Make an alcohol-free version of the traditional old fashioned cocktail. This Old Fashioned Mocktail delivers the classic old fashioned vibes, without the booze.
Whether you're avoiding alcohol, serving kiddos, or just want a non alcoholic option, these old fashioned mocktails are a delicious alcohol-free alternative for you!
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What is an old fashioned mocktail?
An old fashioned is made by muddling sugar with bitters and water, adding whiskey, and garnishing with an orange or luxardo cherry.
This mocktail replaces the whiskey with tea. And, I also give a healthier option than using table sugar.
Why I love these Old Fashioned Mocktails
- No Alcohol - of course! It's a mocktail, so there's no alcohol at all. If you want to add alcohol I give the quantity and type of liquor below
- Great for kids and adults - the kids can have fun feeling like an adult and the adults can enjoy a cocktail without the effects of alcohol. This mocktail has sweet flavor that kids will love, yet adults will still recognize the classic old fashioned flavor profile
- Dietary needs - besides being alcohol-free this old fashioned is plant-based, oil-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free
- Actually pretty healthy - with tea as the base, this mocktail is something you could drink any time of day
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Hot Water + Black Tea Bags: instead of whiskey, these mocktails use tea as the base. Tea is rather neutral but still has a bit of a bite, to mimic the whiskey flavor.
- Simple Syrup: I used maple syrup simple syrup. There are endless simple syrup possibilities - choose your favorite.
- Angostura Bitters: angostura bitters are the bitters traditionally used in an old fashioned. Bitters are technically alcohol, but since we're only using a few drops per glass, the alcohol content is negligible
- Orange Peel or Luxardo Cherry: for garnish
How to make Old Fashioned Mocktails
Step 1. Steep the tea in the hot water for 3-5 minutes. Let the tea cool completely.
Step 2. Meanwhile, make maple simple syrup. Let cool completely.
Step 3. Once the tea and syrup are cool, make the cocktail. To four glasses (over ice, if desired) add ¼ cup tea, ¼ ounce simple syrup, 2 dashes bitters. Garnish with an orange peel or luxardo cherry.
Expert Tips & FAQ
Make a sugar-free mocktail
To make this mocktail completely sugar-free, omit the maple simple syrup. If you're looking for a bit more sweetness, add some date syrup instead. You could also use orange juice, which is naturally very sweet.
Add Alcohol
By the glass: skip the tea and add a shot of bourbon or rye to the glass
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for this mocktail. Thank you for alcohol-free drinks that we can enjoy. Amen.
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📖 Recipe
Old Fashioned Mocktail
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Hot Water
- 2 Black Tea Bags
- 1 Ounce Simple Syrup I used maple syrup simple syrup: 1 part maple syrup + 1 part water
- 8 Dashes Angostura Bitters
- Orange Peel or Luxardo Cherry for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Steep the tea in the hot water for 3-5 minutes. Let the tea cool completely.
- Meanwhile, make maple simple syrup. Let cool completely.
- Once the tea and syrup are cool, make the cocktail. To four glasses (over ice, if desired) add ¼ cup tea, ¼ ounce simple syrup, 2 dashes bitters. Garnish with an orange peel or luxardo cherry.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
Ken Rowberry
A great base for many variations. I have done an Old Fashioned with Angostura Bitters and simple syrup, one with Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters and Turbinado simple syrup, and one with Cocoa Bitters and Turbinado. My fav was the Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters Old Fashioned. I garnished all with both a Luxardo cherry and a twist of orange peel.
The tea and simple syrup were chilled. I served over a single large ice cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
Two important parts: presentation is important. I took the time to make it look elegant. It had that cocktail look to it. Similar to her picture at the beginning but with the ice cube. And the orange peel twist was essential. Black tea benefits from the orange oil.
I am an Old Fashioned drinker. This doesn't taste like an Old Fashioned. But it tickles all the notes of an Old Fashioned and drinks like an Old Fashioned. Not a replacement but every bit as good as an Old Fashioned. A great addition to my bar menu!
Elizabeth
Hi Ken, thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful and thorough comment. I totally agree - this does not have the taste of an old fashioned, but it gives off old fashioned. I am so glad this can be a non-alcoholic option for your regular menu!
JANE MARIE MICHAELS
I would suggest using Constant Comment for the tea ingredient. It's very fragrant and flavorful with notes of orange and spices.