In today’s post we’re taking a classic cocktail, The ‘Old Fashioned’ and are putting a Wisconsin twist on it to create one delicious cocktail known as a classic Wisconsin Old Fashioned.
If you get to searching, there are many many different ways to make an Old Fashioned. But, in Wisconsin, this recipe is often considered a classic. Plus, it’s the one I happen to like best!
Plus, it’s super easy to make with these easy steps:
- Start by muddling a cherry, sugar cube, orange slices and bitters
- Add brandy and ice.
- Top with a splash of 50/50 or Squirt soda
Take a quick peak below to see how we do it:
I mentioned that there are a number of ways to make an old fashioned, but I would say these four are the most common:
- ‘Sour’ – Made with Sour Mix, Squirt or 50/50
- ‘Sweet’ – Made with 7UP or Sprite
- ‘Press’ – Made with Seltzer and a Lemon/Lime
- ‘Soda’ – Made with Seltzer
If you’re really curious to learn more, check out this article on Jeffrey Morgenthaler .
What ingredients do I need to make a Wisconsin old fashioned?
- Sugar
- Cherry
- Oranges
- Bitters
- Brandy
- 50-50 or Squirt
One of the most important steps is the very first one – muddling. You really want to make sure you press the cherries and oranges enough to release their tasty juices! They blend together wonderfully with the sugar and create the perfect start to this Wisconsin old fashioned recipe.
Once you’ve created the perfect cocktail, it’s time to top it off with a beautiful garnish. I mean, how beautiful do these cocktails look!?
And, if you just can’t quite get enough with all of the variations of the old fashioned, there is one more must-try variation to try: 5 ingredient apple cider old fashioned.
So, next time (or for your first time) how will you order your Old Fashioned?
Wisconsin Old Fashioned Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz. Brandy or about one shot
- 1 tsp. Sugar
- 1 Orange Slice
- 2 Cherries and their juices
- Dash of bitters 1 dropper full - 10 drops
- Top the glass off with 50/50 or Squirt Soda
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- In a cocktail glass muddle sugar, orange slice, cherries and bitters, add shot of brandy and stir.
- Add ice to fill the glass, then top it off with 50/50 or Squirt Soda and enjoy!
kosta consulting says
wow so pretty!!
Sweetphi says
So glad you like it! Thank you for commenting.
Ruth says
This is excellent. Growing up in WI I find I miss these drinks now that I havent lived there fir years. I am in FL now. When I ordered one a long time ago a bartender laughed at me and said there was no such thing as a brandy old fashioned sour. I can make you an old fashioned, but I can’t sour it.
I told him off but unfortunately at the time I didn’t know how to make one so I settled for a soft drink.
Sweetphi says
I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe, thank you for sharing that story!! My husband said he also didn’t know it was a WI thing until he tried to order one out of state and they didn’t know what it was (haha). Now we make these for friends all the time, they’re so good!!
Mary A Berray says
One sugar cube crushed in 3 drops of bitters, then add a jigger of Brady (a good brand). Add 1/2 teaspoon of cherry syrup or juice. Finish with some ice cubes, 50/50 and c couple of green olives with pimento. This the way I made it since the late 1960’s. Still love them today
Sweetphi says
Thank you for sharing Mary 🙂
Sue says
Phi – A good Wisconsin girl! Yeah! I grew up in Wisconsin and haven’t lived there for many years (too many to mention). I still visit family and friends occasionally. There are no Brandy Old Fashioneds anywhere in the Universe like in Wisconsin. My alma mater was UW-Madison, so I drank my share. Just last weekend, I asked my son to make me one and although he had a recipe, he just didn’t do it justice (which is what brings me to your site). I will be putting your recipe to good use tonight and really looking forward to it. Go Badgers!!!!!!!
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much for your sweet comment Sue!! So glad you found my site, my husband went to UW-Madison and made me fall in love with Old Fashioneds, and you’re so right they don’t do them justice in other places around the world.
Raymond says
I am going to try your recipe this weekend during the Packer game (hope it’s good).
I have been drinking Old Fashions since the 60’S. I left WI for 27 years and know am back home, while in CA. I could not find anyone who could make an old fashion. Back in the 60’s they did not destroy the cherry (muddled). I hate the cherry muddled. But Wisconsin and Ill seem to be the only states that know how to make a good brandy old fashion.
Sweetphi says
I think you’ll love this recipe, my husband makes it all the time 🙂
Victoria says
Yum! This looks amazing.
xoxo,
Victoria
Sweetphi says
Thanks for the sweet comment, I just had my husband make me one of these bad boys last night 🙂
Karis says
I really like Bittercube’s bitters. I picked up two the last time I was in Wisconsin but haven’t tried their orange one yet. p.s. I second Erin’s recommendation. The Old Fashioned in Madison is great, especially their cheese curds!
Sweetphi says
Anything involving cheese curds…sign me up! lol! Since Madison is only a little over an hour away, I’m definitely going to need to check out this restaurant!
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
Whoa whoa!!!!!!!!!!! This cocktail is calling my name!!!!!!!! Loving the flavors here!!!!! *-* Perfect for the scorching summer heat here!
Sweetphi says
You’re so right Samina, this is PERFECT for the summer heat! Thanks for commenting girl!
Ashley says
Some awesome hand modeling there : ) And this drink sounds fantastic – I don’t make cocktails nearly enough!
Sweetphi says
I totally agree, I don’t make cocktails nearly enough! I think I’m also going to tell the hubby he has a new job calling lol
cheri says
What a beautiful little drink Phi, sounds delicious, had no ides there were so many different ways to fix this drink, By the way received the envelope. Thank you very much!
Sweetphi says
I know, it’s it crazy how many different ways there are to make the Old Fashioned? Before looking into it I had no idea!And yay, glad you received it!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
Yes yes yes YES!!!! This cocktail was instrumental in helping me adjust to (and fall for) life in WI. Love seeing it shared here! (PS. Ben and my favorite restaurant is called “The Old Fashioned” too. Further proof that we are going to be friends 😉 )
Sweetphi says
This drink totally had the same effect on me girl! That is super cool that your guys’ favorite restaurant is called ‘the Old Fashioned’ let the friendship begin- although I feel it already has begun 🙂