Name: Wisconsin Old Fashioned
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 oz brandy; Orange slice and maraschino cherry (for garnish); 1 sugar cube; 3 dashes of Angostura bitters; 2 cherries soaked in brandy; 2 orange slices; Additional cherries and orange slices to garnish

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The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is a beverage that has won the hearts of many people, including mine, and I would like to introduce you to it today. This beverage is not just any cocktail; rather, it is a reimagining of the traditional Old Fashioned, with a singular combination of ingredients that exemplifies the spirit of Wisconsin in a way that is truly remarkable. This beverage is certain to make an indelible mark on your palate, regardless of whether you are a connoisseur of cocktails or someone who is interested in trying out new flavors.

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Tasting Notes

Differentiating itself from its traditional counterpart, the Wisconsin Old Fashioned is a fruity combination of sweetness and bitterness. A sprinkling of bitters and muddled fruit exquisitely complement the warm, opulent flavor of the primary ingredient, brandy. A balanced beverage that is simultaneously invigorating and intricate, the soda imparts a delicate flavor.

Equipment and Glassware

In place of whiskey, a Wisconsin Old Fashioned calls for brandy, and instead of the standard orange slice and cherry, it often has a distinctive garnish of olives or mushrooms. Here’s what you need to make this local favorite:

Old-fashioned Glass or Rocks Glass
Muddler
Measuring Jigger
Bar Spoon
Ice Maker or Ice Tray
Fruit Knife and Cutting Board (Optional)

Ingredients

2 oz. brandy
Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
1 sugar cube
3 dashes of Angostura bitters
2 cherries soaked in brandy
2 orange slices
Additional cherries and orange slices to garnish

Instructions

Put the sugar cube along with the Angostura bitters, cherries soaked in brandy and orange slices into a lowball short glass
Muddle those ingredients together
Top the glass with ice
Add the brandy and top off the drink with lemon and lime soda
Stir to combine
Garnish the glass with cherries and an orange slice

Pro Tips

Choose a locally produced brandy for an authentic Wisconsin experience. It imparts a distinctive flavor that completely transforms the dish.
Make the sweetness to your liking by experimenting with various types of soda or by adjusting the quantity of soda.
Make the most of the muddling phase! Achieving the complete flavor profile of this cocktail requires meticulously blending the citrus and sugar.

When to Serve

Exceptionally versatile, the Wisconsin Old Fashioned is appropriate for any occasion. It is an excellent option for an intimate evening spent indoors, a joyous occasion, or even as a refined supplement to a dinner gathering. Although its warmth and complexity make it particularly suitable for the winter months, it is, in all honesty, a winner throughout the year.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Korbel or E&J are two brandies that are excellent options for a Wisconsin Old Fashioned, despite the fact that there is a far wider selection of brandies available. These brands are considered to be among the favorites of bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike due to the fact that they offer the smooth and rich flavor that is characteristic of this beverage.

Similar Cocktails

Classic Old Fashioned: A timeless cocktail blending whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water, garnished with an orange slice or cherry for a smooth finish.
Brandy Alexander: A luxurious dessert cocktail made with brandy, dark crème de cacao, and cream, dusted with grated nutmeg for a sweet, rich taste.
Manhattan: A sophisticated mix of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, often garnished with a cherry, offering a balanced, aromatic experience.
Sazerac: An iconic New Orleans cocktail featuring rye whiskey or cognac, absinthe, a sugar cube, and Peychaud’s bitters for a complex, herbal flavor.
Sidecar: A classic cocktail with a tangy and sweet balance, made from brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, served in a sugar-rimmed glass for an elegant touch.

History

It was in the early 20th century that brandy became popular in Wisconsin as a result of its availability after both World Wars. This is where the Wisconsin Old Fashioned got its start. Throughout the years, residents of Wisconsin have infused the traditional Old Fashioned with their own unique spin by replacing whiskey with brandy and adding muddled fruit and soda to the drink. The Wisconsin Old Fashioned has become a much-loved local custom as a result of this alteration, which not only paid homage to the original drink but also represented the state’s penchant for brandy.