Wisconsin Old Fashioned – Wisconsin – Brandy, Muddled Fruit

I love how the Wisconsin Old Fashioned swaps traditional whiskey for brandy, muddling oranges and cherries to create a sweeter, fruitier delight that’s rooted in 19th-century German immigrant traditions. It’s a Midwest staple, perfect for Friday fish fries or gatherings. I prepare it by muddling the fruits with sugar and bitters, then adding brandy and a soda splash over ice. You’ll uncover more twists and tips just ahead.

History

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The Wisconsin Old Fashioned cocktail traces its origins to the classic Old Fashioned, which emerged in the mid-19th century United States as a simple whiskey-based drink, but in Wisconsin, it evolved with a cultural twist influenced by German immigrants and the state’s prominent brandy production.

Regional variations, such as using brandy instead of whiskey and muddling fruits like oranges and cherries with a splash of soda, highlight Wisconsin’s preference for sweeter, fruitier flavors, symbolizing local pride and innovation in mixology.

Traditionally, it’s served at casual social gatherings, Friday night fish fries, and community events, embodying the state’s laid-back hospitality and reinforcing its status as a beloved regional staple.

Ingredients

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– Orange slice: Ah, let’s start with this fresh, juicy Orange slice – the kind that brings a zesty citrus punch to the mix, you know, making you pause and think, why does something so simple feel like a little burst of sunshine on a cloudy day?

You’ll want one for muddling, and maybe grab an extra for that garnish flair, because who says a drink can’t look as good as it tastes?

– Maraschino cherry: Oh, these sweet little gems, all glossy and tempting – picture that classic red cherry adding a playful fruitiness that teases your taste buds, almost like it’s whispering, “Wait till you see what happens next.”

Grab one or two; they’re perfect for muddling and topping off, turning your glass into a mini celebration without trying too hard.

– Sugar cube: Here’s that humble Sugar cube, the unsung hero that sneaks in just the right sweetness, you might say, because let’s face it, life’s too short for drinks that skimp on that cozy, comforting edge.

Isn’t it funny how something so small can make everything feel a tad more indulgent, like it’s in on the joke?

– Bitters: A few dashes of Bitters, that mysterious elixir that adds depth and a hint of spice, making you wonder, what magic is this stuff anyway?

It’s like the secret handshake of cocktails, balancing out the flavors with a playful kick, and if you’re like me, pondering choices, go for Angostura for that reliable, earthy twist that keeps things from getting too sweet.

– Brandy (2 ounces): Now, 2 ounces of brandy – the heart and soul of this Wisconsin twist, that smooth, warming pour that’ll have you appreciating how it transforms the ordinary into something special.

Almost like it’s saying, “Hey, let’s elevate this party.”

Choose a good Wisconsin-style brandy if you can, for that fruity nod to local pride, because who wouldn’t want a drink that feels like a warm hug in a glass?

– Soda water (a splash): Just a splash of soda water, that fizzy friend that lightens things up without stealing the show, you know, giving a gentle bubble that makes the whole thing invigorating.

Isn’t it amusing how something so basic can add that effortless sparkle, like it’s playing it cool in the background?

– Ice cubes: A handful of Ice cubes to chill everything down, because nobody wants a lukewarm sip that leaves you shrugging.

These little frozen chunks keep the drink crisp and inviting, and if you’re me, you’d chuckle at how they quietly handle the heavy lifting, making sure your Old Fashioned stays perfectly balanced without any drama.

– Additional orange slice and maraschino cherry (for garnish): Don’t forget that extra orange slice and maraschino cherry on top, turning your drink into a visual treat that says, “Look at me, I’m ready for the spotlight.”

Which, let’s be honest, adds that final touch of whimsy – after all, why not make your glass pop with a bit of color that hints at the fun inside?

– Optional: 7Up or Sprite (a splash): And if you’re in the mood for a sweeter spin, toss in a splash of 7Up or Sprite, that bubbly extra that amps up the lightness with a grin.

Because sometimes you just think, what if we made this even more delightful?

It’s like a playful aside to the recipe, perfect for those days when you want to exaggerate the fun just a little.

Preparation

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Let’s jump into making this Wisconsin Old Fashioned, where a few simple steps turn everyday ingredients into a drink that’ll have you savoring every sip.

You know, it’s one of those recipes that feels like a little adventure in your kitchen, making you wonder, what if I tweak this just right?

Start by gathering your tools—a mixing glass, a muddler, and a strainer—because nothing beats that hands-on feel when you’re building flavors from the ground up.

To get things going, follow these steps for a smooth, balanced cocktail that captures the essence of the Badger State:

1. Muddle the base flavors: Begin by muddling one orange slice, one maraschino cherry, one sugar cube, and a few dashes of bitters in a mixing glass.

This is where the fun starts, as you gently press and twist those ingredients together, releasing a zesty citrus burst from the orange and a sweet, fruity tease from the cherry.

You might find yourself chuckling at how such a simple smash can make the whole room smell like a fresh orchard, even if your muddling skills are a bit clumsy at first.

2. Add the liquids and stir: Pour in 2 ounces of brandy and a splash of soda water, then fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir everything well for about 20-30 seconds.

It’s like giving the drink a gentle wake-up call, blending that warm, fruity brandy with the fizzy lift of the soda, and you could almost imagine it whispering, “Hey, let’s keep this party going without getting too serious.”

Once you’ve stirred to your heart’s content, strain the mixture into a highball glass that’s already packed with fresh ice cubes, ensuring that cool, invigorating vibe lasts from first pour to last drop.

This final step keeps things crisp and inviting, turning your effort into a glass of pure, relaxed enjoyment—because who wouldn’t appreciate a drink that feels effortlessly put together, even if it took a minute to get there?

Tips and Variations

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When it comes to tweaking your Wisconsin Old Fashioned, you might ask yourself, what if I play around with that final strain into the glass—after all, keeping things chilly is key for that crisp kick.

For a twist, try swapping out the highball glass for a rocks glass if you’re in the mood for a cozier feel, or use crushed ice instead of cubes to amp up the chill factor and make the drink melt a little slower, which could leave you pondering how such a small change turns a simple sip into something unexpectedly smooth.

And hey, if your muddling gets a tad overenthusiastic, tossing in an extra dash of bitters might balance it out, adding a playful depth that whispers, “Let’s not take ourselves too seriously here.”