Crown Royal’s new chocolate flavor hits shelves in fall of 2025, and it’s the perfect chance to make some chocolate whiskey cocktails! What’s more classic than this chocolate old fashioned, offering a sweet twist on a traditional strong whiskey sipping cocktail?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic With A Twist: It keeps the timeless appeal of the old fashioned while adding a decadent chocolate note thanks to iconic Crown Royal’s new for 2025 chocolate whisky
- Rich & Balanced Flavor: Bittersweet chocolate complements the warmth of the whiskey without overpowering it
- Elegant Yet Approachable: It feels indulgent but still simple, making it perfect for both cocktail enthusiasts and casual sippers!
- Versatile Garnish Options: Orange peel, chocolate shavings, or even a cherry can take your drink to the next level!
- Perfect For Dessert Or Nightcap: It doubles as a cocktail and a sweet treat, ideal for after dinner
- Seasonal Flexibility: Works year-round, from summer nights to cool fall evenings, and even in front of the wintertime fireplace. Looking for more summery options? Check out my Crown Peach Drinks or Blackberry Crown Recipes for some fruity favorites!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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Ingredients Needed
- 2 ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky
- 2-3 dashes cocoa bitters
- Luxardo cherry for garnish
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- While I love making this recipe with Crown Royal chocolate whisky because it has built in flavor, you can swap in another chocolate whiskey such as Bird Dog, Ballotin, or similar. Alternatively, use your favorite Bourbon or rye whiskey and add ½ ounce chocolate liqueur (such as creme de cacao) for flavor
- Instead of chocolate bitters, you can also use orange, or a mix of the two!
Step By Step Instructions
- Add the Crown Royal chocolate whiskey to an old fashioned glass (or similar lowball glass)
- Shake 2-3 dashes chocolate (cocoa) bitters over the top
- Add a large ice cube (a sphere or extra large cube work well to prevent over dilution)
- Garnish with the luxardo cherry, and enjoy!
- Crown Apple Old Fashioned
Pairing Suggestions
Desserts
- Chocolate Truffles – Echo the cocktail’s richness with bite-sized indulgence
- Tiramisu – Coffee and cocoa notes complement the whisky’s warmth. Try my Tiramisu Mug Cake for a perfect single serve option!
- Salted Caramel Brownies – Sweet, salty, and decadent with the chocolate base
- Dark Chocolate–Dipped Strawberries – A romantic pairing that adds freshness. My easy Microwave Chocolate Covered Strawberries are a great choice
- Pecan Pie – Nutty sweetness ties in beautifully with the whisky. For a party-friendly option, try my Pecan Pie Dip!
Appetizers & Snacks
- Charcuterie Board – A mix of cured meats, aged cheeses, and dried fruits balances sweet and savory
- Blue Cheese Crostini – The sharp, tangy cheese cuts through the chocolate richness.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates – Sweet, savory, and luxurious alongside the cocktail. Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates work well too!
- Roasted Nuts (Almonds or Pecans) – Earthy crunch complements whisky’s oakiness. Even better if they’re chocolate-coated!
Entrees
- Seared Steak with Cocoa Rub – Elevates the chocolate notes in a bold way
- BBQ Pork Sliders – Sweet, smoky flavors play off the cocktail’s depth
- Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce – Rich, fruity, and decadent to match the whisky-chocolate combo
Fruits
- Fresh Cherries or Blackberries – Dark fruit notes highlight the bitters and whisky
- Candied Orange Peel – Citrus brightness pairs with the orange twist garnish
- Roasted Figs with Honey – Sweet and earthy with a seasonal touch!
Recipe FAQs
When Did Chocolate Crown Royal Come Out?
Crown Royal chocolate flavored whiskey is a limited-edition release that first hit shelves August 22, 2025, though availability is limited and may vary by location.
The original expectation was for a September release, but bottles shipped and became available a week earlier.
What Alcohol Mixes Well With Chocolate?
Chocolate pairs beautifully with many spirits, like bourbon, brandy (like Cognac), rum, tequila, and even darker whiskies, especially when the chocolate features caramel, fruit, or nutty flavors.
What Liqueur Pairs Best With Chocolate?
Chocolate harmonizes nicely with various liqueurs: fruity or nutty liqueurs like Cointreau, Chambord, amaretto, or Frangelico are excellent choices; classic options like brandy or rum also work exceptionally well if you want to create new flavor combinations!
Can You Make This a Mocktail?
Absolutely! Swap the alcohol for non-alcoholic alternatives, like apple cider, chocolate-flavored soda, or a spiced simple syrup in place of whiskey. Add chocolate syrup for flavor as needed. You’ll keep the dessert-like charm and rich flavor without the booze!
Tips For the Best Chocolate Old Fashioned
- An old fashioned is traditionally a strong drink since it has no real mixers to offset the alcohol. To dilute the drink to your tastes, add up to 1 ounce of cold water. You could also cut it with a little heavy cream
- I think this drink is sweet enough on its own since the Crown chocolate has some natural sweetness, but you can add some simple syrup or honey to taste if you want a sweeter drink!
Serving and Presentation
- Use a Rocks Glass: Stick with the classic lowball glass to highlight the old fashioned’s elegant look
- Large Ice Cube: Serve over a single large cube or sphere – this chills the drink without watering it down quickly
- Chilled Glassware: Pre-chill your glasses to keep the cocktail smooth and cold longer!
- Evening Vibe: Best served as an after-dinner drink or nightcap, especially alongside dessert
Garnish Ideas
- Orange Twist: A flamed or simple orange peel adds brightness and aroma against the chocolate base. You could also do an orange slice
- Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle a few dark chocolate curls on top for a decadent look
- Cocoa-Dusted Rim: Lightly coat part of the glass rim with cocoa powder for a dramatic effect, or add a drizzle of chocolate syrup!
- Luxardo Cherry: A rich cocktail cherry adds both color and a hint of sweetness
- Cinnamon Stick Stirrer: Doubles as garnish and a subtle spice accent
- Fresh Mint Sprig: Adds a lightly herbal note that pairs well with chocolate!
Final Thoughts
This chocolate old fashioned is a dessert-like twist on the classic old fashioned cocktail, made easy thanks to Crown Royal chocolate whisky. Just a couple ingredients gives you a strong, sippable, cocktail perfect with a chocolatey dessert!
You can even customize it with different liqueur additions and garnishes to make a play on chocolate cherry, orange, mint, and more. It’s super versatile and definitely delicious!
For more great ways to use your new bottle of Crown, check out all my delectable Chocolate Crown Royal Recipes!
Crown Royal Chocolate Old Fashioned
Equipment
- Whiskey glass (or similar lowball style glass)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky
- 2-3 dashes cocoa bitters
- 1 large ice cube (sphere or extra large cube)
- Luxardo cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the Crown Royal chocolate whiskey into an old fashioned glass (or similar lowball glass). Then, shake 2-3 dashes chocolate (cocoa) bitters over the top2 ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky, 2-3 dashes cocoa bitters
- Add a large ice cube1 large ice cube
- Garnish with the luxardo cherry, and enjoy!Luxardo cherry for garnish
Notes
- This recipe is made for Crown Royal chocolate whisky because of the infused flavor, but you can swap in another chocolate whiskey such as Bird Dog, Ballotin, or similar. Alternatively, use your favorite Bourbon or rye whiskey and add ½ ounce chocolate liqueur (such as creme de cacao) for flavor
- Instead of chocolate bitters, you can also use orange, or a mix of the two to create different variations
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
