A classic Old Fashioned is three things: spirit, sweetness, and bitters. Take away the alcohol and you still need all three. This recipe keeps all of them — just without the next morning.
Total time: 2 minutes. Serves: 1.
What You Need
- 2 oz No. 86 Non-Alcoholic Whiskey
- 1 tsp simple syrup (or 1 sugar cube)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters (All the Bitter makes a great non-alcoholic version)
- 1 large ice cube
- Orange peel for garnish
- Rocks glass
How to Make It
- Add simple syrup and bitters to your rocks glass.
- Add the large ice cube.
- Pour 2 oz of No. 86 over the ice.
- Stir gently for about 20 seconds.
- Express an orange peel over the glass — run it along the rim, give it a twist, drop it in.
- Sip slowly.
Why This Works
Most non-alcoholic whiskeys fall apart in an Old Fashioned because they're too sweet on their own. Add simple syrup and bitters and you get something that tastes like a dessert, not a drink.
No. 86 was built differently. The base is dry — oak, vanilla, a long finish — which means it takes sweetness and bitters the same way a real bourbon does. The ratio holds. The drink works.
Tips
Use one large ice cube. Smaller ice dilutes faster. A 2-inch cube keeps the drink cold without watering it down.
Don't skip the orange peel. The oils from the peel lift the whole drink. It's a small thing that makes a real difference.
Adjust the sweetness. If you're used to a drier Old Fashioned, cut the syrup in half. No. 86 has enough body to hold it without much sweetness at all.
Variations
Smoked Old Fashioned: Add a few drops of smoked bitters instead of Angostura. Works well if you want more depth.
Maple Old Fashioned: Swap simple syrup for a small pour of pure maple syrup. Richer, warmer finish.
Spiced Old Fashioned: Add a cinnamon stick while stirring, remove before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make an Old Fashioned without alcohol?
Yes — but the spirit matters. You need something with real body and a dry finish. No. 86 is built specifically for this.
Do bitters have alcohol in them?
Traditional bitters like Angostura contain a small amount of alcohol in the bottle, but the amount per dash in a drink is minimal. Alcohol-free bitters like Ritual Zero Proof bitters exist if you want to go fully NA.
What's the best glass for an Old Fashioned?
A rocks glass — short, wide, heavy. The width lets you smell the drink as you sip, which matters more than people think.
Can I batch this for a group?
Yes. Scale up the No. 86, bitters, and syrup — keep the ratios. Chill and pour over ice when ready to serve.
Pour it with No. 86.
No. 86 is a non-alcoholic whiskey built for sipping neat or in classic cocktails. Warm on arrival. Dry finish. No alcohol, no compromise.
→ Shop No. 86
Make this recipe with No. 86 non-alcoholic whiskey — built for cocktails like this one.