An Old Fashioned is one of the hardest cocktails to replicate without alcohol. While there are some solid non-alcoholic whiskeys on the market, they’re not typically designed to be sipped neat—and in spirit-forward drinks like this one, they can fall a little flat. They shine best in cocktails with more layers, like a whiskey sour or bourbon mule.
To make a non-alcoholic Old Fashioned that holds its own, we recommend using a split base: one part NA whiskey and one part something more botanical and bold. At the ATB Lounge, we pair Kentucky 74—which we like for its overtly oaky profile—with Tenneyson, a non-alcoholic spirit made with ginger, black pepper, and bitter roots. It’s got real punch and a spicy backbone that brings structure, bite, and complexity to the drink (the combination is almost reminiscent of rye).
Instead of a sugar cube, we use a touch of chai syrup to amplify the spice, and finish it with a few dashes of our non-alcoholic Aromatic bitters, packed with warm spices, black pepper, and ginger. The result might not taste exactly like a traditional Old Fashioned, but it delivers the same experience: spirit-forward, bitter, spiced, and deeply satisfying. It’s become a favorite at our non-alcoholic bar, and shows how classic cocktails can be tweaked just slightly for a better zero proof version.
Add all ingredients to a rocks glass and stir to combine.
Add one large block ice cube to glass, and stir 15-20 seconds to chill.
Garnish with an orange twist, expressing the oils over the drink.
Recipe Note
ABOUT DILUTION IN NON ALCOHOLIC COCKTAILS Compared to full-strength spirits, non-alcoholic alternatives tend to be lighter and more water-based. Spirit-forward zero proof cocktails benefit from minimal dilution, so it’s best to keep your ingredients chilled. Prebatching or storing everything in the fridge means the drink hits the ice cold, helping slow down dilution and preserve flavor.
WHY A SPLIT BASE? In a spirit-forward cocktail, most non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives show best when paired with a more textured, botanical spirit. Tenneyson’s blend of ginger, black pepper, and citrus adds structure, mouthfeel, and complexity—especially alongside Kentucky 74’s bold oak character.
SPIRIT SWAPS
Kentucky 74 works great in spirit-forward NA whiskey cocktails for its intense oak flavor, but you can use any NA whiskey you like (we also like Monday and Free Spirits). Other great pairings for the second spirit include Three Spirit Nightcap—which adds woody notes and rich, warm spice—or the herbaceous, bittersweet Pathfinder.
A BIT ON SWEETNESS
We use chai syrup in place of the traditional sugar cube to complement the spices in Tenneyson and our bitters. You can also use demerara or brown sugar syrup for a more traditional feel.
ABOUT OUR NON ALCOHOLIC BITTERS All The Bitter Aromatic Bitters bring warm spice, bitter roots, and ginger, tying everything together in this zero proof Old Fashioned. And since they’re non-alcoholic, you can use as much as you like—layering in bold flavor without affecting the ABV of your drink.
MORE NON-ALCOHOLIC OLD FASHIONED RECIPES
Want more takes on the classic? Try our Improved Old Fashioned, made with Three Spirit Nightcap, cinnamon syrup, and orange bitters.
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