Are you looking to craft cocktails that tickle the taste buds and leave you craving more? Try chocolate bitters cocktails.
I always like how these delightful concoctions infuse the rich and dark chocolate notes into the original recipe, creating a cocktail drink that tastes familiar and exciting.
But if you’re wondering about the best chocolate bitters cocktail to try first, here are my recommended cocktails that will surely become favorites in your home bar.
Top 6 Cocktails With Chocolate Bitters
1. Chocolate Old Fashioned Recipe
This is a classic cocktail with a twist of choco bitters, delivering a harmonious blend of bitterness and sweetness, garnished with a citrusy touch.
“Bitters: the secret ingredient that elevates every cocktail to perfection.” – Liquor Laboratory
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2oz bourbon whiskey
- 1-sugar cube
- 2-dashes Angostura cocoa bitters
- 2-dashes chocolate bitters
- Orange peel
Instructions: Mix up the sugar cube and bitters in a glass. Add bourbon and ice, then stir gently. Extract the orange peel over the cocktail and garnish.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
2. Espresso Martini
It combines bitterness and sweetness, and now, richer cocoa bitters for a Mocha Martini-inspired twist. The bitters bring warmth and dark (choco) chocolate undertones while maintaining a perfect balance.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz vodka
- 0.5oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 0.75oz cooled espresso
- 3-dashes Angostura cocoa bitters
- 1-tbsp syrup
- Three coffee beans (garnish)
Instructions: In your cocktail shaker, add ice and shake all the ingredients. Strain and pour the mix into a chilled cocktail glass over ice. Garnish with coffee beans and serve!
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
3. The Swizzle
Dark rum, pineapple, lime, coconut cream, and chocolate bitters mix for a tropical delight, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4oz dark rum
- 2oz Pineapple juice
- 1oz Lime juice
- 1oz Falernum
- 4-dashes Angostura cocoa bitters
- 0.5oz Coconut cream
- Crushed ice
- Nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions: Pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with crushed ice and swizzle until well-chilled. Strain into cocktail glasses and garnish with grated nutmeg.
Serving: 2
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Bartender Tip: You can substitute rum with mezcal (add 4oz mezcal) if you like to add earthy smokiness to your home bar drink.
4. Calum Ecroyd
This cocktail mixes gin, lemon, simple syrup, and chocolate bitters to create a frothy, citrusy cocktail crowned with a lemon twist.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2oz Gin (can substitute it with mezcal if you like a smoky drink)
- 0.75oz Lime juice
- 0.5oz Simple Syrup
- 2-dashes Chocolate bitters (Angostura cocoa bitters)
- Egg white
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions: Dry shake gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Add ice and shake again. Strain the blend into your chilled glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
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5. The Left Hand
An intriguing mix of bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth, complemented by the depth of chocolate bitters and a zesty orange twist.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz bourbon whiskey
- 1oz Campari
- 0.75oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1-dash Angostura cocoa bitters
- Orange twist
Instructions: Mix/stir together all the ingredients with ice, then strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. Give a burst of the orange twist’s essence and adorn the glass as a final touch.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Fun Fact: The Left-Hand cocktail was invented by Sam Ross at Milk & Honey, inspired by the Prohibition-era Boulevardier, oozing with vanilla notes.
6. Widow’s Kiss
The Widow’s Kiss blends together fruits, honey, herbs, and chocolate flavors, creating a beautifully rich and inviting drink with a deliciously bold character.
“What’s most amazing about the bitters is that if you shake it, it gets this oily rich foam, like egg white, and you see that in the drink.” – Giuseppe Gonzalez, Brooklyn’s Clover Club Bartender
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz Cognac
- 0.75oz Yellow Chartreuse
- 0.75oz Benedictine
- 2-dashes Angostura cocoa bitters
- Lemon peel
- Cherry (optional)
Instructions: Combine all the ingredients with ice in a mixing glass, stir, and strain into a chilled glass (I prefer using a rocks glass).
Give a hint of the lemon twist (and add a cherry if you like), and finish by garnishing.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
FAQs Related to Chocolate Bitters Cocktail
What can I use chocolate bitters for?
You can use choco bitters to enhance the flavor profile of a wide range of cocktails [1] or mixed drinks.
They add depth, complexity, and a subtle chocolate note to the drinks, making them perfect for classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds and creative concoctions like Espresso Martini, Rum Old Fashioneds, etc.
Are chocolate bitters alcoholic?
Chocolate/Cocoa bitters are not alcoholic. Like aromatic bitters, mole bitters, and orange bitters, they’re a concentrated flavoring agent used to enhance the taste of cocktails.
They typically contain a mixture of botanicals, spices, and chocolate but no alcohol content. Some famous zero-proof bitters include Angostura aromatic bitters and Angostura orange bitters [2].
How do chocolate bitters enhance cocktails?
Chocolate bitters add a rich and slightly bitter chocolate flavor to cocktails, enhancing the overall taste profile. They can balance sweetness, add depth, and provide a subtle complexity to various drinks.
What cocktails can I make with chocolate bitters?
Chocolate bitters are versatile and can be used in a variety of cocktails. Some popular choices include classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Martinis, as well as modern creations such as chocolate-infused variations of the Negroni or Boulevardier.
How should I store chocolate bitters?
It’s best to store chocolate bitters in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Proper storage helps maintain their flavor and quality over time. Ensure the bottle is tightly sealed after each use to prevent evaporation and oxidation.
Can chocolate bitters be used in non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes, chocolate bitters can also be used to enhance the flavor of non-alcoholic drinks such as mocktails, hot chocolate, coffee, or even sparkling water. Just add a few dashes to your preferred beverage and adjust according to taste.
Are chocolate bitters gluten-free and vegan?
Most chocolate bitters are gluten-free, but it’s essential to check the label or manufacturer’s website to confirm. As for vegan suitability, some brands may use animal-derived ingredients in their production process, so it’s advisable to verify with the manufacturer if you have specific dietary restrictions.
How do I use chocolate bitters in cocktails?
To use chocolate bitters in cocktails, simply add a few dashes (typically 2-4 dashes per cocktail) to your drink along with other ingredients. Stir or shake well to incorporate the flavors evenly. Experiment with different recipes and adjust the amount of bitters to suit your taste preferences.
What are some alternative uses for chocolate bitters?
Apart from cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, chocolate bitters can also be used in cooking and baking to add a unique flavor twist to desserts, sauces, marinades, and even savory dishes like chili or mole sauce. Experimentation is key to discovering new and exciting culinary combinations.
On A Final Note
Incorporating chocolate bitters into your cocktail opens up a world of exciting spice and flavor possibilities.
From the rich and robust Chocolate Old Fashioned to the exotic charm of The Swizzle, these cocktails offer something for every palate.
So, don’t hesitate to experiment and tweak the recipes to suit your taste.
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