Few cocktails hold such a cherished place in a state’s culture as the Wisconsin Old Fashioned. While the traditional Old Fashioned is known nationwide for its simplicity and classic appeal, the Wisconsin version takes a different route. With a history rooted in supper club traditions and a flavor profile that leans more toward sweetness and sociability, this cocktail has become much more than a drink. It’s a symbol of hospitality, community, and local pride.
The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is a staple at every gathering, from family barbecues to upscale weddings. It’s more than a drink menu option; it’s an experience. For those unfamiliar with this regional twist, exploring the Wisconsin Old Fashioned is like uncovering a delicious secret handshake shared among those in the know. In this guide, we’ll explore the history, ingredients, preparation, and cultural relevance of this beloved cocktail and explain why it continues to reign supreme in Wisconsin.
A Brief History of the Wisconsin Old Fashioned
The roots of the Old Fashioned trace back to the early 1800s when bartenders began crafting simple cocktails using spirits, sugar, bitters, and water. Over time, the drink evolved, but by the late 19th century, it had taken on a more standardized form. However, Wisconsin’s spin on the Old Fashioned emerged during a pivotal moment in American history: Prohibition.
During Prohibition, many Americans turned to whatever alcohol they could get their hands on, and for Wisconsinites, that often meant brandy. Immigrants, particularly those from German and Polish backgrounds, had a cultural affinity for fruit brandies, which were more readily available and easier to produce than whiskey. After Prohibition ended, this preference didn’t fade away. Instead, it became a hallmark of the state’s cocktail identity.
The Wisconsin Old Fashioned solidified its presence in the mid-20th century, especially in supper clubs, those iconic, family-owned restaurants known for serving hearty meals and stiff drinks. Over the years, the cocktail has become a symbol of local flavor, blending traditional values with a taste uniquely suited to the state’s palate.
What Makes the Wisconsin Version Unique?
Unlike the classic Old Fashioned, which typically features bourbon or rye whiskey, a sugar cube, bitters, and a twist of citrus, the Wisconsin Old Fashioned uses brandy as its base. Korbel, a California brandy, is by far the most popular choice in the state, to the extent that Wisconsin consumes over half of the brand’s production annually.
Another key difference lies in the drink’s flavor and preparation. While traditional cocktails often lean toward the dry and bitter side, the Wisconsin Old Fashioned is unapologetically sweet. The cocktail usually starts with muddled sugar and cherries, orange slices, and aromatic bitters. After adding brandy, the drink is topped with a fizzy mixer, either sweet (like Sprite or 7UP), sour (such as Squirt), or press (a mix of soda water and lemon-lime soda). Garnishes include skewered cherries and orange wedges, offering a festive touch.
There’s also a delightful bit of personalization in ordering a Wisconsin Old Fashioned. When you ask for one, you’ll be asked, “Sweet, sour, or press?” and sometimes even “Do you want it muddled?” These choices allow the drinker to tailor the experience to their tastes, further cementing the cocktail’s local character.
The Role of Brandy and Local Flavor
Brandy’s role in the Wisconsin Old Fashioned can’t be overstated. While whiskey remains the default in most regions for Old Fashioned cocktails, Wisconsin’s allegiance to brandy is a defining feature. It all ties back to the Prohibition era and the influx of European immigrants who brought their love of brandy with them. Unlike bourbon, which tends to be smoky and strong, brandy delivers a smoother, fruitier flavor, making it ideal for a sweeter drink.
This substitution isn’t just about taste; it’s a reflection of Wisconsin’s identity. Brandy in the Wisconsin Old Fashioned represents the state’s proud blend of practicality and indulgence. It’s accessible, approachable, and infused with a touch of tradition. In many cases, local bars even stock house-made brandies or infusions that add a unique signature to the drink.
Moreover, using fresh fruit in the cocktail aligns with Wisconsin’s agricultural roots. Many bartenders and home mixologists take pride in sourcing local cherries and oranges, ensuring that every glass of the Wisconsin Old Fashioned carries a hint of homegrown charm.
The Supper Club Connection
To understand the Wisconsin Old Fashioned fully, you need to step inside a Wisconsin supper club. These establishments are part of the state’s culinary heritage, combining rustic ambiance, family-friendly atmosphere, and menus filled with prime rib, fried fish, and of course, expertly made cocktails.
At the heart of nearly every supper club experience is the Wisconsin Old Fashioned. It’s typically the first thing a patron is served upon arrival, long before the salad bar or relish tray makes an appearance. Ordering one is almost a rite of passage for new guests and a comforting ritual for regulars.
Bartenders in supper clubs treat the Old Fashioned as an art form. Some take liberties with the classic recipe, adding house-made bitters, handcrafted syrups, or seasonal fruits. Yet, even with these creative tweaks, the spirit of the drink remains the same: a sweet, balanced cocktail that welcomes you with open arms.
Supper clubs often serve the Wisconsin Old Fashioned in lowball glasses filled with ice and garnished with care. It’s not uncommon to see trays of these drinks making their way across a crowded room on a busy Friday night, each one glowing with amber warmth under the dim lights.
Making Your Own Wisconsin Old Fashioned at Home
Recreating the Wisconsin Old Fashioned at home is both a fun project and a nod to the state’s spirited traditions. To start, you’ll need a bottle of brandy, Korbel if you want to stay authentic. Then, gather sugar cubes or simple syrup, aromatic bitters, maraschino cherries, orange slices, and your mixer of choice: sweet (like Sprite), sour (Squirt), or press (a combination of club soda and lemon-lime soda).
Begin by muddling the sugar, bitters, a cherry, and an orange slice in a glass until the fruit is slightly broken down and the sugar has dissolved. Add ice, pour in a generous shot of brandy, and top with your chosen mixer. Garnish with another cherry or orange wedge, and serve with a short straw.
What sets the Wisconsin Old Fashioned apart when made at home is the freedom to experiment. Some people like theirs extra sweet, with an extra splash of soda. Others prefer a press version that tones down the sugar and lets the brandy shine through. However you craft it, the goal is comfort and connection, two things the drink has always delivered in spades.
Conclusion
The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is more than just one of the state’s most beloved cocktails. It’s a tribute to cultural heritage, immigrant influence, and local innovation. With its unmistakable sweetness, approachable flavor, and brandy-forward identity, it offers a different take on a classic drink that feels uniquely personal and undeniably Wisconsinite.
Whether you enjoy it in the cozy booth of a supper club or mix one up at home with friends, the Wisconsin Old Fashioned invites you to slow down, sip deeply, and savor the traditions that make every glass memorable. It’s a cocktail with a story, a sense of place, and a whole lot of heart, just like Wisconsin itself.