Dandelion Root Old Fashioned (with Mocktail Version)
A bittersweet riff on the Old Fashioned built on bourbon and roasted dandelion root syrup—plus a fully non-alcoholic mocktail version for everyone at the table.
Roasted dandelion root brings a deep, toasty bitterness that feels right at home in a stirred, spirit-forward cocktail. Brewed strong and turned into a syrup, it gives a classic Old Fashioned an earthy, coffee-like backbone that plays beautifully against warm bourbon.
The dandelion root syrup is the workhorse here. Simmering a strong brew with sugar concentrates the toasty notes and balances the bitterness with just enough sweetness, so it sweetens and flavors the drink in one move.
Build it like a traditional Old Fashioned—syrup, bitters, and bourbon stirred over a large ice cube—then express an orange peel over the top. The citrus oils lift the earthy dandelion and tie the whole drink together with a fragrant finish.
For a non-alcoholic mocktail version, skip the bourbon entirely. Stir the dandelion root syrup with a strong, chilled roasted dandelion root brew, a couple dashes of aromatic bitters (or a splash of cold brew for extra depth), and plenty of ice, then garnish with the same orange peel. You get all the bittersweet, toasty complexity and the full ritual—completely alcohol-free.
Ingredients
- 60 ml bourbon
- 15 ml roasted dandelion root syrup (see steps)
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Strong roasted dandelion root brew (for the syrup)
- Sugar (equal parts, for the syrup)
- Large ice cube
- Orange peel, for garnish
- For the mocktail: 90 ml chilled strong dandelion root brew + extra syrup to taste
How to make it
- 1Make the syrup: combine 1/2 cup strong roasted dandelion root brew with 1/2 cup sugar in a small saucepan and simmer, stirring, until dissolved and slightly thickened. Cool.
- 2For the cocktail, add bourbon, 15 ml dandelion root syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
- 3Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- 4Express an orange peel over the surface, then drop it in to garnish.
- 5For the mocktail, stir 90 ml chilled strong dandelion root brew with dandelion root syrup and bitters to taste over ice, then garnish with the same orange peel.
Want to learn more about Diente de león? Visit its full profile.
Back to Diente de leónYou might also like
Dandelion Root Digestive Tonic with Ginger and Citrus
A warming, caffeine-free tonic of roasted dandelion root with fresh ginger, lemon, and a touch of honey—an earthy bitter brew traditionally enjoyed after meals.
Iced Dandelion Root Cold Brew with Maple and Oat Milk
Cold-brewed roasted dandelion root over ice with maple syrup and a swirl of oat milk—a smooth, coffee-like iced refresher that's completely caffeine-free.