Who says you need alcohol to enjoy a classic taste? With this non-alcoholic old-fashioned mocktail, you can enjoy all the flavors of the original recipe without any of the hangovers in just 5 minutes. It's the perfect way to indulge in your favorite drinks with familiar flavors while maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Cheers to that!
Serve it in an old fashioned glass over a large ice cube for maximum cool factor, and garnish with a fresh orange slice for an extra pop of color.
The Old Fashioned cocktail is a timeless classic that dates back to the early 19th century. An Old Fashioned cocktail traditionally consists of three key ingredients: whiskey (usually bourbon or rye), sugar (agave or simple syrup), and bitters. It's typically garnished with an orange peel and a cherry, likely cherry vanilla iced latte, then served over ice in a short tumbler, also known as an Old Fashioned glass.
Bartenders began experimenting with various ingredients to create new and innovative drinks during this era, like the Dirty Old Fashioned, which is my preferred old-fashioned during hotter months. It includes muddled cherries and oranges, but I usually just add cherry simple syrup or orange simple syrup for that fruity-twist!
For some old classic whiskey-based tastes, try this easy Black Russian, or literally warm up with this Hot Toddy Mocktail, 3-Ingredient Coffee Mocktail or a classic Irish Coffee.
How to get the Classic Taste with Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Non-alcoholic Bitters:
"All The Bitters" offers aromatic bitters that are completely alcohol free. Use their aromatic or orange bitters. If using orange, you can omit the orange quarter. I use them in my Whiskey Sour Mocktail and Aperol Spritz Mocktail.
Non-alcoholic bourbon:
I'm enjoying Free Spirits Bourbon for this recipe. There are so many options available that would work beautifully in this mocktail. Ritual whiskey alternative, Monday Zero Proof Whiskey, Lyre's American Malt, and Spiritless Kentucky have a non-alcoholic spirit perfect for this recipe and each offer their own rich taste.
My Favorite Brands & Bottles For This Recipe
How To Make A Non-Alcoholic Old Fashioned
- Add orange quarter, sugar & 4 dashes of bitters in a rocks glass. Muddle gently.
- Add bourbon.
- Add a large ice cube and stir for 30 seconds.
- Spritz with orange oil from an orange peel then wipe it around the rim of the glass. Garnish with an orange twist and/or a cocktail cherry.
Recipe Variations
- Bitters - If you're using the most common Angostura Bitters, that's perfectly okay! While it does contain trace amounts of alcohol, a dash of bitters will not amount to much at all.
- Sweets - A small lump of sugar is traditional, but any sweetener could be used. Brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup would offer extra flavor notes. Or spice it up with grenadine syrup or chai simple syrup.
Mocktail to Cocktail
To create a classic cocktail, there isn't much to switch up!
- Use 2 oz of full-proof spirit of bourbon or whiskey
Drink Responsibly & Enjoy!
Tips To Make The Best Old Fashioned Mocktail
Muddle with Care: When muddling your sugar(syrup), orange, and bitters, be gentle to avoid over-extracting any bitter compounds. A few gentle twists with a muddler should be enough to release the flavors without turning your mocktail into a bitter mess.
Choose Your Sweetness: Experiment with different sweeteners to find the perfect balance for your taste buds. While classic simple syrup works well, you can also try using maple syrup or natural cane sugar for a more nuanced flavor.
Don't Skimp on the Bitters: Bitters are essential for adding depth and complexity to your old-fashioned mocktail. Try experimenting with different varieties or brands to find the perfect combination that suits your palate.
Enjoy More Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Recipes On Me!
For an unforgettable mocktail experience, these hand-picked recipes offer something for every taste and occasion. Start with the refreshing Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Daiquiri, a vibrant option perfect for summer gatherings. If you're craving something sophisticated, the Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Sour balances tartness and sweetness beautifully. For a cozy autumn vibe, the Non-Alcoholic Cinnamon Rum Martini Mocktail brings warming spices to your glass.
For a little snack to have with your old-fashioned, here are some finger-foods I enjoy preparing with my drinks. A seven-layer dip or apple nachos for when you have to entertain a lot of guests. Or mini pumpkin pies or mini croissants for a little something sweet.
If you made this recipe, I would be so grateful if you would give it a ⭐ rating and leave a review in the comments! I'd love to see your drink in action as well! Post it on Instagram with the ️#MocktailForest and tag me @MocktailForest!
Non Alcoholic Old-Fashioned Recipe
Ingredients
- Orange quarter
- 1 bar spoon Simple Syrup
- 4 dashes All The Bitters Regular
- 2 oz Free Spirits Bourbon
Garnish
- Orange twist or cocktail cherry
Instructions
- Add orange quarter, sugar & bitters in a mixing glass.
- Add bourbon.
- Add ice and stir for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a short glass over a large ice cube.
- Spritz with orange oil, and rim the glass. Garnish with an orange twist & cocktail cherry.
Expert Notes
-
- Muddle with Care: When muddling your sugar(syrup), orange, and bitters, be gentle to avoid over-extracting any bitter compounds. A few gentle twists with a muddler should be enough to release the flavors without turning your mocktail into a bitter mess.
-
- Choose Your Sweetness: Experiment with different sweeteners to find the perfect balance for your taste buds. While classic simple syrup works well, you can also try using maple syrup or natural cane sugar for a more nuanced flavor.
-
- Don't Skimp on the Bitters: Bitters are essential for adding depth and complexity to your old-fashioned mocktail. Try experimenting with different varieties or brands to find the perfect combination that suits your palate.
-
- Experiment with Temperature: While traditionally served over a large ice cubes, don't be afraid to play around with temperature variations. Try serving your mocktail slightly chilled or at room temperature to see how it affects the flavor profile.
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