Old Fashioned Mocktail Recipe: A Classic Alcohol-Free Drink

If you love classic cocktails but want to skip the alcohol, the Old Fashioned mocktail is the perfect choice for you. This alcohol-free version captures the essence of the traditional Old Fashioned, creating a refreshing, layered flavor with simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether it’s for gatherings, parties, or just an everyday treat, this mocktail delivers a rich, classic taste that lingers on the palate.

Jump to：

• Introduction
• Tools Needed
• Ingredients
• Steps to Make
• Nutritional Information
• Notes

Introduction

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that originated in the late 19th century, earning a key spot on bar menus with its simple yet complex flavor profile. Traditionally made with whiskey as the base spirit, along with sugar, bitters, and orange peel, it offers a distinctive balance of sweetness and bitterness.

This alcohol-free version retains key ingredients like sugar and bitters, closely recreating the original taste without the alcohol, and offering a healthier, more layered alternative for those who prefer to skip the booze.

Tools Needed

• Muddler: Used to gently crush the orange peel, releasing its aroma to enhance the drink's richness.
• Jigger: Used for precise measurement of each ingredient, ensuring perfect proportions and a balanced flavor.
• Bar Spoon: Used to stir the ingredients, blending them thoroughly.
• Old Fashioned Glass: Ideal for serving, allowing for easy sipping while showcasing the beauty of this mocktail.

Ingredients

• Simple Syrup (1/2 oz): Adds sweetness to the drink, perfectly balancing the bitterness and aroma of the orange peel.
• Non-Alcoholic Bitters (3 dashes): The essence of this drink, adding layers of complexity and a slight bitterness. Even without alcohol, the bitters bring a traditional Old Fashioned experience.
• Orange Juice (1/2 oz): Fresh orange juice adds a hint of tartness and enhances the aroma. Combined with orange peel, it enriches the overall flavor profile.
• Club Soda (1 oz): Adds a refreshing element, lightening the drink and providing a touch of fizz that elevates each sip.
• Orange Peel (2 strips): Provides a fresh citrus aroma and also serves as a garnish. Use small slices or twist into spirals to add a pop of color and brightness to the drink.
• Large Ice Cube (1): A large ice cube melts slowly, keeping the drink cool without over-diluting, allowing the flavor of the syrup and bitters to stay prominent. Alternatively, you can add small ice cubes as desired.

Steps to Make

1. Add one slice of orange peel to the glass and gently muddle it to release its aroma.

2. Add the syrup, 3 dashes of bitters, and orange juice.

3. Stir with the bar spoon to help dissolve the syrup and combine the ingredients.

4. Add the ice cube.

5. Pour in the club soda, stirring gently with the bar spoon to blend. Avoid over-stirring to preserve the bubbles in the soda and prevent the ice from melting too quickly, which would dilute the drink.

Once prepared, you can garnish with an additional orange peel to make the drink look even more appealing and refined.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Simple Syrup (1/2 oz)

Non-Alcoholic Bitters (3 dashes)

Orange Juice (1/2 oz)

Club Soda (1 oz)

Notes

Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can slightly increase the amount of syrup. However, make sure it doesn’t overpower the flavors of the bitters and orange peel.

Food Pairings: This mocktail pairs well with savory snacks such as nuts, cheese platters, and baked chicken wings. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will enhance the overall taste experience.

Ingredient Selection: Traditional bitters usually contain alcohol, so be sure to opt for an alcohol-free version. Freshly squeezed orange juice is also recommended, as it contains no preservatives or artificial sweeteners, making the drink healthier and giving it a more natural flavor.

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