Creating A Mocktail: The Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Way

Whether it's for a party, a special occasion, or just a quiet night in, mocktails are a great way to enjoy a sophisticated drink without the alcohol. There are many reasons to choose a mocktail, including personal preference, pregnancy, medication, or sobriety. While non-alcoholic alternatives to classic cocktails have been around for a while, the market for zero-proof spirits and mocktail mixes is growing, and it's now easier than ever to create delicious, alcohol-free versions of your favorite drinks. For example, you can make a non-alcoholic Old Fashioned using Zero-Bourbon, a DIY zero-proof bourbon-inspired drink, or try a Kentucky 74, a non-alcoholic whiskey with sweet and dry notes that works well in tall drinks. So, whether you're craving a sweet and tangy mojito or a sophisticated espresso martini, there's a mocktail recipe out there for you.

Zero-Bourbon ingredients and recipe

Zero-Bourbon is a DIY zero-proof drink that can be used to make non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails. It is inspired by the book *Zero*. Zero-Bourbon has a fruity, citrus aroma with a hint of smoke and heat. While it does not have the same burn as a traditional Old Fashioned, it has enough character to make a surprisingly good zero-proof substitute.

Ingredients

• Water
• Molasses
• Malted barley
• Banana peel
• Dried peaches
• Unsalted popcorn
• Charred oak chips
• Fenugreek seeds
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla bean
• Salt
• Pectinex

Recipe

First, combine all the ingredients in a bottle and leave the mixture in the fridge overnight. Then, filter the mixture through a rinsed coffee filter. The Pectinex will accelerate the separation, but this will also happen without it. For a clearer liquid, you can re-filter the whole batch.

Zero-Bourbon should be stored in the fridge and consumed within 10 days, as it does not contain any preservatives. You can also bottle it in small batches and freeze what you don't need. Now you're ready to make a Zer-Old Fashioned!

Non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives

There are several non-alcoholic alternatives to whiskey that can be used to create mocktails. While these alternatives do not replicate the exact taste, burn, and mouthfeel of whiskey, they are designed to be used in cocktails and can provide similar flavours and warmth. Here are some non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives:

Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative

Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative is an award-winning whiskey substitute crafted for cocktails. It features natural vanilla and oak flavours, with notes of stone fruit and caramel, and a comforting finish. It is designed to replace traditional whiskey in cocktails like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned. It has a unique flavour profile, with some describing it as having a "peanut butter finish".

Kentucky 74

Kentucky 74 is a non-alcoholic whiskey with a sweet and dry profile. It has notes of fresh wood, caramel, apple, and baking spice. While it may not be the best option for spirit-forward cocktails like the Old Fashioned, it works well in tall drinks like Highballs, John Collins, or Bourbon Tea.

Lyre's American Malt

Lyre's American Malt offers an accurate bourbon alternative, with a subtle chest-warming heat. While it may have a disappointing texture on its own, it blends exceptionally well with other non-alcoholic spirits. Lyre's also offers pitch-perfect imitations of sweet vermouth (Apéritif Rosso) and Campari (Italian Orange), making it ideal for crafting delicious Manhattans and Boulevardiers.

Seedlip Spice 94

Seedlip Spice 94 is not a direct bourbon alternative, but it captures some of the prominent flavours found in whiskey. It is designed to be used in cocktails, enhancing and complementing the other ingredients.

Zero-Bourbon

Zero-Bourbon is a DIY, zero-proof bourbon-inspired drink that can be used as a base for non-alcoholic classic cocktails. It is made with ingredients like water, molasses, malted barley, banana peel, dried peaches, cinnamon, vanilla bean, and salt. After mixing, it needs to be refrigerated and used within about ten days.

These non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives can be used to create a range of mocktails, providing similar flavours and warmth without the alcohol content. However, it's important to note that they may not perfectly replicate the experience of drinking a traditional whiskey-based cocktail.

How to make a virgin Old Fashioned

A virgin Old Fashioned is a non-alcoholic take on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, which traditionally consists of whiskey, Angostura bitters, and a sweetener such as sugar or simple syrup. The sweetener is essential as it balances out the sharp flavours of the bitters. To make a virgin Old Fashioned, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, prepare your simple syrup. You can make your own by mixing maple syrup or sugar with water, or you can use a pre-made syrup such as classic gum syrup. Allow your syrup to cool completely.

Next, prepare your tea. Black tea is a good option as it has a neutral flavour with a bit of bite, mimicking the whiskey flavour. Add hot water to your tea and allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes. Once the tea has cooled completely, you can proceed to make your cocktail.

Add 1/4 oz of simple syrup and 1-2 dashes of Angostura bitters to a glass. You can also use alcohol-free orange bitters. Add a dash of water and muddle and mix the ingredients. Fill the glass with ice and add 2 oz of whiskey substitute, such as Ritual Zero Proof or Zero-Bourbon. Stir for up to 1 minute.

Finally, garnish your virgin Old Fashioned with an orange slice or orange peel, and a cherry for additional flavour. Some variations include different fruits for the garnish, such as grapefruit or lemon. You can also experiment with different flavoured syrups, such as vanilla or cinnamon, or alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar.

While these non-alcoholic versions won't have the exact same flavour as a traditional Old Fashioned, they can still capture the essence and sophistication of the classic cocktail.

Other mocktail recipes

While a non-alcoholic bourbon is a great base for mocktails, there are many other mocktail recipes that you can try. Here are some ideas for mocktails with unique and interesting flavour profiles:

Spiced Piña Colada

A fun twist on the classic piña colada, this mocktail combines mock rum syrup, pineapple juice, and coconut milk. It's a perfect alcohol-free party option, capturing the creamy, fruity, and tropical flavours of the original cocktail.

Irish Cream Liqueur

This mocktail is a booze-free take on the classic Irish cream liqueur. It features creamy flavours with a touch of espresso and spices, creating a rich and indulgent experience.

New York Sour

This mocktail brings the flavours of New York to your glass. It's a unique combination of fruit and tartness, offering a taste of summer with a refreshing alcohol-free experience.

Virgin Cranberry Basil Sangria

A virgin twist on traditional sangria, this mocktail blends cranberry and basil flavours with a hint of virgin cranberry basil sangria. It's a perfect choice for a festive celebration or a summer gathering.

Espresso Mocha Crunch

For coffee lovers, this mocktail is a decadent treat. It combines an espresso base with a creamy top and the crunch of Oreos, creating a rich and indulgent drinking experience without the alcohol.

Bee's Knees Mocktail Spritz

Inspired by the classic gin-based drink, this mocktail features lemon, honey syrup, and club soda. It's a refreshing and sweet beverage, perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their drinks.

These mocktail recipes showcase the versatility and creativity that can be achieved without alcohol. Whether you're looking for fruity, creamy, or coffee-based drinks, there's a mocktail recipe to satisfy your taste buds and provide a fun drinking experience.

Where to buy non-alcoholic bourbon

There are several non-alcoholic bourbon options available for purchase. One popular option is Kentucky 74, a non-alcoholic bourbon whiskey produced by Spiritless. It is crafted using a unique process that involves combining a variety of hand-selected American oak with a high-proof neutral grain spirit and imitating the traditional barrel aging process through controlled heat and pressure. This results in an intensely flavoured spirit that is then distilled to remove the alcohol content. Kentucky 74 captures the essence of bourbon with notes of oak, smoke, vanilla, and caramel, along with a hint of pepper for a touch of heat. It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour. Kentucky 74 is available in 700ml bottles and can likely be purchased directly from the Spiritless website or through various online retailers.

Another non-alcoholic bourbon option is The Spirit of Bourbon by Free Spirits. This bourbon alternative is crafted with all-natural flavours and functional ingredients, delivering the rich warmth and complexity of traditional whiskey without the alcohol. It features an oaky-toffee nose and a velvety palate with notes of malted grain, vanilla, and brown sugar. The Spirit of Bourbon can be used in non-alcoholic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a whiskey sour, adding a warming sensation to your drink. It is typically available in 750ml bottles and can be purchased directly from the Free Spirits website or through select online retailers.

Lyre's also offers a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative that captures the rich, smoky flavours of American Malt. Their product is perfect for creating alcohol-free classics like Old Fashioneds and Manhattans, providing the taste of bourbon without the alcohol. While specific retailers may vary, Lyre's non-alcoholic bourbon can likely be purchased through online specialty stores or retailers that offer non-alcoholic spirit alternatives.

Additionally, some retailers like Walmart offer non-alcoholic bourbon options such as the SOBOUR Bourbonesque Non-Alcoholic Whiskey. This product is designed as a bourbon alternative, providing a premium non-alcoholic spirit experience. It can be found on the Walmart website and potentially in their physical stores as well.

When purchasing non-alcoholic bourbon, it is always a good idea to check the websites of the specific brands, as they often provide direct purchasing options or store locators to help you find authorised retailers near you.

Frequently asked questions