Wisconsin Old Fashioned

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More than just a cocktail, the Wisconsin Old Fashioned is a true classic drink that celebrates the state's culture with a unique twist on the traditional recipe. While a standard Old Fashioned is made with whiskey, Wisconsin uses brandy, creating a sweeter, fruitier version that's beloved across the state. Perfect for enjoying at home, it can be served sweet, sour, or pressed, bringing a playful twist on the timeless cocktail.

A hand holding a cocktail in a crystal glass filled with ice, garnished with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

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The drink starts with fresh orange slices and cherries, muddled with sugar and bitters to form its signature base. Then, smooth Korbel brandy is added to the mix before finishing it off with a splash of soda and custom garnishes. The result is a refreshing, flavorful drink that's as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Love classic drinks you can make at home? You may also enjoy our Spiked Hot Chocolate or Rum and White Chocolate Hot Cocoa -perfect for colder weather and holiday gatherings.

What makes a Wisconsin Old Fashioned different from a classic Old Fashioned?

A classic Old Fashioned is made with whiskey, sugar, and bitters, gently muddled and served without soda for a spirit-forward cocktail. A Wisconsin Old Fashioned typically uses brandy instead of whiskey and is finished with a splash of sweet or sour soda.

While many versions include muddled oranges and cherries, some Wisconsin Old Fashioneds are made with homemade or premade mixes, making them lighter, fruitier, and distinctly Midwestern.

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What makes a Wisconsin Old Fashioned different from a classic Old Fashioned?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Substitutions & Variations
How to Make a Wisconsin Old Fashioned
Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Storage Instructions
More Classic Wisconsin Drink Recipes You'll Love
Did you try this recipe?
Wisconsin Old Fashioned

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Uniquely Wisconsin: Made with brandy and finished with fresh garnishes, the Wisconsin Old Fashioned is a sweet, fruit-forward twist on the classic cocktail. Its distinctive flavor sets it apart from the standard recipe, making it a must-try for any cocktail lover.
Easily customizable: Sweet, sour, or pressed, this cocktail can be tailored to individual preferences, making it a great option for anyone.
Classic cocktail made at home: Enjoy this beloved Wisconsin cocktail right in your own home and bring a taste of tradition to any gathering.
Perfect for every season: While the Wisconsin Old Fashioned is great year-round, it pairs beautifully with winter warmers too - like my recipe for Hot Buttered Rum when you want something extra cozy.

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients below to make this Brandy Old Fashioned sweet!

Korbel brandy, lemon-lime soda, Angostura bitters, orange slices, maraschino cherries, and sugar arranged on a marble surface.

Sugar: Balances the bitters and citrus in the cocktail while adding natural sweetness.
Angostura bitters: A few dashes of bitters are the key to this drink, providing the perfect blend of warmth and spice to the cocktail.
Korbel brandy: A true Wisconsin staple, Korbel is the traditional and most popular choice for this state cocktail.
Topper: Use one splash of lemon lime soda for a sweet version, or make a sour mix with grapefruit soda. Each option gives the cocktail a distinct taste and personality.
Garnish with orange slice and cherry: Don't skip this step! The garnish adds the perfect finishing touch of flavor and visual appeal that makes a Wisconsin Old fashioned feel complete.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions & Variations

Spirit swaps: Brandy is traditional, but whiskey or bourbon can be used as an alternative for a more classic, spirit-forward Old Fashioned flavor while keeping the same preparation method.
More garnish options: In addition to the classic orange slice and cherry, cocktail olives, pickled mushrooms, or even Brussels sprouts can be used for a savory twist that many Wisconsinites love.
Press style topper: If you want a more balanced taste, use half lemon-lime soda and half seltzer water or club soda to create a "press" topper. This method highlights the flavors of the cocktail without overpowering it with extra sweetness or soda flavor.
Sugar swap: While traditional Wisconsin Old Fashioned use sugar, simple syrup, agave syrup, or honey can be substituted for easier mixing and less muddling.
Bitters variations: Angostura is the classic choice, but you can easily swap it for orange, cherry, or any other flavored bitters to customize the drink further.

How to Make a Wisconsin Old Fashioned

Once you've gathered all your ingredients, follow the steps below to make this Brandy Old Fashioned.

Two cocktail glasses on a wooden board with orange slices, cherries, brandy, and bitters nearby.

Step 1: In an old fashioned glass, muddle orange slices, cherries, and sugar.

Angostura bitters being poured into an Old Fashioned glass with ice, with brandy and lemon-lime soda in the background.

Step 2: Add 2-3 dashes of bitters.

Brandy being poured into an ice-filled Old Fashioned glass during cocktail preparation.

Step 3: Fill glass with ice and add brandy.

A Wisconsin Old Fashioned cocktail with brandy and soda bottles behind the glass.

Step 4: Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish.

Wisconsin Old Fashioned cocktail showing ice cubes, orange slice, cherry, and layered brandy color.

Helpful Tips

Use a sturdy glass: A classic double Old Fashioned glass works best, especially if you're muddling fruit directly in the glass.
No muddler? No problem: If you don't have a cocktail muddler, use a blunt kitchen tool like the end of a wooden spoon instead.
Choose quality brandy: Korbel is the traditional Wisconsin choice, but any smooth brandy you enjoy will work.
Adjust sweetness to taste: Start with a light splash of soda or mixer and add more as needed-you can always add, but you can't take it out.
Use large ice cubes: Bigger cubes melt more slowly, keeping the drink cold without watering it down too quickly.

Two Wisconsin Old Fashioned cocktails garnished with orange slices and cherries on a light countertop.

Recipe FAQs

Why does a Wisconsin Old Fashioned use brandy instead of whiskey?

Brandy became the traditional spirit in Wisconsin due to strong German and Eastern European influences, where brandy was widely enjoyed. Over time, it became the standard for Old Fashioneds across the state. That said, whiskey is still a popular alternative-and it's a great option if you prefer a more classic, spirit-forward flavor.

What is muddling?

Muddling is the process of lightly mashing fruit to release their juices and flavors. The key is to press down the fruits gently, and not over-muddle or crush the fruit too much.

Is there a specific order for muddling ingredients?

There isn't one specific order to muddle ingredients in, but starting with the sugar and bitters helps the sugar dissolve easier. Then, add the orange and cherries afterwards and muddle again to release the fruit flavors.

What does "sweet," "sour," or "press" mean?

Sweet uses lemon-lime soda, sour uses sour mix or grapefruit soda, and press is a mix of soda and seltzer for a lighter taste.

What are bitters, and why are they used in an Old Fashioned?

Bitters are concentrated flavor extracts made from herbs, spices, roots, and citrus peels. In an Old Fashioned, they add depth and balance, enhancing the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the spirit without making the drink overly sweet. Just a few dashes make a big difference.

A freshly made Wisconsin Old Fashioned in a cut-glass tumbler with ice, orange slice, and maraschino cherry garnish.

Storage Instructions

Wisconsin Old Fashioneds are best served fresh! If you want to make a large batch ahead of time, you can mix and muddle the ingredients in advance and then add the soda when you're ready to serve.

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