Chocolate Orange Smash With Crown Royal Chocolate!

I love those little whack and unwrap chocolate oranges around the holidays! Of course, when I saw that Crown Royal was making a chocolate whiskey, I knew I had to make a cocktail to feed my obsession, and thus this chocolate orange smash was created!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A chocolate orange smash cocktail takes inspiration from the nostalgic chocolate orange candies (like a Terry’s chocolate orange) that you “whack and unwrap” around Christmas.

That familiar flavor pairing of rich chocolate and zesty citrus is already beloved, and translating it into a cocktail only makes it better! For a vodka-based drink with a similar flavor profile, make sure to check out my Velvet Hammer Cocktail, which can also be made into a milkshake!

This drink really shines when made with chocolate whiskey, like Crown Royal Chocolate or other chocolate-infused spirits, which lend velvety cocoa notes without overpowering the fresh brightness of muddled orange.

This balance creates a cocktail that’s still dessert-like yet refreshing, unlike heavier chocolate-based drinks (though if you do want to try that, check out my Chocolate Mudslide for an over the top option)!

At its core, a smash is a classic cocktail style that usually involves muddling fresh fruit and herbs (usually mint) with sugar and spirits. This chocolate orange smash option offers a lively citrus kick that lifts the chocolate base beautifully. Think of it as a more spirited cousin of a mojito or julep, only dressed in rich dessert flavors!

It’s versatile, too. The drink works well as a fun holiday or party cocktail with its candy-inspired nostalgia, or as a unique after-dinner sipper that feels lighter than a full dessert but still satisfies a sweet tooth. Easy to garnish with fresh orange slices, a sprig of mint, or even a chocolate curl, it’s as eye-catching as it is delicious!

Ingredients List

• 2 ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky
• 2-3 fresh mint leaves
• 3 fresh orange segments
• 1 oz fresh orange juice

Step By Step Instructions

1. Add your orange wedges, mint leaves, and orange juice to the bottom of a cocktail shaker (or directly in your glass if you want chunks of fruit in the drink)

2. Muddle the mint and oranges until fragrant and juicy, using a muddler or the blunt end of a wooden spoon

3. Add the chocolate whiskey and a handful of ice cubes, then shake until chilled and well mixed, about 15-20 seconds

4. Strain into a lowball glass of choice filled with crushed ice. If you muddled in the glass itself, you can pour the whiskey in and gently stir to combine instead

5. Garnish with a mint sprig, orange slice, or chocolate-dipped orange slice and enjoy!

Pairing Suggestions

Desserts

• Chocolate Orange Torte – doubles down on the flavor theme and makes the cocktail taste even more indulgent!
• Dark Chocolate-Dipped Candied Orange Slices – a simple, elegant match that mirrors the drink’s profile (and makes a fun garnish too)!
• Chocolate Orange Cookies – fudgy, decadent, and the perfect compliment to your drink
• Cheesecake with Chocolate Drizzle and Orange Zest – creamy richness pairs beautifully with the cocktail’s refreshing edge
• Chocolate Mousse – its light, airy texture contrasts the muddled fruit in the drink

Savory Pairings

• Goat Cheese Crostini with Orange Marmalade – the tangy cheese and sweet citrus spread balance the whiskey’s depth. Try my Peach Bruschetta with added oranges!
• Aged Cheddar or Gouda – salty sharpness cuts through the richness of the chocolate whiskey
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon or Oranges – savory-sweet balance that complements the smash’s citrusy brightness

Snacks

• Fresh Orange Segments with Sea Salt & Dark Chocolate Shavings – an easy, bite-sized echo of the cocktail’s flavors!
• Fruit Tartlets with Citrus Cream – refreshing and light, helping cleanse the palate
• Chocolate-Covered Strawberries or Raspberries – add a fruity twist that plays beautifully with the chocolate base. Check out my Microwave Chocolate Covered Strawberries for an easy recipe!

Main Course

• Duck à l’Orange – a classic French dish that mirrors the chocolate–orange duo with savory depth
• Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Orange Glaze – the richness of the pork works well against citrus and cocoa notes
• Beef Short Ribs with Chocolate Mole Sauce – bold, hearty flavors that stand up to the cocktail!

• Blueberry Tequila Smash

Tips For the Best Chocolate Orange Smash

• As written, this cocktail is medium strength due to the balance of alcohol to mixers. For a stronger drink, you could use some triple sec or another orange liqueur instead of part or all of the orange juice and still maintain the flavor
• I don’t find the need for extra sweetener since this Crown is on the sweeter side. However, you could add ½ ounce of simple syrup (or a similar sweetener) as desired. For a less sweet drink, you can replace half the orange juice with lemon juice to help cut overall sweetness

Serving and Presentation

• Glassware. Serve in a rocks glass or short tumbler to highlight the muddled citrus and rich color. For a more upscale look, use a coupe or martini glass and double-strain for a smooth, pulp-free presentation!
• Garnishes are optional, but an orange wheel or wedge, orange peel twist, chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, or a piece of candied orange all add nice touches

Final Thoughts

This chocolate orange smash is the perfect combination of chocolate and orange flavors, just like your favorite holiday candy but in cocktail form! Rich Crown Royal chocolate whisky meets vibrant and bright citrus in the form of orange that makes for a truly delicious sip.

After all, there’s a reason that orange and chocolate are such a classic combination – they just go perfectly together! Enjoy this drink for any occasion, but I particularly like it for fall and winter entertaining since it’s always a crowd pleaser and seasonally appropriate.