The Mixology Hub
Bourbon Alternative: Mellow vanilla, caramel and a little spice
Crafted for mixing, not for drinking neat. Bring out its rich, gently spiced character with your favorite mixer, shake it into a Whiskey Sour or stir up an Old Fashioned. Here’s how to get the most from every bottle.
Same award-winning liquid, different name
You’ll find it as Bourbon Alternative in the USA and Australia, and American Malt in Europe.
Tasting notes
Rich character. Endless mixing possibilities.
Mellow caramel and vanilla layered with toasted nuts, sweet spice and charred cedary oak, finishing smooth and gently spiced. Add ice and a mixer to let those flavors unfold.
Nose
Vanilla and caramel meet rye spice and charred cedar oak.
Palate
Generous vanilla, toasted nut and baked fruit notes, rounded out with sweet spice.
Finish
Long and mellow, with lingering vanilla, oak and a gentle touch of spice.
Simple serves
Three ways to pour tonight
The Old Fashioned
Stir 2 fl oz Bourbon Alternative, 1 tsp white sugar syrup and 2 dashes of non-alcoholic aromatic bitters briefly over fresh ice. Squeeze an orange peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it in.
Full recipeThe Whiskey Sour
Shake 2 fl oz Bourbon Alternative, 1 fl oz lemon juice, 0.3 fl oz white sugar syrup, 0.5 fl oz aquafaba and 2 dashes of non-alcoholic aromatic bitters without ice. Add ice, shake again and strain over fresh ice. Finish with orange and a cherry.
Full recipe
Bourbon & Cola
Pour 1.5 fl oz Bourbon Alternative and 4 fl oz chilled premium cola into a tall glass filled with ice. Stir gently, then add a lime wedge for a bright finishing touch. Easy to make, even easier to make your own.
Full recipe
Measurements are US fluid ounces. Choose non-alcoholic bitters for these serves.
Ratio guide
Get the balance right every time
Start with these proportions, taste as you go and find your favorite balance.
Long and refreshing
1 part Bourbon Alternative to 2 parts mixer. Try cola, ginger ale or soda. Add more mixer gradually if you prefer a lighter, longer drink.
Bright and citrusy
2 parts Bourbon Alternative to 1 part lemon juice. For a sour, start with 0.3 part white sugar syrup (1:1), then adjust the sweetness to suit your citrus.
Rich and bittersweet
Equal parts Bourbon Alternative, Italian Orange and Vermouth Alternative. A starting point for a non-alcoholic Boulevardier. Stir briefly with ice and finish with orange peel.
Mixer pairings
What goes with Bourbon Alternative
- Cola: a familiar favorite that complements the vanilla and caramel. Add a lime wedge.
- Ginger ale: gentle ginger spice and a little sweetness. Finish with an orange slice.
- Ginger beer: a bolder kick for a mule-inspired serve. Pair with fresh lime.
- Soda water: a lighter, drier option that leaves room for the oak and sweet spice. Add orange peel.
- Cloudy apple juice: rounded fruit flavors that work beautifully with vanilla. Try a splash of soda and a thin apple slice.
- Lemon-lime soda: crisp citrus and a little sweetness for an easy long drink. Finish with lemon and lime.
Finishing touches
A little garnish goes a long way
Twist orange peel over an Old Fashioned to release its fragrant oils before adding it to the glass. Use a fresh lemon wedge to brighten a ginger serve, or add a cocktail cherry to a Whiskey Sour. Fill your glass with ice and stir just enough to chill: too much dilution can soften the flavors.
Party favorite · Serves 12
Lynchburg Lemonade, by the pitcher
Bright citrus, mellow vanilla and plenty of sparkle. This easy pitcher brings a refreshing twist to festive gatherings, backyard parties and everything in between.
Combine 12 fl oz Bourbon Alternative, 12 fl oz Orange Sec and 12 fl oz fresh lemon juice in a large pitcher and chill. Just before serving, gently stir in 36 fl oz chilled lemon-lime soda. Divide between 12 ice-filled glasses and garnish with lemon wedges and lime wheels.
Hosting tip: use a pitcher that holds at least 3 US quarts, or split between two pitchers. Keep the ice in the glasses so the batch stays flavorful.
Love Bourbon Alternative?
Meet your next favorite
Build on those mellow, gently spiced flavors with three bottles that open up your next round of cocktails.
Coffee Liqueur Alternative
Take your Old Fashioned in a richer direction. Its roasted coffee character pairs with Bourbon Alternative’s vanilla and oak for a Coffee Old Fashioned with an orange twist.
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Vermouth Alternative
Add depth to your cocktail repertoire. Pair its aromatic, bittersweet character with Bourbon Alternative for a Manhattan-style serve, or add Italian Orange to explore a Boulevardier.
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Orange Sec
Bring a bright citrus lift to your next pour. Mix with Bourbon Alternative, fresh lemon and lemon-lime soda for a Lynchburg Lemonade, or keep it on hand for your next Margarita.
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