Best Whisky Mocktails
Four classic alcohol-free whisky cocktails, from a smooth Whisky Sour to a refreshing Mint Julep. Each recipe uses straightforward ingredients and an alcohol-free whisky alternative.
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Whisky mocktail recipes
Classic whisky cocktails redesigned without alcohol, using practical ingredients and straightforward methods.
Whisky Sour
A classic alcohol-free Whisky Sour with malt-style spirit, lemon, sugar syrup and optional egg white.
Ingredients
- 50ml alcohol-free malt or whisky alternative
- 30ml fresh lemon juice
- 20ml sugar syrup
- Ice cubes
- Half an egg white, optional
- Lemon zest, to garnish
Method
- Add the whisky alternative, lemon juice, sugar syrup and optional egg white to a shaker.
- Shake without ice first if using egg white.
- Add ice and shake again until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with lemon zest.
Old Fashioned
A simple alcohol-free Old Fashioned with American malt alternative, sugar syrup and aromatic bitters.
Ingredients
- 60ml alcohol-free American malt or whisky alternative
- 5ml white sugar syrup
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Cubed ice
- Orange peel, to garnish
Method
- Add the whisky alternative, sugar syrup and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.
- Express the orange peel over the drink and use it as a garnish.
Manhattan
A refined alcohol-free Manhattan combining whisky alternative, sweet vermouth alternative and bitters.
Ingredients
- 60ml alcohol-free whisky alternative
- 30ml non-alcoholic sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes aromatic or spiced cherry bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange peel and cocktail cherry, to garnish
Method
- Add the whisky alternative, vermouth alternative and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
- Garnish with orange peel and a cocktail cherry.
Mint Julep
A refreshing alcohol-free Mint Julep with whisky alternative, mint, simple syrup and crushed ice.
Ingredients
- 60ml alcohol-free whisky or bourbon alternative
- 14ml simple syrup
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
- Fresh mint sprig, to garnish
Method
- Add the mint leaves and syrup to a julep cup or rocks glass.
- Muddle gently until aromatic.
- Add the whisky alternative and fill the glass three-quarters full with crushed ice.
- Stir until the outside of the glass becomes cold, then top with more ice and garnish with mint.
How to make better whisky mocktails
A few small improvements make alcohol-free cocktails feel more balanced and grown-up.
Cold drinks taste sharper and less sweet. Fill the glass properly rather than adding only a few cubes.
Lime, grapefruit and orange help replace some of the structure that alcohol would normally provide.
Fresh mint, citrus peel and fruit improve aroma and make the finished serve feel intentional.
Choose an alcohol-free whisky
Bourbon-style, malt-style and smoky whisky alternatives behave differently in cocktails. Start with the style that best suits your chosen recipe.
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Browse cocktails →Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about alcohol-free whisky, mixers, recipes and serving.
What is a whisky mocktail?
A whisky mocktail is an alcohol-free mixed drink that uses a zero or low-alcohol whisky, bourbon or malt-style alternative.
Which alcohol-free whisky works best in mocktails?
Bourbon-style alternatives suit Old Fashioneds and Mint Juleps, while malt-style products work well in Whisky Sours and Manhattans.
Can I make a Whisky Sour without whisky?
Yes. Alcohol-free malt or whisky alternatives combine well with lemon juice, sugar syrup and optional egg white for texture.
What is the easiest whisky mocktail?
An Old Fashioned is one of the simplest because it uses only a whisky alternative, syrup, bitters, ice and orange peel.
Are whisky mocktails lower in calories?
They can be lower in calories than alcoholic versions, but syrups, vermouth alternatives and mixers still contribute calories.
Can I batch whisky mocktails for a party?
Yes. Manhattans and Old Fashioneds can be pre-mixed and chilled, while Sours are best shaken individually for the right texture.
What can I use instead of alcohol-free whisky?
Strong tea, smoked tea, ginger, vanilla, oak-inspired syrups and bitters can add depth, although the drink will not taste exactly like whisky.
Do alcohol-free whisky alternatives contain any alcohol?
Some are 0.0%, while others may contain up to 0.5% ABV. Check the label if complete avoidance is important.
Prefer a ready-made cocktail?
Explore alcohol-free cocktails and whisky-style drinks that are already mixed, canned or bottled.
