Wisconsin Old Fashioned Recipe

Sep 24, 2021 · 30 Comments

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!

Why You’ll Love This Drink

Quick and easy – ready in just 5 minutes
Perfect for entertaining – simple ingredients, big flavor
Customizable – make it sweet, sour, soda or press style
Classic Wisconsin favorite – a true supper club staple
No fancy equipment needed – just a glass and muddler

How to make a Wisconsin Old Fashioned:

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.

Customizations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is:

Sweet Old Fashioned: use Sprite or 7UP
Sour Old Fashioned: use Squirt or sour mix
Press: half soda, half seltzer
Low sugar: skip the sugar cube and use less soda
Different garnish: try olives or pickled veggies (a Wisconsin twist!)

Tips for Success

Don’t skip muddling – this is where the flavor develops
Use a good-quality brandy for the best taste
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less soda
Use fresh fruit when possible for a brighter flavor
Chill your glass for an extra refreshing drink

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!?

Serving Suggestions

This cocktail pairs perfectly with simple, crowd-friendly foods:

Cheese boards or charcuterie
Brats or burgers on the grill
Friday night fish fry
Appetizers like dips, sliders, or flatbreads

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?

FAQs for Wisconsin Old Fashioned

What makes a Wisconsin Old Fashioned different? It uses brandy instead of whiskey and is topped with soda, making it lighter and more approachable.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the muddled base ahead, but add ice and soda right before serving for best results.
What brandy should I use? A smooth, affordable brandy works great – this is meant to be an easy, everyday cocktail.
Can I make a batch for a party? Yes! Muddle the fruit, sugar, and bitters in a pitcher, add brandy, and top each glass with soda when serving.
Is this a strong drink? It’s lighter than a traditional Old Fashioned because of the soda, making it perfect for sipping.

Here are some other easy entertaining recipes you might like:

Find all of my easy entertaining recipes here.