Velvet Cocoa Rum Old Fashioned
A rich and smooth twist on the classic old fashioned, blending dark rum with bitters and a touch of cocoa for depth. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together Dark aged rum, Simple 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 210 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 aged rum
- 0.25 oz Simple syrup
- 3 dashes Chocolate bitters
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- 1 Large ice sphere
- 1 wide strip Orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 large ice sphere in a rocks glass.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass filled with ice cubes to the brim, pour 2 oz dark aged rum, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 3 dashes chocolate bitters, and 2 dashes orange bitters.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute appropriately.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture over the ice sphere in the rocks glass.
- Step 5: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the cocktail surface by holding it skin side down and twisting firmly to release oils, then rub the peel around the glass rim and rest it on the edge.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Velvet Cocoa 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 Velvet Cocoa Rum Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover velvet cocoa 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 Velvet Cocoa 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 Velvet Cocoa 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 Velvet Cocoa 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.