Substitutes:

• Whiskey: If I'm out of whiskey, I’ve found that dark rum turned out to be an interesting alternative.
• Lemon Juice: I've used store-bought lemon juice in a pinch, but nothing beats freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Simple Syrup: If you're out of simple syrup, you can dissolve some sugar in warm water to make your own. A ratio of 1:1 sugar to water usually works well.
• Red Wine: I've used port wine for a richer, sweeter float. The color is stunning, and the flavor adds a unique twist.

Making a Pitcher:

• Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of whiskey, 6 oz of fresh lemon juice, 4 oz of simple syrup, and 4 oz of red wine.
• Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well with ice cubes.
• Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, float the red wine, garnish with a lemon wheel or twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

• Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative available on the market.
• Red Wine Substitute: Use non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice for the wine float.
• Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

• Simple Syrup: Ensure that the sugar you're using to make the simple syrup is vegan. Some white sugars are processed with bone char.
• Red Wine: Make sure to use a vegan red wine. Some wines use animal-based fining agents.