Tex-Mex Chili Chocolate Old Fashioned
A bold twist on the classic Old Fashioned, blending smoky chili and rich chocolate notes for a warming sip. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs Bourbon, dashes Chocolate bitters, Chili simple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 Bourbon
- 3 dashes Chocolate bitters
- 1/4 oz Chili simple syrup
- 1 wide strip Orange peel
- 1 cube Large ice cube
- 1 cherry Luxardo cherry
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a mixing glass with 1 large clear ice cube and pour in 2 oz bourbon, 3 dashes chocolate bitters, and 1/4 oz chili simple syrup.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly without losing clarity.
- Step 3: Strain into a rocks glass over a fresh large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the surface to release oils, then rub it around the rim and rest it on the glass.
- Step 5: Garnish by skewering a Luxardo cherry and placing it beside the ice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tex-Mex Chili Chocolate Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Tex-Mex Chili Chocolate Old Fashioned?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bourbon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tex-Mex Chili Chocolate 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 Tex-Mex Chili Chocolate 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 Tex-Mex Chili Chocolate Old Fashioned?
Cocktails quick meals 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.
