Añejo Chocolate Old Fashioned

Añejo Chocolate Old Fashioned

A chocolate old fashioned is the dessert-hour version of the classic, and this one is built on SWOL Añejo tequila instead of whiskey. Añejo's oak and vanilla naturally echo cocoa, so the chocolate reads as smooth and grown-up rather than sweet and syrupy. You control the intensity with either a splash of chocolate liqueur or a few dashes of chocolate bitters, balanced by a bar spoon of agave. It is stirred over a large cube and finished with an orange twist or a dark chocolate shaving. Think of it as a nightcap in a rocks glass.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 oz SWOL Añejo Tequila, the aged, oaky base whose vanilla notes complement cocoa.
  • 0.25 oz chocolate liqueur, or a few dashes chocolate bitters for a drier, less sweet result.
  • 1 bar spoon agave syrup, for gentle sweetness that suits tequila better than sugar.
  • Orange peel or a dark chocolate shaving, for garnish and aroma.
  • 1 large ice cube, for slow dilution.
HOW TO PREPARE
  1. Add the Añejo, chocolate liqueur or bitters, and agave to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir 20 to 30 seconds until chilled and lightly diluted.
  3. Strain over one large rock in a rocks glass.
  4. Garnish with an expressed orange twist or a dark chocolate shaving.
Style of Glass to use
  • Rocks Glass
Garnishes
  • Orange Peel

Chocolate liqueur vs chocolate bitters

Chocolate liqueur (0.25 oz) makes the drink rounder, sweeter, and more dessert-like. A few dashes of chocolate bitters keep it dry and spirit-forward, letting the tequila lead with just an aroma of cocoa. Use liqueur for an after-dinner treat, bitters for a sophisticated sipper. You can use both in small amounts for depth.

Why agave instead of simple syrup

Agave shares a flavor family with tequila, so it sweetens without fighting the base the way refined sugar can. A single bar spoon is enough because the chocolate element already adds body. Adjust to taste depending on how sweet your chocolate component is.

A spiced, mole-style variation

Add a dash of mole bitters or a tiny pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for a Mexican-chocolate spin that plays on the tequila base. A float of mezcal adds smoke. For a mocha version, add a bar spoon of cold brew.

Serving, batching, and a zero-proof idea

Serve after dinner in place of dessert. To batch, scale the recipe and add about 0.75 oz water per drink, then chill. For a non-alcoholic version, use a zero-proof aged-agave spirit with chocolate bitters and agave, stirred the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chocolate old fashioned?

It is an old fashioned flavored with chocolate, using chocolate liqueur or chocolate bitters. This version uses SWOL Añejo tequila and agave.

Does tequila go with chocolate?

Yes. Añejo tequila is aged in oak and carries vanilla notes that pair naturally with cocoa, giving a smooth, not overly sweet, result.

Should I use chocolate liqueur or chocolate bitters?

Liqueur makes it sweeter and more dessert-like; bitters keep it dry and spirit-forward. You can use both.

Why agave instead of sugar?

Agave matches the flavor of tequila and dissolves easily, so it sweetens without clashing with the base.

Is this drink very sweet?

It is balanced. Using chocolate bitters and a single bar spoon of agave keeps it on the drier, sippable side.

What garnish works best?

An expressed orange twist adds brightness, or a dark chocolate shaving leans into the dessert side.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes. Add mole bitters or a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for a Mexican-chocolate twist.

Añejo Chocolate Old Fashioned TIPS

Enhance Depth with Bitters & Chill

Use a large, clear ice cube to slow dilution and keep your drink perfectly chilled. For extra complexity, try layering both chocolate bitters and a splash of orange bitters to complement the agave’s sweetness and the dark chocolate garnish. When expressing the orange twist, rub it around the rim of the glass before dropping it in to boost the aroma.

MADE WITH

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release (750Ml)

750 ML

$124.99

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release is an extremely limited edition; a special release of just 10,000 bottles. Each hand-numbered bottle has a peel-off iron patch which is designed by Los Angeles-based artist Rise Work.

Combining ancient and modern techniques and a deep love and passion for Authentic Tequila, SWOL Tequila comes from Mexico. When two friends journeyed to Mexico...

- +

View More Recipes

Caramel Apple Tequila Flip
Caramel Apple Tequila Flip
View Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Sleigh Ride
Cinnamon Sugar Sleigh Ride
View Recipe
Pecan Pie Manhattan
Pecan Pie Manhattan
View Recipe