Easy Black Walnut Old Fashioned or Manhattan Cocktail

If you're looking for unique cocktail recipes using black walnut bitters, this Black Walnut Old Fashioned is the perfect cozy fall cocktail and a great alternative to a classic old fashioned. It can be made with your favorite whiskey or bourbon and a few additional unique spirits, like black walnut bitters, that will make a great addition to your home bar. You can also make it a Black Walnut Manhattan if that better suits your taste.

This black walnut bitters cocktail recipe is going to quickly become one of your favorite cozy season cocktails. It's a unique spin on the classic Old Fashioned that is sure to please all the whiskey lovers you know!

If you're looking for more fall friendly cocktails, try this Pumpkin Gin Mule or this S'Mores Martini.

Why You'll Love This Black Walnut Bitters Cocktail Recipe

• It's uniquely flavorful. The addition of smooth, nutty bitters creates a deep flavor profile, making this one of the most luscious old fashioned recipes.
• It's simple. This cocktail requires just a few staples you already have in your home bar, plus a few extras you'll want to make sure you're always stocked up on once you've tried this black walnut bitters cocktail.
• It's impressive. Don't be fooled by how easy this cocktail is to make, it's one of the most incredibly delicious cocktails you'll try!

Please note this post contains affiliate links.

Black Walnut Old Fashioned Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Bourbon: Traditionally, an old fashioned is a bourbon cocktail, however I've tested this recipe with both bourbon & rye whiskey and found it was a great alternative. I enjoyed it both ways. It's up to your personal preference which option you choose. If you're a cocktail purist then go with small batch bourbon to really up the ante!
• Chocolate Whiskey: I added my favorite chocolate whiskey for a little sweetness and depth of flavor. I highly recommend not skipping this step and using a chocolate whiskey if your local liquor store carries it. There are a few brands out there that are wonderful options.
• Black Walnut Cocktail Bitters: Look for bitters made with real walnut & black walnut leaf. You can even make your own black walnut bitters if you prefer.
• Orange Peel: A staple garnish for any old fashioned, place a fresh orange peel in the rocks glass once the cocktail is poured.
• Vermouth: Make it a Manhattan by adding Vermouth. Opt for a high quality sweet vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth, which is amazing in everything from a classic Manhattan to a unique Strawberry Negroni.
• Cacao Nibs & Sugar: Garnish the rim of the rocks glass with cacao nibs and sugar that have been blended together for the Old Fashioned version. You can also garnish your coupe glass with this as well if you are making a Manhattan.

Bar Equipment Needed

Here is a list of everything you'll need to make a Black Walnut Old Fashioned or Manhattan:

• A cocktail mixing glass is preferred, however a glass cocktail shaker will work if it is all you have.
• Cocktail rimmer
• Bar spoon
• Rocks glasses or whiskey tumblers for the Old Fashioned, coupe glasses or Nick & Nora glasses for the Manhattan.
• Silicone ice cube tray or ice sphere tray

Black Walnut Bitters Cocktail Recipe Steps

1. Rim the rocks glass. Add cacao nibs and sugar to a blender and pulse until cacao nibs are fine. Add the mixture to a cocktail rimmer. Wet the rim of your glass and place it gently into the cacao nib and sugar mixture to rim the glass.
2. Build the cocktail. In a cocktail mixing glass, add in bourbon, chocolate whiskey and 6-8 dashes of black walnut bitters, then add ice. Note if you are making the Manhattan you will also add the vermouth during this step.
3. Stir. Stir the drink using a cocktail spoon and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube for an Old Fashioned or simply strain into a chilled coupe glass for a Manhattan.
4. Garnish. A great way to garnish this black walnut old fashioned is with a fresh orange peel & cherries. If you're making the Manhattan, skip the orange peel & opt just for a cherry.

Black Walnut Old Fashioned FAQs

What is the difference between an Old Fashioned & a Manhattan?

A Manhattan is typically a bit of a stronger drink due to the addition of sweet vermouth. Traditional Old Fashioned recipes use a sugar cube as well so they tend to be a bit sweeter.

What if I like a sweeter drink? You didn't add sugar to this recipe.

If you want to add a little sweetness to this black walnut bitters cocktail recipe, you can add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup for a little additional flavor and sweetness. Alternatively, you can simply add a sugar cube or 1-2 teaspoon of simple syrup. I opted not to add it as the chocolate whiskey can be on the sweeter side.

What is the best bourbon for an old fashioned?

Some of my favorite bourbons to use when making an old fashioned are:

• Makers Mark
• Woodford Reserve
• Bulleit
• Jim Beam Black

Are you supposed to shake an old fashioned?

As a general rule of thumb, drinks that contain spirits, like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, should never be shaken with ice, but rather stirred. This is less about temperature and more about how shaking room temperature liquid with ice can add water to the cocktail, changing the texture and mouthfeel of the spirits.

What to pair with a black walnut bitters cocktail

• Slow Cooker Short Ribs
• Pulled Pork
• Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

If you liked this recipe you might also enjoy:

• Pumpkin Gin Mule
• Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
• Blackberry Chai Simple Syrup

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating & a review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!