Classic Old Fashioned Recipe: Easy Step-by-Step Cocktail Guide

There's something so chic and classic about an Old Fashioned. The feeling of muddling sugar with bitters, the satisfying clink of a large ice cube against crystal, the aromatic twist of orange peel releasing its oils into your glass. It's a drink that holds a special place, respect, and appreciation for simplicity done right.

For years, we sober curious drinkers actually thought this experience was reserved exclusively for whiskey drinkers. Enter the world of alcohol-free spirits, and Sans Bar Kings of Tartan Whiskey Alternative, and everything changed, thanks to Sans Drinks, the whole sobriety will get to try an actual old fashioned recipe that has all the classic flavours and none of the alcohol and the guilt that comes with that.

Are you ready to share the best old fashioned recipe with your mates? Or keep it all by yourself ( no one’s judging), but you might need to buy non-alcoholic whiskey online with Sans Drinks to make sure you have the star old fashioned ingredient to begin the making of the classic whiskey cocktail recipe, hated by none, loved by everyone.

Why You'll Love This Alcohol-Free Old Fashioned

Sans Bar Kings of Tartan's smoky depth, delicate sweetness, and fragrant bitters are expertly balanced to produce a sophisticated flavour profile devoid of alcohol.
Making a cocktail-bar experience at home with just five ingredients and little equipment is easy but impressive.
Perfect for leisurely drinking during dinner parties, quiet evenings, or any time you want something sophisticated and reflective. Y
You can change the drink's sweetness to suit your exact tastes, from gently rounded to bone-dry.

Why This Is the Best Old Fashioned Recipe

The Old Fashioned is deceptively simple, which means every ingredient matters. You can't hide behind fruit juices or elaborate garnishes. The spirit is the star, which is why choosing the right whiskey alternative is crucial.

Sans Bar Kings of Tartan delivers that deep, smoky complexity you expect from a quality whiskey. It has the oakiness, the subtle spice notes, and that warming finish that makes an Old Fashioned so satisfying and so real. This isn't a compromise; it's a genuine celebration of flavour without the alcohol.

How to Make an Old-Fashioned

Ingredients:

60ml Sans Bar Kings of Tartan Whiskey Alternative
5ml simple syrup (or 1 sugar cube)
2-4 dashes of aromatic bitters
Orange peel
Large ice cube
Optional: 1 dash orange bitters

Instructions:

Step 1: Build Your Base: Start by pouring your simple syrup into an Old Fashioned glass, or just grab any short tumbler if that’s what you have. If you’re using a sugar cube instead, drop it in now along with a splash of water. Next, add your bitters. If you want a little extra depth, go ahead and throw in a dash of orange bitters, too.

Step 2: The Muddling: If you went with a sugar cube, grab your muddler and press it gently with the bitters until it dissolves. If you use simple syrup, just give everything a quick stir. This is the point where the bitters wake up and start filling the glass with their aroma.

Step 3: Add the Spirit Pour in the Sans Bar Kings of Tartan for the whiskey old fashioned. Stir gently to bring all those flavours together.

Step 4: For the ice, use one big cube if you can. Seriously, don’t skip this step. A large cube chills your drink slowly, keeping it cold without watering it down too fast. No big cubes? Regular ice works, but your Old Fashioned will change a bit as you sip.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch: Grab a strip of orange peel, roughly thumb-sized. Hold it over your drink, colored side down, and twist it firmly so the citrus oils spray over the surface. You’ll see a fine mist, that’s what you want. Rub the peel around the rim of your glass, then either drop it in or set it on the edge.

Step 6: Now, wait a minute. Let the ice do its thing, let everything meld together. An Old Fashioned deserves a little patience. Don’t rush it.

Why Sans Bar Kings of Tartan?

Sans Bar Kings of Tartan is one of the best whiskey alternatives at Sans Drinks that consistently delivers the complexity and depth needed for classic whiskey cocktails. It doesn't try to be something it's not. It embraces those smoky, oaky, spicy notes that make whiskey what it is.

In an Old Fashioned, where there's nowhere to hide, this quality shines through. You're not masking anything or compensating for deficiencies. You're simply making a beautiful drink with a beautiful spirit alternative.

Tips for the Perfect Mocktail Old Fashioned

The Ice Matters: Invest in a large ice cube tray. The slower dilution keeps the flavors concentrated and means you can savor your drink for longer.

Quality Bitters: Angostura is the classic choice, and for good reason. Don't skimp here. The complexity of good bitters is what elevates this from good to exceptional.

Express, Don't Squeeze: When you twist the orange peel, you want to express the oils, not squeeze juice. The oils add aroma and subtle flavor; the juice would make it too sweet and citrus-forward.

Experiment with Sweetness: Start with less sugar than you think you need. You can always add more, but you can't take it away. I prefer mine on the less-sweet side to let the Sans Bar Whiskey Alternative shine.

The Right Glass: An Old Fashioned deserves a proper glass. A heavy-bottomed rocks glass feels substantial in your hand and adds to the ritual.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Vegetarian Pairings: Aged cheddar and crackers, and Roasted mushroom bruschetta

Dessert Pairings: Dark chocolate truffles and Sticky toffee pudding

Savoury Pairings: Smoked almonds and a Charcuterie board with pickles

FAQs

1. Can I make this non alcoholic cocktail recipe ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed freshly made, but you can pre-batch the Sans Bar Kings of Tartan, simple syrup, and bitters in a bottle. Store in the fridge and pour over fresh ice when ready to serve, adding the orange peel garnish at the last moment.

2. How do I adjust the sweetness to my taste?

Start with 5ml of simple syrup and taste after stirring. Add another 2–3ml if you prefer it sweeter. Remember that the bitters add complexity, not sweetness, so adjust the sugar rather than the bitters for sweetness control.

3. What if I don't have large ice cubes?

Regular ice cubes work fine, though your drink will dilute faster as they melt. Use 3–4 standard cubes and plan to drink it within 10–15 minutes for the best flavour concentration and balance.

4. Can I use a different type of bitters?

Absolutely. Angostura is traditional, but orange bitters add citrus depth, chocolate bitters bring richness, and walnut bitters create nutty complexity. Start with 2–3 dashes of any alternative bitters and adjust to taste.

5. Does this mocktail contain any alcohol from the bitters?

Standard Angostura bitters contain alcohol, though you're using only 3–4 dashes (less than 1ml total). Alcohol-free bitters are available if you want a completely alcohol-free version without compromising on flavour.

6. How long will Sans Bar Kings of Tartan last once opened?

Store it in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly sealed. It typically maintains its best flavour for 6–8 months after opening, though it remains safe to consume beyond that timeframe.