A non-alcoholic Old Fashioned needs a spirit with real oak backbone. The spirit is at the center of this simple build. There is nowhere to hide behind mixers. No. 86 was built for exactly this: oaky, structured, and able to carry the classic build.
Build a better zero-proof Old Fashioned.
750 mL · Under 0.5% ABV · Free shipping over $50
Shop No. 86 — $35.99Why the Old Fashioned is the hardest test
This non-alcoholic Old Fashioned brings together No. 86, bitters, sugar, and ice. That is it. A weak or sweet non-alcoholic sipping spirit collapses here — it tastes like watered-down cola. The spirit has to stand on its own, which is why the Old Fashioned is the truest test of a non-alcoholic sipping spirit.
What makes No. 86 work in the build
No. 86 brings the oak, vanilla, and gentle spice the cocktail is built around, and it holds structure over a large ice cube instead of thinning out. Follow our non-alcoholic Old Fashioned recipe for the exact build.
Beyond the Old Fashioned
If it can carry an Old Fashioned, it can carry anything — the same bottle builds a Manhattan, a No. 86 Sour, and 27 more in our recipe library.
One bottle. A full recipe library.
750 mL · Under 0.5% ABV · Free shipping over $50
Shop No. 86 — $35.99Frequently asked questions
What's the best non-alcoholic sipping spirit for an Old Fashioned?
One with real oak backbone that holds structure without mixers. No. 86 is built for the classic build.
Can you make an Old Fashioned without alcohol?
This recipe uses No. 86, labeled as containing less than 0.5% ABV, plus bitters, sweetener, and ice. It is not an alcohol-free recipe.
Will it taste watered down?
Not with No. 86 — it holds its oak and structure over ice instead of thinning out.
Do I need special bitters?
Some bitters contain alcohol. Check every ingredient label if you need to avoid alcohol. Choosing alcohol-free bitters does not make No. 86 a 0.0% ABV drink.
What else can I make with it?
Manhattan, No. 86 Sour, Mule, and 27 more zero-proof recipes.