This Old-Fashioned Mocktail is strong and sophisticated. It’s a great alternative to the boozy classic! It can be made completely alcohol-free or as a low-ABV cocktail.
DISCLAIMER
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Feast + West may receive commissions for purchases made through those links — at no cost to you. All opinions are our own. Please read our full disclosure for more information.
About this Old-Fashioned Mocktail recipe
Bourbon aficionados, I’m going to stop you right there. If you are expecting this recipe to be exactly like a classic old-fashioned cocktail, you might be disappointed. After all, the old-fashioned is a spirit-forward drink and this version has, well, no booze. (Or very little if you make it the low-ABV way.)
But if you are craving the flavors of an old-fashioned without the booze, you might just like it. While the taste and texture are different than the classic cocktail, this version is more like sipping on a fancy iced tea mocktail that has notes of whiskey.
While mocktails tend to have a reputation for being fruit-based, they don’t have to be! Consider the Irish coffee mocktail or virgin white Russian, which bring their traditional flavors into the booze-free version.
This old-fashioned mocktail still has the woodsy, oaky undertones of bourbon, plus orange and spices from the faux whiskey and bitters, resulting in a spiced ice tea. It’s an elegant and refreshing sipper, perfect for enjoying over the course of an evening or to end your night.
There are several ways to mix up this mocktail, with varying levels of ABV (alcohol by volume). They’re all delicious, so pick whichever fits your needs best!
More mocktail recipes: Cherry Mocktail • Virgin Espresso Martini • Citrus Ginger Beer Mocktail
Why you’ll love this recipe
The Old-Fashioned Mocktail is a terrific alternative for anyone who wants to limit their alcohol consumption. I like it because…
- It’s easy to customize based on your preferences. I’ll give you a non-alcoholic recipe as well as a low-ABV version to try.
- This is a great alternative to provide at parties as an option that’s not super sweet or fruity.
- You don’t need any fancy tools to create this Old-Fashioned Mocktail! Mix one up easily in minutes.
What is ABV?
ABV is the abbreviation for “alcohol by volume,” a measure of the amount of alcohol in a beverage. Essentially, it indicates how potent your drink is and is found on the labels of beer, wine and spirits. It usually reads as a percentage, such as “8.5% ABV.”
While it is easier to compare the ABVs of beer and wine, when you’re mixing your own drink with multiple ingredients, it’s a bit more difficult. If this is something that’s important to you, you’ll need to calculate the ABV yourself based on what you’re using.
Low-ABV cocktails are popular with the mocktail movement. They’re low-alcohol cocktails, meaning they still contain some alcohol, but have less than a regular cocktail.
Why make an Old-Fashioned Mocktail?
Mocktails are more popular than ever before, and for good reason! They’ve come a long way from the days of a Shirley Temple (although those are still delicious) and now embody the same complex flavors as a typical cocktail. This means they’re enjoyable to drink without any of the effects of alcohol.
Whether you’re taking part in a booze-free month, like Dry January or Sober October, acting as designated driver or simply want to limit your alcohol consumption, mocktails mean that you can still enjoy a hand-crafted drink that’s not just a soda or a water. As a host, I prefer to have a mocktail ready for anyone who may prefer it.
Tools & glassware
It doesn’t take much to craft this tasty drink! You’ll need a saucepan for your simple syrup — more on that later. Also grab a mixing glass to mix in and a bar spoon for stirring.
Old-fashioneds are usually served in rocks glasses, so that’s what I chose, but you can use whichever type of glass you have on hand.
favorite rocks glasses
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
For the full measurements and step-by-step instructions, head down to the recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
Ingredients
Old-fashioneds are relatively simple cocktails, usually containing just whiskey, simple syrup, ice and a garnish of a cherry and a piece of orange peel. I’m including a few ways to make this non-alcoholic cocktail.
- old-fashioned syrup: This is a delicious syrup that usually works as an easy sweetener for old-fashioneds, because it already contains bitters. However, bitters do contain some alcohol, so you can also use plain simple syrup and non-alcoholic bitters.
- bitters: Bitters are a key ingredient in my old-fashioned syrup, but if you’d rather use another kind of sweetener, you can simply add a few drops of your favorite bitters. Bitters do contain a bit of alcohol, but you can use non-alcoholic bitters.
- black tea: I used this non-alcoholic bourbon cask tea, but any black tea will work. I like to combine it with the zero-proof whiskey to enhance the flavor.
- zero-proof whiskey: A non-alcoholic spirit with the essence of whiskey helps to make this OF recipe feel more like the OG. I love to make my own or you can stock up on one of my favorite zero-proof spirits. If you don’t mind a low-ABV cocktail, you can use a mix of the black tea and regular whiskey.
- garnishes: A cocktail cherry and a piece of orange zest are the classic garnishes for an old-fashioned.
Garnishes
I’ve found that garnishes can elevate a drink, no matter what’s in it! For this mocktail, you’ll want a large ice cube or ice sphere. Using the directional freezing method can help ensure your ice is crystal clear, like what you’d find in your glass at a snazzy cocktail bar!
Cocktail cherries are a traditional old-fashioned garnish that works well here, too! I prefer to make homemade cocktail cherries, but I always have a jar of Luxardo cherries in my fridge to use in a pinch.
An orange peel adds the perfect finishing touch to this drink. Not only does it add visual appeal, but the scent amplifies the flavor of the orange zest.
old-fashioned essentials
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Best bitters for an Old-Fashioned Mocktail
Bitters add complexity and flavor to cocktails and are a common ingredient in many drinks! They’re made from aromatic plant extracts like spices, flowers and herbs. You can use them as a recipe calls for them, but also whenever you feel that your drink may be lacking. They come in a variety of flavors to compliment different drinks.
The bitters in this drink come down to personal preference. Bitters contain trace amounts of alcohol, so it’s up to you if you want to use the traditional kinds like angostura bitters and orange bitters that I use.
If you don’t mind the low-alcoholic content present in traditional bitters, you can use those in this mocktail, either in the old-fashioned syrup or just a dash or two on top. (All you need is a dash or two — don’t overdo it!)
If you add one dash of bitters (approximately 0.92 mL) to a 2.25-ounce drink, the final alcohol content would be about 0.62% ABV. This is slightly above the 0.5% ABV threshold for non-alcoholic classification, but still quite low.
If you prefer to craft a truly non-alcoholic drink, you’re going to want to use non-alcoholic bitters. Unless they specify otherwise, most bitters contain a small amount of alcohol, so be sure to read the label!
try non-alcoholic bitters
We love adding bitters to drinks to add a little extra depth and flavor complexity. I’ve teamed up with my friends at All the Bitter — who make fantastic non-alcoholic bitters — to bring you an exclusive discount on your purchase. Use code fwbitters for 10% off!
Substitutions & variations
Mix things up with one of these variations:
100% alcohol free version: If you’re opting for a non-alcoholic old-fashioned, skip the old-fashioned syrup and instead mix up plain simple syrup. Then, use non-alcoholic bitters of your choice to add flavor.
Low ABV version: If you’re looking to craft a lower ABV version of the classic old-fashioned, use 1 ounce real bourbon + 1 ounce of either the bourbon tea or a zero-proof bourbon.
Instructions
Now, let’s mix up an Old-Fashioned Mocktail! Ahead of time, you’ll want to mix up your black tea. Add hot water over a tea bag, and let it infuse for about 5 minutes, then remove the tea bag and let the tea cool. (Add an ice cube if you’re in a hurry!)
First, add your old-fashioned syrup to a mixing glass and top with cooled or iced tea.
Next, add your non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. Stir gently with ice cubes to combine your ingredients using a bar spoon.
Transfer your drink into your glass with ice. Garnish with an orange peel and cocktail cherry and you’re ready to enjoy!
Tips & tricks
- The tea you choose will change the flavor of the drink, as will the bitters. Experiment with different kinds to find which you like best. This black cask bourbon tea is excellent.
- Adding ice to your mixing glass before stirring will help cool the drink, so it’s ready to sip as soon as it hits your glass.
- Use a combination of zero-proof whiskey, regular whiskey and black tea to enhance the flavors. If you use just one, it will just taste like a sweetened version of that ingredient.
zero-proof whiskeys
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
FAQ
Orange bitters and Angostura bitters typically contain around 44.7% alcohol by volume (ABV). If you use 1 teaspoon of the old-fashioned syrup in a drink with a total volume of 2 ounces plus 2 teaspoons, the final alcohol content would be approximately 3.19% ABV. This is still above the 0.5% ABV threshold for non-alcoholic classification but lower than most beers.
The short answer is no, since the Old-Fashioned draws so much of its flavor from the spirits used. However, this mocktail brings in similar notes and is still very tasty to enjoy!
Food pairings
An Old-Fashioned Mocktail can go with almost anything! Serve it with bar food like air fryer chicken wings and mozzarella sticks or elevate a homemade pizza.
If you’re hosting a crowd, opt for easy appetizers like caprese skewers, whipped feta dip and homemade pita chips. Yum!
Looking for additional non-alcoholic drinks to serve alongside this spiced sipper? Try a batch of homemade lemonade, which always delights, or one of these tasty mocktail recipes.
More mocktail recipes
— Did you make this recipe? —
Please leave a ★★★★★ review or comment below.
Old-Fashioned Mocktail
ingredients
Old-Fashioned Syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 pieces orange zest
- 1 ounce Angostura bitters
- 1 ounce orange bitters
Old-Fashioned Mocktail
- ¼ ounce old-fashioned syrup (or plain simple syrup for zero-proof option)
- 1 ounce black tea ideally black cask bourbon tea
- 1 ounce zero-proof whiskey (or regular whiskey for low-ABV option)
- 1 large ice cube or sphere
- 1 cocktail cherry for garnish
- 1 piece orange zest for garnish
- 2-3 dashes non-alcoholic bitters (if using plain syrup)
instructions
Old-Fashioned Syrup
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, water and orange zest. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat.
- Stir in Angostura and orange bitters. (Omit this step for plain simple syrup).
- Let cool completely. Transfer to a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Old-Fashioned Mocktail
- In a mixing glass, add the syrup. Top with tea, whiskey alternative and/or bourbon whiskey (per the ingredients listed — see notes).
- Add ice and use a bar spoon to gently stir the mixture until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Top with bitters (if using) and garnish with a cocktail cherry and a piece of orange zest.
notes
recommended products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Leave a Reply