Chocolate bitters are a type of bitters used in cocktails and other drinks to add a rich and complex chocolate flavor. They are made by infusing high-proof alcohol with cocoa nibs, as well as other botanicals such as vanilla, cinnamon, and allspice. The resulting liquid is then strained and bottled for use in cocktails.
Chocolate bitters are a relatively recent addition to the cocktail world, with many modern cocktail bars incorporating them into their menus. They are particularly popular in drinks that also feature other rich, dark flavors, such as coffee, dark rum, or aged whiskey.
When used properly, chocolate bitters can add depth and complexity to cocktails, enhancing the flavors of other ingredients and creating a more nuanced and sophisticated drinking experience.
Chocolate Bitters Cocktails Recipes
Chocolate and Smoke
Ingredients:
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Flamed orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mixing glass, combine mezcal, chocolate liqueur, honey syrup, and chocolate bitters.
- Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Express the oils from a flamed orange peel over the top of the drink and garnish with the peel.
Chocolate Almond Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 oz amaretto
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Toasted almond flakes for garnish
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients except for toasted almond flakes to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with toasted almond flakes.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 2 oz hot chocolate
- 1 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Whipped cream and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mug, combine hot chocolate, tequila, cinnamon syrup, and chocolate bitters.
- Stir well to combine.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Chocolate and Cherry Fizz
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cherry liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Club soda
- Maraschino cherry and lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- Add cherry liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and chocolate bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon wheel.
Chocolate and Blood Orange Punch
Ingredients:
- 1 cup blood orange juice
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup Aperol
- 1/4 cup chocolate liqueur
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Blood orange slices and fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
- In a punch bowl, combine blood orange juice, vodka, Aperol, chocolate liqueur, and chocolate bitters.
- Stir well to combine.
- Add ice to the punch bowl.
- Garnish with blood orange slices and fresh mint.
Chocolate Manhattan
Ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and chocolate bitters in a mixing glass.
- Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Express the oils from the orange peel over the top of the drink and garnish with the peel.
Chocolate Coffee Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients except for whipped cream to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
- Top with whipped cream.
Chocolate Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
- Add bourbon, simple syrup, and chocolate bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Express the oils from the orange peel over the top of the drink and garnish with the peel.
Chocolate Raspberry Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz raspberry liqueur
- 1/2 oz chocolate liqueur
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions:
- Add vodka, raspberry liqueur, chocolate liqueur, and chocolate bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries.
Chocolate Negroni
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
- Add gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Express the oils from the orange peel over the top of the drink and garnish with the peel.
About Chocolate Bitters
Origin: Chocolate bitters were first created in the early 2000s by a few artisanal bitters makers in the United States, including Bittermens and Fee Brothers. They quickly gained popularity among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts, and are now widely available from various manufacturers around the world.
Ingredients: The main ingredient in chocolate bitters is cocoa nibs, which are roasted and crushed cocoa beans that have had their husks removed. Other botanicals that are commonly used to create chocolate bitters include vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, and bitter orange peel. High-proof alcohol, such as grain alcohol or vodka, is used to extract the flavors from these ingredients.
Flavor: Chocolate bitters have a rich, complex flavor that is similar to dark chocolate or cocoa powder. They are bitter and slightly sweet, with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices. Some chocolate bitters may also have hints of citrus or floral flavors, depending on the specific blend of botanicals used.
Proof: The proof of chocolate bitters can vary depending on the manufacturer, but they typically range from 40% to 50% alcohol by volume (ABV). This is similar to the proof of other types of bitters.
Usage: Chocolate bitters are used to add a rich chocolate flavor to cocktails and other drinks. They are particularly well-suited to drinks that also feature dark or rich flavors, such as aged spirits like whiskey or rum, coffee, or chocolate liqueurs. They can be used in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or the Manhattan, or in more modern creations like the Chocolate Martini or the Chocolate Negroni. They can also be used in non-alcoholic drinks like hot chocolate or coffee.
Serving: Chocolate bitters are typically used in small amounts, usually just a few dashes per drink. They can be added directly to a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, or they can be dropped directly into the drink itself. They are often used in combination with other types of bitters, such as aromatic bitters or orange bitters, to create a more complex flavor profile.
Production and Manufacturer: Chocolate bitters can be made by artisanal bitters makers using traditional methods, or they can be produced on a larger scale by commercial manufacturers. Some popular brands of chocolate bitters include Bittermens, Fee Brothers, Scrappy’s, and The Bitter Truth.
Variations: There are many variations of chocolate bitters available, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some chocolate bitters may use different botanicals or types of cocoa nibs to create a distinct flavor, while others may be aged in barrels to give them a smoky or oaky flavor. Some manufacturers also offer spiced chocolate bitters, which incorporate additional spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or clove.
Chocolate bitters can be mixed with a variety of spirits and other ingredients to create delicious cocktails and drinks. Here are some ideas for what to mix chocolate bitters with:
- Aged spirits like whiskey, rum, or brandy
- Coffee or espresso
- Chocolate liqueurs or syrups
- Cream or milk
- Sweet vermouth
- Citrus juices like orange or grapefruit
- Ginger beer or ale
- Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg
- Herbal liqueurs like Chartreuse or Benedictine
When using chocolate bitters in a cocktail, it’s important to balance the rich chocolate flavor with other ingredients that complement it. For example, using bright citrus flavors can help to cut through the richness of the chocolate, while spicy or herbal notes can add depth and complexity to the drink. Experimenting with different combinations of ingredients can help you find the perfect cocktail recipe that highlights the unique flavors of chocolate bitters.