The Old Fashioned is one of the toughest cocktails to recreate without alcohol. With so few ingredients—spirit, sugar, and bitters—there’s not much to support the non-alcoholic whiskey, which typically aren't strong enough to drink on their own. Our Maple Old Fashioned solves that by using a split base: Spiritless Kentucky 74 for an oak-forward backbone, and Three Spirit Nightcap for added weight, warmth, and botanical complexity.
Maple syrup replaces the traditional sugar cube (we like to used a barrel-aged version that accentuates the oak flavors of Kentucky 74), while our Fig & Walnut bitters contribute dried fruit, baking spice, and a subtle black walnut richness. Together, they give this drink the structure that a non-alcoholic Old Fashioned typically lacks.
Dilution is the final key. Instead of stirring with ice first—which can thin zero-proof spirits—keep your bottles refrigerated and build the drink directly over one large cube. The result is a non-alcoholic Old Fashioned that’s layered, slow-sipping, and genuinely satisfying—proof that this classic actually can shine without alcohol.
This recipe was perfected using Kentucky 74 and Three Spirit Nightcap, but feel free to use your favorite non-alcoholic or alcoholic whiskey instead.
A non-alcoholic Old Fashioned that leans cozy with maple, oak, and warm botanicals.
Ingredients
1 ¾ oz Kentucky 74 (or other NA whiskey)
1 oz Three Spirit Nightcap
¼ oz maple syrup
5 dashes ATB Fig & Walnut Bitters
Directions
Keep spirits chilled and pour directly into a rocks glass.
Add bitters, syrup, and ice (preferably one large cube), then stir for 10-15 seconds.
Garnish with an orange peel, expressing the oils over the glass.
Recipe Note
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS Old Fashioneds are notoriously tough to execute as a non-alcoholic cocktail—NA whiskeys aren’t meant to be drunk straight, and there aren’t enough components in an Old Fashioned to add structure and depth to the spirit. This version works because it layers complementary flavors together and adds texture. Kentucky 74 delivers a strong oak backbone, while Three Spirit Nightcap contributes botanical depth, warmth, and the weight NA whiskey often lacks. Maple syrup adds rich texture, and our Fig & Walnut bitters supply dried-fruit richness, subtle bite, and that essential Old Fashioned spice. AVOIDING WATERY NON-ALCOHOLIC COCKTAILS Because non-alcoholic spirits are often lighter in texture than their boozy counterparts, too much melted ice can make a drink taste weak or watery. When making cocktails that are traditionally stirred with ice, keep your bottles refrigerated so the spirits start cold, reducing the need to stir with ice in the first place. When serving on the rocks, build the drink directly in the glass you’ll serve it in, add ice (preferably one large cube), and stir for 10–15 seconds—just enough to reach the ideal temperature without overly diluting the cocktail. ABOUT THREE SPIRIT NIGHTCAP Nightcap isn’t trying to replicate whiskey—or any other alcoholic spirit for that matter—and that’s part of what makes it special. It’s more like a whiskey-adjacent non-alcoholic spirit: rich, warm, woody, and gently spiced. Because of its depth and complexity, it works well in most cocktails that call for whiskey—and even more rarely among NA spirits, it's enjoyable by itself. USING BITTERS IN MOCKTAILS Cocktail bitters provide depth and balance, rounding out sweet and sour flavors while adding bite. Since All The Bitter is completely 0% ABV (unlike traditional bitters, which are around 45% alcohol), you can use as much as you like to dial in the flavor and complexity of your non-alcoholic cocktails.
I saw this drink on the Mocktail Summit and bought everything to make it and I am addicted. This is the best mocktail I’ve ever had from someone who enjoyed a good whiskey cocktail when drinking.
I saw this drink on the Mocktail Summit and bought everything to make it and I am addicted. This is the best mocktail I’ve ever had from someone who enjoyed a good whiskey cocktail when drinking.
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