Chocolate-Covered Cherry Old Fashioned

This Chocolate-Covered Cherry Old Fashioned is almost like biting into a chocolate covered cherry, only in cocktail form. It’s a decadent twist on the classic, blending the boldness of bourbon, the sweetness of cherry and the richness of chocolate.

If you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day digestif, serve this! I made these for my husband and I to have after a lovely home-cooked Valentine’s dinner and it was the perfect end to the dinner.

» You might also like this Blood Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail or this Decadent Godiva Chocolate Martini.

Ingredients You Need

• Bourbon – We like to use Bulleit Bourbon. It’s just the right balance of flavor and price for cocktails.
• Cherry liqueur – Like Luxardo maraschino.
• Cocktail cherries
• Chocolate liqueur – I like to use Creme de Cacao
• Chocolate syrup – We almost always have Hershey’s chocolate syrup in the refrigerator for chocolate milk or chocolate sundaes.
• Chocolate bitters – You need 4-6 drops of bitters for this recipe. I use Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters
• Chocolate – For dusting, if desired
• Ice

Some of these ingredients aren’t going to be things you just have stocked in your home bar. If you do, then hat’s off to you! If not, you don’t have to run out and get full 750 ml bottles of things you might not use again, like the cherry liqueur or the creme de cacao. You can get creative.

For the cherry liqueur, you can use the cherry juice from the cocktail cherries (start with half the amount to avoid sugar overload).

For the chocolate liqueur, you can use any reasonable substitute. I prefer creme de cacao because it’s clear and doesn’t cloud the drink. But you can use Godiva or Bailey’s chocolate creme if you have it. I’ve even used chocolate bourbon AND peanut butter chocolate bourbon. Both delicious.

I really recommend getting the chocolate bitters, if you can. I use Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters and they really add something special to the drink. You can use any reasonable bitters as a substitute, like cherry or Angostura.

Equipment Needed

• Food processor or blender
• Low ball or whiskey glass
• Cocktail jigger
• Cocktail picks (optional)

How to Make a Chocolate-Covered Cherry Old Fashioned

Step 1: Blend the Cherries

Blend together 4 cherries and the cherry liqueur to make a very fine pulp. I do this in my little chopper. You can do it in the blender or food processor. Or don’t do it at all, but I do think it really enhances the drink.

Step 2: Rim the Glass

Put some chocolate syrup in a bowl or on a plate and run the rim of the glass around in it to coat the rim.

Step 3: Mix the Cocktail

Add 1.5 ounces of bourbon, half the cherry pulp, and 1 ounce of chocolate liqueur to the glass. I like to add a sphere of ice, it’s a pretty presentation.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Now for the finishing touches. Add 2-3 drops of chocolate bitters. These bitters add complexity and enhance the chocolate notes. Crown your creation with a cocktail cherry and a dusting of shaved chocolate, if you want.

As you take the first sip, the familiar warmth of bourbon greets you, followed by a sweet cherry embrace and a luxurious chocolate finish. This cocktail is more than just a drink; it’s a dessert, a celebration, and a sophisticated twist on a classic all in one glass.

So next time you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something special, remember the Chocolate-Covered Cherry Old Fashioned. Cheers to indulgence!

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