How to Make The Perfect Old Fashioned Mocktail

Ingredients

• 2 oz non-alcoholic bourbon alternative (Spiritless Kentucky 74 or Lyre’s American Malt — see notes)
• 1 tsp demerara simple syrup
• 3 dashes alcohol-free aromatic bitters (Ritual Zero Proof or similar)
• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar (This adds a slight kick and tasty acidity to your OF mocktail)
• 1 large clear ice cube
• 1 wide strip of fresh orange peel (garnish)
• 1 Luxardo maraschino cherry (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Chill your glass — Place a heavy-bottomed rocks glass in the freezer for 2–3 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prep. The weight of a proper rocks glass contributes to the feeling of the drink.
2. Build the base — Discard the ice water. Add the demerara syrup, bitters, and apple cider vinegar directly to the glass. Stir briefly to combine.
3. Add the spirit alternative — Pour in your non-alcoholic bourbon alternative. If using Lapsang Souchong tea, make sure it’s fully chilled first (see notes).
4. Add ice — Place one large clear ice cube into the glass.
5. Stir — longer than you think. Using a bar spoon, stir with slow, steady rotations for 30–40 seconds. Without alcohol to carry flavors, this step is critical for integration and chill. Taste. If it feels flat, add a tiny pinch of black pepper or a drop of ginger juice for warmth.
6. Express and garnish — Hold the orange peel skin-side down over the glass and squeeze firmly to release the citrus oils across the surface. Rub the peel around the rim, then drop it in. Add a cherry if desired.

Notes

Spirit alternative: Spiritless Kentucky 74 and Lyre’s American Malt are the best options for mimicking bourbon’s caramel and oak character. If unavailable, strongly brewed and fully chilled Lapsang Souchong tea is a great DIY substitute: over-steep it (2 bags in 4 oz water) for a tannic, woody result that mimics aged spirit.

Apple cider vinegar: Don’t skip this. Just 1/2 tsp adds acidic sharpness that fills the gap where alcohol’s burn would normally live. You won’t taste vinegar, you’ll taste a nice after-bite.

Bitters: Most standard bitters contain trace alcohol. Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative Bitters or The Bitter Housewife Non-Alcoholic Bitters are clean zero-proof options.

Syrup: Demerara syrup (1:1 raw cane sugar + warm water) is essential. The molasses notes add body and richness that plain simple syrup won’t provide.

Stir time matters more here: Without alcohol, flavors don’t integrate as naturally. A full 30–40 second stir is what makes this drink cohesive . DO NOT RUSH IT!