Old Fashioned – Wisconsin – Brandy, Bitters, Sugar
Discover the delightful Wisconsin Old Fashioned with brandy, bitters, and sugar, and uncover its surprising twists that elevate any gathering.

I love how the Wisconsin Old Fashioned swaps whiskey for smooth brandy, bitters, and sugar, celebrating our German heritage from the 1800s. Start by muddling a sugar cube with bitters and an orange slice in a glass, then add two ounces of brandy and ice before stirring and topping with club soda for that fizzy finish. It’s a cozy crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for gatherings, and you’ll uncover more twists and tips just ahead.
History
The Wisconsin Old Fashioned cocktail traces its origins to the classic Old Fashioned, which emerged in the mid-19th century in the United States, but gained a distinct regional twist in Wisconsin due to the state’s German immigrant heritage and its prominence as a brandy producer, leading to the substitution of brandy for whiskey.
This variation highlights Wisconsin’s cultural identity, where the drink is often muddled with fruit, soda, and sometimes bitters, symbolizing local innovation and pride in Midwestern traditions.
Regionally, it signifies a departure from the original Kentucky bourbon-based recipe, emphasizing Wisconsin’s unique flavors and social customs, and is traditionally served at gatherings like holiday celebrations, sporting events such as Green Bay Packers games, and casual bar settings, fostering community and conviviality.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of brandy: Oh, let’s start with the star of the show here, that smooth and warming brandy – you know, the kind that whispers of Wisconsin’s proud distilling traditions, making you wonder if this spirit could charm away a chilly evening all on its own.
- 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters: Now, these little dashes of bitters, they’re like the secret spice that adds a mysterious depth, almost like sneaking in a bit of herbal magic to keep things from getting too sweet – have you ever thought how just a few drops can turn a simple mix into something unforgettable?
- 1 sugar cube or 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar: Here’s where we balance it out, a single sugar cube or a quick teaspoon of the granulated stuff – or hey, if you’re feeling fancy and want to skip the fuss, simple syrup steps in like a helpful friend, because who wants to deal with undissolved grains when sweetness should just flow right in.
- 1 orange slice: Slice up that fresh orange, full of zesty brightness that muddles in to wake up your taste buds – it’s like inviting a burst of sunshine into your glass, making you pause and appreciate how one little fruit can elevate the whole vibe.
- 1 maraschino cherry: Don’t forget this little gem for garnish, that glossy cherry perched on top like a playful wink – it adds a touch of sweet nostalgia.
And sure, I might overdo it sometimes, thinking one more couldn’t hurt, but that’s just me being cheekily optimistic.
- Club soda or lemon-lime soda: Top it off with a splash of club soda for that crisp fizz, or go bold with lemon-lime for extra tang – either way, it’s the bubbly sidekick that keeps things light and invigorating, because what drink doesn’t benefit from a little effervescent surprise now and then?
- Ice: And finally, pile in the ice to chill everything down, that trusty cube companion that slowly melts and softens the edges – imagine it as the unsung hero, keeping your cocktail cool without stealing the spotlight.
Though I suppose even ice has its moments of subtle drama.
Preparation
Let’s jump into making that classic Wisconsin Old Fashioned, where a few simple steps turn everyday ingredients into something truly special – you know, the kind of drink that feels like a warm hug in a glass.
Start by gathering your tools: an old-fashioned glass, a muddler or the back of a spoon, and maybe a stirring utensil to keep things smooth.
Remember, it’s all about that balance of flavors, so take your time and enjoy the process like you’re crafting a little piece of cocktail magic.
First, place 1 sugar cube or 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar at the bottom of your old-fashioned glass, then add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters right on top – this combo is where the sweet and spicy magic begins, making you wonder how such small amounts can pack so much punch.
Next, grab 1 orange slice and muddle it gently with the sugar and bitters; press just enough to release those zesty oils without turning it into a pulpy mess, because nobody wants a drink that feels like a fruit salad gone wrong.
- Pour in 2 ounces of brandy over the muddled mixture, then add ice to fill the glass about halfway – this is your chance to let that brandy shine, mingling with the flavors while the ice keeps everything cool and invigorating.
- Stir the contents gently for about 10-15 seconds to help dissolve the sugar and blend the tastes, creating a harmonious swirl that might just make you pause and appreciate the art of mixing.
- Top it off with a splash of club soda or lemon-lime soda – say, about 1-2 ounces – for that fizzy lift, then garnish with 1 maraschino cherry on a pick or just dropped in for a pop of color.
And there you have it, a Wisconsin Old Fashioned ready to sip, with that playful mix of sweet, bitter, and bubbly notes that could brighten any gathering – imagine sharing it with friends and watching their eyes light up, all from your own handy work in the kitchen.
If you’re like me, you might fuss a bit over getting the muddle just right, but hey, a little self-deprecating fun never hurt when you’re aiming for perfection in a glass.
Tips and Variations
When it comes to tweaking that Wisconsin Old Fashioned, one handy tip is to swap out the sugar cube for simple syrup, which dissolves like a dream and keeps things from clumping up at the bottom – you know, because who wants to fish around in their drink like it’s a treasure hunt.
For variations, try experimenting with flavored bitters, say orange or cherry, to amp up the zest without overwhelming the brandy, or swap the club soda for lemon-lime soda if you’re in the mood for a bit more sparkle, making the whole thing feel like a fresh twist on an old favorite.
And hey, if your muddling turns out a tad too enthusiastic, don’t worry, even the best of us end up with a fruitier mess now and then, turning it into an accidental adventure.

Hi There! I'm Stephanie Miller: Elementary teacher from Columbus, OH sharing grandma's treasured American recipes! 50 years young, yoga enthusiast & kitchen storyteller. Welcome to my food family! 🍰❤️