Cocoa-Chili Dark Rum Old Fashioned
A rich and warming old fashioned with dark rum, bitters, and a subtle kick of chili and cocoa. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together dark rum, demerara syrup, dashes chocolate bitters for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1/4 oz demerara syrup
- 3 dashes chocolate bitters
- a pinch chili powder
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz dark rum, 1/4 oz demerara syrup, 3 dashes chocolate bitters, and a pinch of chili powder.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface by twisting it and rub the peel around the rim.
- Step 5: Rest the peel on the edge of the glass as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cocoa-Chili Dark Rum Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Cocoa-Chili Dark Rum Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover cocoa-chili dark rum old fashioned in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cocoa-Chili Dark Rum Old Fashioned?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cocoa-Chili Dark Rum Old Fashioned for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cocoa-Chili Dark Rum Old Fashioned?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
