If you grew up anywhere near Wisconsin supper clubs, you already know that a Wisconsin Old Fashioned is not the same thing as a classic old fashioned.
Order one on a Friday night fish fry and you are not getting bourbon with a whisper of sugar and bitters.
You are getting a brandy old fashioned built with muddled fruit, a sugar cube, and your choice of soda. It is its own category of cocktail recipes, and once you understand the why behind it, it makes complete sense.
The use of brandy in Wisconsin has deep roots. German immigrants brought a strong brandy tradition with them, and over time Korbel Brandy became the favorite brandy in bars across the state.
The Korbel Brothers marketed heavily in the Midwest, and brandy became the standard base spirit. So when you order a Wisconsin Old Fashioned, you are almost always getting oz brandy instead of whiskey.
Let’s walk through what makes it different and how I make mine at home as a home bartender who respects tradition but still cares about drink taste and balance.
What Makes a Wisconsin Old Fashioned Different
A classic old fashioned is simple. Spirit, sugar, angostura bitters, maybe an orange peel.
A Wisconsin Old Fashioned is more layered. It usually includes:
- A sugar cube instead of simple syrup
- Dashes of bitters, typically angostura bitters
- Muddled fruit such as an orange slice and a maraschino cherry
- Brandy, most often Korbel brandy
- A choice of soda to finish
That last part matters. In Wisconsin, you order it sweet, sour, or press.
Sweet means lemon-lime soda or citrus soda.
Sour means sour mix or sometimes grapefruit soda.
Press means half club soda and half lemon-lime soda.
The choice of soda defines the drink.
The Ingredients and Why They Matter
Before we get to measurements, I want to talk through the components and why each one earns its place.
Sugar cube – This is the traditional sweetener. When you muddle it with bitters and fruit, it dissolves gradually and creates texture.
Dashes of bitters – Angostura bitters are standard. They add spice and depth and keep the drink from tasting flat.
Orange slice or orange wedge – This gets muddled. It releases juice and oils that create that signature muddled fruit character.
Maraschino cherry or cocktail cherry – Adds sweetness and color. It also contributes to the slightly nostalgic flavor profile people expect at supper clubs.
Korbel brandy – This is the backbone. The use of brandy instead of whiskey is what defines the drink. You can use another favorite brandy, but Korbel Brandy is the most traditional choice.
Choice of soda – Lemon-lime soda for sweet, sour mix or grapefruit soda for sour, or half club soda with lemon-lime soda for a press. You can also use soda water if you want something lighter. Some people even reach for diet soda.
Orange peel or orange rind – Used as garnish. Expressing the oils over the top gives a brighter finish.
How I Make It Step by Step
When I make a Wisconsin Old Fashioned, I start with an old fashioned glass or rocks glass.
No need to complicate it.
I drop a sugar cube into the glass and add a few dashes of angostura bitters directly on top.
Then I add an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. This is where muddled fruit comes into play.
Using a muddler, I gently press everything together. You want to break down the fruit and dissolve the sugar cube, but you do not want to pulverize it into pulp. A few firm presses will release juice and oils.
Next comes the brandy. I pour in the oz brandy and give it a light stir. At this point, I add ice. I like larger cubes if I have them.
Now the defining moment. I choose my soda. My favorite way is a press because I like a little sweetness without going too far.
So I top it with half club soda and half lemon-lime soda. If I want it sweeter, I go full lemon-lime soda. If I want it sharper, I use sour mix or grapefruit soda.
I give it one gentle stir to combine. Then I finish with an orange peel or orange rind and maybe another cocktail cherry for good measure.
That is it. No shaking. No straining. Just built in the glass the right way.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Drink Taste
Do not skip the sugar cube if you want the traditional experience. Simple syrup works in a pinch, but the texture changes slightly.
Be mindful of how aggressively you muddle. Over-muddled fruit can make the drink cloudy and overly pulpy.
Adjust the soda to your taste. The choice of soda is personal. Some people swear by sweet. Others prefer sour. The press version is a great middle ground.
Use good ice. Since this drink sits over ice the whole time, dilution matters.
If you are serving this with cheese curds, beer brats, brussels sprouts, or a bloody mary to start the night, the slightly sweet and citrus-forward profile makes sense. It fits the supper club vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between a Wisconsin Old Fashioned and a classic old fashioned?
A: A classic old fashioned uses whiskey and minimal ingredients. A Wisconsin Old Fashioned uses brandy, muddled fruit, and a choice of soda.
Q: Why do people in Wisconsin use brandy?
A: The use of brandy dates back to German immigrants and strong regional loyalty to Korbel Brandy and the Korbel Brothers brand.
Q: What does it mean to order it sweet, sour, or press?
A: Sweet uses lemon-lime soda or citrus soda. Sour uses sour mix or sometimes grapefruit soda. Press uses half club soda and half lemon-lime soda.
Q: Can I use simple syrup instead of a sugar cube?
A: Yes, but a sugar cube is more traditional and gives a slightly different texture.
Q: What glass should I use?
A: An old fashioned glass or rocks glass is standard.
That is how I make a perfect Wisconsin Old Fashioned at home. It may not look like the classic old fashioned you see in craft cocktail bars, but it is a regional icon for a reason. It is approachable, nostalgic, and built for long dinners at supper clubs where nobody is in a rush.
How to Make a Perfect Wisconsin Old Fashioned
Ingredients
Method
- Place sugar cube in an old fashioned glass.
- Add dashes of bitters, orange slice, and maraschino cherry.
- Muddle gently to dissolve sugar and release fruit juices.
- Add brandy and stir lightly.
- Fill glass with ice.
- Top with your choice of soda.
- Stir gently and garnish with orange peel and a cocktail cherry.