

I sometimes make this cocktail with rye whiskey for a spicier finish, but bourbon keeps it sweeter and rounder.

I use a sugar cube for better texture, but simple syrup also works if it’s easier—no shame in shortcuts.

Chocolate bitters are key—they give the drink its signature taste without overpowering it.

Using a high-quality, rich-tasting cherry, like Luxardo, makes each sip more special.

If I have time, I make my own chocolate bitters or try swapping in a dash of orange bitters for extra aroma.

I always serve with a big ice cube so the drink stays cold and doesn’t get watered down fast.

Tasting Notes

When I first take a sip, the rich taste of bourbon comes forward. Then comes a sweet cherry flavor—almost playful, honestly.

There’s a small hint of chocolate that brings a gentle bitterness, like someone dusted the drink with mild cocoa powder. That little detail makes everything feel a bit deeper, smoother too.

I also notice the scent of dark chocolate as I bring the glass to my nose. It really mixes with the cherry aroma, and there’s that slight orange from the bitters sneaking in.

The whole mix is easy to enjoy, whether you’re new to cocktails or have a shelf full of bitters at home.

Texture:

• Silky and smooth.
• The drink feels light, not heavy.

Flavor Highlights:

• Sweet cherry balances the strong bourbon.
• Dark chocolate and cocoa powder add richness.
• Orange bitters bring a fresh, bright note.

The flavors linger after each sip. There’s a clean finish, with just a touch of chocolate and cherry sweetness left on my tongue.