EASY zero-proof Old Fashioned (all homemade, no NA spirits!)

simple syrup

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: honey

Agave syrup offers a lower glycemic index while honey is often less expensive.

orange bitters

🥗Healthier: lemon bitters

💰Cheaper: citrus zest

Lemon bitters can provide a similar citrus flavor, while zest is often more accessible.

Pour 2 cups of water into a pot.

Bring the water to a boil and cover it.

Reduce the heat to low and add 10 whole cloves, 4 cracked allspice berries, 1 cinnamon stick, and the scraped seeds and pod of 1/2 vanilla bean.

Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa nibs and 1/8 teaspoon of red chili flake to the pot.

Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, cut the heat and add the black tea bags and loose leaf tea.

Add 2 strips of orange peel to the pot.

Cover the pot and let it steep off the heat for 5 minutes.

Remove the tea bags, cinnamon stick, and orange peels, and strain the mixture to get the large bits out.

Add a pinch of salt to the strained tea mixture as it cools.

Let the tea cool down, optionally in the fridge or freezer to speed up the process.

In a mixing glass, add 2 and 1/2 oz of the cooled tea base.

Add the rich Demerara syrup to the mixing glass.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary