Justin’s Cocktails

Brandy & Cognac

Wisconsin Old Fashioned

Spirit-Based · 1 serving · Serve: Rocks glass (Old Fashioned glass)

brandybitterscherryorangemuddledregional

StrengthGentle Boozy
TasteSweet Dry / Sour

The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is a regional variation of the classic Old Fashioned cocktail that has become deeply embedded in the state's drinking culture. Unlike the traditional whiskey-based version, the Wisconsin Old Fashioned typically uses brandy (often Korbel) as its base spirit, a preference that dates back to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where many German-Wisconsin residents were introduced to California brandy. This version is also distinguished by its muddled fruit (orange and cherry), sugar cube soaked in bitters, and the option to finish it "sweet" (with lemon-lime soda), "sour" (with sour mix or grapefruit soda), or "press" (with half lemon-lime soda and half seltzer). The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is more than just a cocktail—it's a cultural institution found in supper clubs and taverns throughout the state.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Brandy (preferably Korbel)
  • 1 Sugar cube
  • 3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 Orange slice
  • 1 Maraschino cherry
  • Splash of water
  • Top with choice of:
  • Sweet: 7-Up or Sprite (lemon-lime soda)
  • Sour: Sour mix or Squirt (grapefruit soda)
  • Press: Half lemon-lime soda, half seltzer
  • Garnish: Additional orange slice and maraschino cherry

Directions

  1. Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass.
  2. Saturate the sugar cube with Angostura bitters.
  3. Add a splash of water.
  4. Add the orange slice and maraschino cherry to the glass.
  5. Muddle the sugar, bitters, water, orange slice, and cherry until the sugar is dissolved and the fruit is well-muddled.
  6. Add ice to the glass (traditionally a large ice cube or several smaller cubes).
  7. Pour in the brandy.
  8. Top with your choice of mixer (sweet, sour, or press).
  9. Stir gently to combine.
  10. Garnish with an additional orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Notes/Tips

The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is a highly regional cocktail that differs significantly from the classic Old Fashioned. While purists might scoff at the muddled fruit and soda, this version has a rich cultural history in Wisconsin and is beloved by locals.

For the most authentic experience, use Korbel brandy, which has been the preferred brand in Wisconsin for generations.

The "press" version (short for Presbyterian) is a popular middle ground between sweet and sour, offering a less sweet option that still maintains the character of the drink.

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