If you want a decadent coffee cocktail that’s more like a dessert than a drink, this Mocha Old Fashioned is where you need to be. Imagine savoring the rich aroma of espresso mingling with the deep, caramel notes of bourbon, all enveloped in a velvety blanket of chocolate. This isn’t just a cocktail; it’s an experience—a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate and transport you to a realm of indulgence. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting a sophisticated soirée, the Mocha Old Fashioned promises to elevate any occasion with its luxurious blend of coffee and chocolate, making it the ultimate indulgence for cocktail connoisseurs and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Key Ingredients for the Mocha Old Fashioned
Let’s break down the components of this exquisite libation:
- Bourbon: At the heart of the Mocha Old Fashioned is the bourbon, the cornerstone of any classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Its smooth, sweet notes provide the perfect canvas for the rich flavors that follow. You can use rye or other whiskey, but I’ve found that a sweet and well-balanced bourbon works best and pairs beautifully with the espresso and chocolate elements.
- Chocolate Syrup: Adding a luscious sweetness to the mix, chocolate syrup intertwines with the bourbon to create a harmonious blend of flavors reminiscent of a gourmet dessert. You can use pre-made chocolate syrup, but I’ve found mixing cocoa and hot water creates a syrup that doesn’t overly sweeten the drink and integrates with the bourbon well without being too thick.
- Chocolate Bitters: A dash of chocolate bitters introduces depth and complexity to the Mocha Old Fashioned, elevating it beyond the realm of ordinary cocktails. Its subtle bitterness enhances the richness of the chocolate and balances the sweetness of the syrup. I’ve used Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate bitters, which I think are excellent, but any chocolate bitters will do.
- Espresso Mousse: As if the combination of bourbon and chocolate wasn’t luxurious enough, I’ve crowned the drink with a velvety espresso mousse. This ethereal topping adds a creamy texture and a burst of intense coffee flavor, transforming each sip into a decadent delight.
How to Make this Recipe
Step 1: Add large ice cube to Old Fashioned glass and top with bourbon.
Step 2: Make chocolate syrup with 1 tablespoon cocoa and ½ tablespoon hot water. Add chocolate syrup to the glass.
Step 3: Make a fresh shot of espresso and add on top of bourbon and chocolate syrup.
Step 4: Add two dashes of chocolate bitters.
Step 5: Stir to combine all ingredients together.
Step 6: Make an espresso mousse by mixing 1 tablespoon instant coffee, 1 tablespoon white sugar and ¼ cup water together and whisking until light and fluffy.
Step 7: Layer espresso mousse on top of cocktail.
Step 8: Garnish with shaved chocolate and three coffee beans. Enjoy!
Mocha Old Fashioned
Ingredients
For Chocolate Syrup
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tbsp hot water
For Cocktail
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 1 oz chocolate syrup
- 1.5 oz espresso freshly brewed
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers Aztec chocolate bitters
For Espresso Mousse
- 1 tbsp instant coffee
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1/4 cup hot water
Instructions
Make chocolate syrup
- Whisk together cocoa powder and hot water to make chocolate syrup. Set aside.
Make espresso mouse
- Mix instant coffee, white sugar and hot water together.
- Whisk until mixture is frothy and mouse like. It should take a few minutes depending on your whisking method. Set aside.
Make cocktail
- Add a large ice cube to an Old Fashioned glass and top with bourbon.
- Add chocolate sugar syrup to glass.
- Make a fresh shot or double shot of espresso and add on top of bourbon and chocolate syrup.
- Add two dashes of chocolate bitters.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Layer espresso mousse on top of cocktail
- Garnish with shaved chocolate and three coffee beans.
