A classic Old Fashioned is three things: spirit, sweetness, and bitters. This recipe brings all three together with No. 86, which is labeled as containing less than 0.5% ABV. It is not an alcohol-free recipe.
Total time: 2 minutes. Serves: 1.
What You Need
- 2 oz No. 86 Non-Alcoholic Spirit
- 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
An Old Fashioned needs balance. The base spirit, simple syrup, and bitters should work together without making the drink too sweet.
No. 86 has a dry base with oak, vanilla, and a long finish. That gives the syrup and bitters room to work while keeping the drink balanced.
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?
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'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 spirit 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 spirit — built for cocktails like this one.