Cascara Old Fashioned (Mocktail)

The Cascara Old Fashioned is an innovative mocktail that captures the essence of the timeless whiskey cocktail without the alcohol. It uses a rich, concentrated syrup made from cascara—the dried skins of coffee cherries—to provide a complex base with notes of raisin, hibiscus, and stone fruit. Combined with aromatic bitters and an orange peel garnish, it delivers a layered, mature flavor profile that is both intriguing and deeply satisfying for any palate.
Cascara Old Fashioned (Mocktail)

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is primarily classified as a modern mocktail, as it's an alcohol-free creation designed to mimic the complexity of a classic cocktail. It also falls into the category of a coffee drink, since its main ingredient, cascara, is the dried fruit of the coffee cherry. This places it at the intersection of third-wave coffee culture and the craft mocktail movement.

Serving

Served cold in an Old Fashioned (or rocks) glass over a large ice cube to minimize dilution, this is a short, spirit-free drink designed for slow sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 100-120 ml / 3.5-4 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This drink is a contemporary invention, emerging from the convergence of specialty coffee culture and the rise of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages in the 2010s. Baristas and mixologists began experimenting with byproducts of coffee processing, like cascara, to reduce waste and explore new flavors. The Cascara Old Fashioned was born from this spirit of innovation, offering a complex, adult-oriented mocktail that highlights the unique, fruity character of the coffee cherry itself.
Origin
The specific origin is not credited to a single individual but evolved within the North American and European specialty coffee and craft cocktail scenes around the 2010s. It represents a modern approach to mixology, focusing on unique, high-quality ingredients and sustainable practices.

Cascara Old Fashioned (Mocktail)

This drink is most commonly known as the Cascara Old Fashioned Mocktail. Alternative names like "Non-Alcoholic" or "Virgin" simply clarify its alcohol-free nature for those unfamiliar with cascara-based drinks. The name directly reflects its inspiration, the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, substituting whiskey with a rich cascara syrup.
Original name
Cascara Old Fashioned (Mocktail)
Alternative names
  • Non-Alcoholic Cascara Old Fashioned
  • Virgin Cascara Old Fashioned
  • Cascara Faux Fashioned

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a complex profile with fruity, tea-like flavors balanced by a gentle bitterness from the bitters and a bright citrus aroma from the orange peel. Its silky texture and deep amber color make for an elegant, all-season sipping experience.
Flavor
Fruity, tea-like, sweet, slightly bitter, spiced, cherry, raisin
Aroma
Orange zest, hibiscus, dried fruit, subtle spice
Taste balance
Sweet, bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, lingering sweet fruitiness, hint of orange oil
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Deep amber, reddish-brown, clear
Texture
Silky, slightly viscous, smooth
Seasonality
All-season, refreshing yet warming

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, led by a distinct fruitiness and sweetness from the cascara syrup, balanced by a noticeable bitterness. It is completely non-alcoholic and still, with a very subtle spiciness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core of this drink is a homemade cascara syrup, made from the dried fruit of the coffee plant. This is accented with a few dashes of non-alcoholic aromatic bitters to provide complexity and balance.
  • Cascara Syrup60 ml / 2 oz
    To make: Combine 50g dried cascara, 500g water, and 250g sugar in a pot. Bring to a simmer, then steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain out the cascara and let the syrup cool. Store in the refrigerator.
  • Non-Alcoholic Aromatic Bitters2-3 dashes
    Use a brand like All The Bitter or similar zero-proof bitters to ensure the drink is completely alcohol-free.
  • Still Water15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)
    Optional, used to slightly dilute the rich syrup. Can be omitted for a stronger flavor.

Ice type

  • Large Ice Cube or Sphere

Mixing equipments

You will need standard bar tools for a stirred drink: a mixing glass, a bar spoon, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer to serve.
  • Mixing Glass for stirring the ingredients with ice
  • Bar Spoon for stirring
  • Jigger or Measuring Cup for accurate measurements
  • Strainer for holding back the mixing ice

Instructions

This drink is built by stirring the cascara syrup and bitters with ice in a mixing glass to chill and dilute, then straining it into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnishing with an expressed orange peel.
1. Combine the cascara syrup, non-alcoholic bitters, and still water (if using) in a mixing glass.
2. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with regular ice cubes.
3. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until the outside of the glass is well-chilled.
4. Place one large ice cube or sphere into an Old Fashioned glass.
5. Strain the chilled mixture from the mixing glass over the large ice cube.
6. Take a fresh swath of orange peel, bend it over the drink's surface to express the citrus oils, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple but essential garnish of an expressed orange peel adds bright citrus oils to the aroma, complementing the fruity cascara notes perfectly.
  • Orange Peel: Express the oils from a fresh orange peel over the drink's surface and then drop it into the glass.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and gluten-free. Note that it contains a small amount of caffeine from the cascara, typically less than a cup of black tea.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The drink's calories, carbohydrates, and sugar come almost entirely from the cascara syrup. It is relatively low in calories compared to alcoholic cocktails but does contain a moderate amount of sugar.
Calories
averagely 80-100 kcal / 335-418 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 20-25 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an excellent choice for sophisticated social gatherings where a non-alcoholic option with complexity is desired. It serves beautifully as an after-dinner drink or a relaxing evening sipper, perfect for anyone exploring sober curiosity or simply wanting a mature-tasting mocktail.
  • After-dinner Drink
  • Sober Curious Gatherings
  • Sophisticated Lounging
  • Celebratory Toast

Pairing suggestions

The fruity and sweet notes of the Cascara Old Fashioned pair wonderfully with the bitterness of dark chocolate or the richness of shortbread cookies. It can also complement a cheese board, particularly one featuring aged cheeses and dried fruits, making it a versatile after-dinner companion.
  • Dark Chocolate
  • A mild cheese board with dried fruits and nuts
  • Shortbread or butter cookies
  • Biscotti

The Innovative Sip: A Guide to the Cascara Old Fashioned Mocktail

The Cascara Old Fashioned Mocktail is a testament to the creativity within modern non-alcoholic mixology. By utilizing cascara, the often-discarded fruit of the coffee plant, it creates a beverage that is both sustainable and uniquely delicious. Its profile is reminiscent of a classic Old Fashioned but with a distinct fruity, tea-like character that stands on its own. It's the perfect choice for anyone seeking a complex, satisfying, and entirely spirit-free sipping experience that doesn't compromise on flavor or sophistication.

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