The brandy old fashioned is a classic Wisconsin cocktail popular at bars and supper clubs across the state.
Wisconsin is the top state in the country for brandy consumption, and alcohol consumption in general. Brandy is kind of Wisconsin's sultry mistress when beer is out of town, so it is no surprise that Wisconsin has perfected its own version of the brandy old fashioned.
Many would even call this classic old fashioned the unofficial state drink, popularized by German immigrants and pretty much ever Wisconsin supper club. Luckily, even if you aren't a local, there is no reason you can't make our favorite cocktail at your home bar!
What it is?
Elsewhere in the world, when you order a traditional old fashioned cocktail you will get a completely different drink. The classic Wisconsin old fashioned is uniquely ours, consisting of sweet or sour soda, brandy or whiskey, and bitters. To properly order this classic cocktail, you need to know there are four main varieties of old fashioned:
- Sour - Sour Mix, Squirt, or 50/50 (Grapefruit soda)
- Sweet - 7up or Sprite
- Press - Seltzer and Lemon Lime Soda
- Soda - Seltzer or club soda
Personally, a brandy old fashioned sour is my favorite way to make this traditional recipe. If you are craving one of the other options, such as a brandy old fashioned sweet, simply substitute Sprite for sour mix.
What you need
- Jigger - This makes it easy to measure your liquor.
- Muddler - This works the flavor of the bitters into the sugar.
- Cocktail glass - An old fashioned glass or rocks glass is perfect to use.
- Brandy - Whiskey can be substituted. Korbel brandy is most commonly used for this cocktail.
- Angostura bitters
- Soda - Lemon-lime soda or sour soda is the most common.
- Sugar cube - You could substitute simple syrup.
- Garnish - Maraschino cherry, orange wedge, or even olives and pickled Brussels sprouts are all traditional choices. A cinnamon stick would work well to add a little spice.
Note - If you like a sweeter drink, cherry juice, orange juice, or a little bit of grenadine can be added to add a fruity flavor.
How to make it
Muddle your sugar cube with a couple dashes of bitters in your cocktail glass, then fill with ice. Pour in a jigger of brandy, then top with a splash of lemon-lime soda. Garnish with cherries and an orange peel and serve.
Tip: Some people enjoy muddling garnishes such as cherry and orange with the sugar for added flavor.
Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned
Equipment
- Cocktail muddler
- Old fashioned glass
Ingredients
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes bitters
- 2 ounces Brandy
- 2 ounces Squirt
- ice
Instructions
- Place sugar cube in an old fashioned glass, add the bitters and muddle.
- Fill the glass with ice, then pour in brandy, and top with soda.
- Best garnished with an orange slice and/or maraschino cherries.
Notes
-
- Sour - Sour Mix, Squirt, or 50/50
-
- Sweet - 7up or Sprite
-
- Press - Seltzer and Lemon Lime Soda
-
- Soda - Seltzer
Nutritional Information
This recipe was originally published on FoxValleyFoodie.com on July 23, 2012.
Mary
My stepmom owned a super club and was the best bartender. She taught me to put a splash of the mixer in the glass after the muddle. It would get fizzy and melt the sugar better.
Charles
This is how we have always made them as well.
Brian
You should try muddling the cherry and orange also. Seems like that's the new thing. Another way I have had a brandy old fashioned is to substitute the sugar cube with some home made maple syrup.
Cathy
Genius idea for the maple syrup! I'll try that next time
Barbara Antosik
Very interesting. Never knew there was so many ways to make an Old Fashioned. Thanks for sharing
Jody
We always added the brandy after the mudding, then ice and the mixer, sprite, water, tonic, seltzer..