A good zero-proof drink is not a worse cocktail. It is a twin: it keeps what you love about the original, such as the ice, the bite and the ritual, and swaps only what has to change. Four classics, four twins.

Old Fashioned and its smoky twin

The classic

Whiskey, sugar, bitters, an orange peel, one big ice cube.

Zero-proof twin

60 ml (2 oz) strong smoky black tea, cooled, 10 ml (2 tsp) sugar syrup, a few drops of orange juice. Stir over one big ice cube and twist an orange peel over the top.

You keep: the smoke, the big ice cube, the slow sip. You swap: whiskey for tea.

Negroni and its bitter-orange twin

The classic

Equal parts gin, red bitter liqueur and sweet vermouth, with an orange peel.

Zero-proof twin

60 ml (2 oz) pink grapefruit juice, 30 ml (1 oz) pomegranate juice, topped with 60 ml (2 oz) tonic water. Serve over ice with an orange peel and a sprig of rosemary.

You keep: the bitterness, the ruby color, the orange peel. You swap: the spirits for juices and tonic.

Mojito and its minty twin

The classic

White rum, lime, sugar, mint, soda.

Zero-proof twin

Muddle 8 mint leaves with half a lime and 2 tsp sugar. Add ice, top with soda water, and add a splash of white grape juice for body.

You keep: the freshness, the crushed mint, the fizz. You swap: rum for a little grape juice.

Espresso Martini and its coffee-tonic twin

The classic

Vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, shaken hard.

Zero-proof twin

Pour 100 ml (3.5 oz) cold tonic water over ice, then slowly pour in 60 ml (2 oz) cold brew coffee or chilled espresso. Finish with an orange twist.

You keep: the coffee kick and the after-dinner feeling. You swap: the cream-and-spirit body for bubbles and bitterness.

Three tricks that make any twin better

  • Use a real glass and real ice. A big cube in a heavy glass instantly feels like a proper drink.
  • Add a little bitterness. Tea, grapefruit, tonic or coffee give the grown-up edge that sweet drinks lack.
  • Always garnish. A peel, a sprig or a slice is half the experience.

Recipes are starting points. Adjust sweetness and strength to taste.