An easy Whiskey Old Fashioned Mocktail with subtle hint of mango and saffron.
Inspired by Indian cuisine, give a classic cocktail recipe a new twist with colorful mangos, subtle saffron, and nonalcoholic whiskey. If you have never tried a mango/saffron combination before, you are in for a treat. Old Fashioned drinkers are thought to be more traditional, but also not afraid to take a risk. I think that goes along with a Mango Saffron Old Fashioned Mocktail, too.
Whiskey Mocktail: Mango Saffron Old Fashioned
Easy Whiskey Mocktail with Indian Inspirations. This old fashioned mocktail is simple to make .
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of saffron water (4 strands of saffron bloomed in 1 tablespoon of water)
- 1.5 ounces non alcoholic whiskey
- 1 generous teaspoon of mango puree
- 3-4 dashes Non Alcoholic Orange Bitters
- Large Ice Cube
- Strand of Saffron for Garnish
Instructions
- In a rocks glass, combine the mango puree, bitters and the saffron water and stir until well combined
- Add ice cube into glass
- Pour in the non alcoholic whiskey and stir
- garnish with a safforn thread and enjoy
Is a Mango Saffron Old Fashioned Mocktail Sweet?
This non-alcoholic mocktail takes a sweet and juicy mango and muddles it with the nonalcoholic whiskey and bitters. The sweeter your mango, the sweeter the mocktail. Traditional old-fashioned do use a sugar cube to add a hint of sweetness, but you probably won’t need it in this mango recipe.
If you like this mango old-fashioned, definitely give the pineapple version a try, too.
What is the Benefit of Drinking Fun Mocktails
I love serving unique drinks for my guests (and myself). There are many reasons you might choose a nonalcoholic mocktail rather than a full cocktail. Mocktails are for young and old alike, and no one has to worry about a designated driver.
Most people choose mocktails for health or lifestyle reasons. Many people reduce calories by swapping out alcohol. You don’t need to justify your choice to anyone. If others are drinking alcohol, your mocktail will fit right in, and no one will be the wiser.
Zero proof or nonalcoholic spirits are also readily available, giving your mocktail an even more authentic flavor. It will take some experimenting to find your favorite variations, but that’s half the fun.
Tips for Mango Saffron Old Fashioned Mocktail
Ingredients
Mango and saffron are found frequently in Indian foods. If you aren’t already familiar with this combination, these tips will help you out.
Nonalcoholic Whiskey
Zero proof alcohols have come a long way in recent years. Old Fashioned cocktails are generally made with bourbon, but you can make this recipe with any nonalcoholic whiskey.
My top two choices are The Kentucky 74 and Lyre’s American Malt. Both of these brands have flavors of vanilla and caramel. The Lyre’s American Malt is slightly sweeter taste, while the Kentucky 74 has more of that familiar whiskey burn. You can find either bottle at your local markets or online retailers.
Saffron – Amazing Spice
Why is saffron so expensive? That’s usually one of the first questions I hear regarding this spice. It’s floral, sweet, and earthy flavor is prized in many Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. Due to the delicacy of the crocus sativus flower, saffron is harvested by hand. This is the primary factor on why it is one of the most valuable spices.
To get the best flavor out of one saffron thread, we add moisture. This is called “blooming”. It’s a simple way to extract the most flavor from the precious saffron threads. All you need to do for this recipe is use four saffron threads and add them to one tablespoon of water. Essentially, you are making a saffron concentrate.
If you cannot find saffron, I would recommend that you leave it out of the recipe.
Mango Purée
Mangos are truly one of the best fruits on Earth. They are juicy and colorful and sweet. You can make your own mango purée, or you can buy a pre-made version from your grocery store or online retailer.
To make it at home, just cut the mango and scrape all the flesh out. Put the flesh into a food processor and purée until it is a fine and smooth consistency. You can put it through a sieve to remove any remaining chunkiness. The key to making a great mango purée is to make sure it is very ripe. This will also add sweetness to your mocktail.
Mango pulp and mango purée are from the same fruit, but the purée is going to have a smoother consistency. I use the Real Brand Mango Purée Syrup. As mango is sweet, you will not need additional sugar.
Nonalcoholic Orange Bitters
A dash of bitters pack a punch of flavor and depth in cocktails. Think of them like salt. You need a little bit for seasoning, but if you get too much it will ruin everything.
Most bitters are alcoholic, but are used in minute amounts, so people think they are nonalcoholic. If you don’t mind the small amount of alcohol, you can use regular bitters. However, to make this nonalcoholic old-fashioned truly zero alcohol, look for orange bitters that are glycerin based, such as All the Bitter.
Garnish
Most classic recipes call for orange peel or a cherry. I opt for edible gold and saffron for a unique garnish on this mocktail recipe.
Favorite Supplies for Mango Old Fashioned Mocktails
If you are planning on serving non-alcoholic cocktails, it is worth it to investing in a few quality supplies such as:
- A variety of glasses
- Fun ice cubes and molds
- Bar spoons to stir
- Muddler to release juice and oils from fruits and herbs
Fun and your guests deserve the special treatment, and having basic supplies will enhance the ambiance.
Rocks Glass
Muddlerls, like their cocktail counterparts, are usually served in specific glasses. Traditionally, old-fashioned cocktails are served in rocks glasses, and I like to use the same for this mango saffron virgin drink.
Large Ice Cube Mold
As your ice melts, your beverage will become diluted. Using a larger ice cube in drinks will prevent it from getting watered down. A mold like this one can be used for either large globes or cubes.
How to Serve Mango Saffron Mocktails for a Party
If you are entertaining a crowd, it might be necessary to mix these mocktails in advance. Multiply this recipe by the number of servings you need. Prepare all the ingredients and mix together. I prefer using a pitcher with a flip-top lid, like this one. Store in the refrigerator. Pour into individual glasses and add the ice cube just before serving.
What to Serve with Mango Mocktails
Serve virgin mango mocktails with a variety of appetizers and entrées. You can choose sweet, savory, or spicy. Mango and saffron complement each other very well, and the appetizers you choose will bring out these flavors as well.
Mangos are naturally sweet, and can be paired with other fruits easily. Consider serving with appetizers that feature coconut, pineapple, or bananas.
If you serve spicier foods, the mango drink will have a cooling effect.
Goat cheese and cream cheese appetizers will also go nicely with this mocktail. Try this recipe for raspberry and cream croissants.
Vanilla and caramel desserts will also be a hit, and highlight more of the saffron subtlety.
Check out these foods to enjoy during Diwali for more Indian inspiration.
More Mocktails to Try
There is literally a mocktail for every occasion and every craving. Here are a few of my favorites:
And, of course, check out this list of classic mocktails that are sure to be crowd pleasers any time of year.
I love experimenting with all these fun and flavorful mocktails, let me know which one is your favorite. Is there a cocktail you want turned into a mocktail, let me know that, too, and I will get a recipe for you.
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