Wisconsin Old Fashioned (2024)

Here’s how to make the Wisconsin Old Fashioned! This state’s variation on the classic co*cktail is made with brandy and has some unique twists.

Here’s a drink that’s a quirky spin on a classic: the Wisconsin Old Fashioned! Leave it to Wisconsinites to make their own spin on the Old Fashioned: so popular that it became the State drink. Order it in a bar and it comes with lots of variations: Sweet, Sour, Press and Soda. When it comes to the garnishes…well, those are a little funky too (pickled Brussels sprouts?). Here we’ll break down exactly how to make this unique brandy Old Fashioned and how to order it in a bar so you feel like a true Wisconsinite!

What’s a Wisconsin Old Fashioned?

The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is the state’s variation on the classic Old Fashioned co*cktail, with brandy and lemon lime soda. The typical Old Fashioned recipe uses bourbon mixed with a muddled sugar cube and bitters. So where did the brandy Old Fashioned come from?

Here’s the theory! (Per Jerry Minnich, at least.) A company of brothers debuted their Korbel brandy at the World’s Fair in 1893 in Chicago, which lots of Wisconsinites attended. A large percentage of Wisconsin at the time was German, and Germans preferred brandy over bourbon. Korbel brandy become a hit, and birthed this state’s funky variation on the classic co*cktail. To this day, the drink is often served with Korbel brandy! The ingredients in a Wisconsin Old Fashioned are:

• Brandy
• 1 sugar cube
• Angostura bitters
• Lemon lime soda, grapefruit soda or soda water (see below)

Ways to order a brandy Old Fashioned: Sweet, Sour, Press and Soda

Here’s the fun part about a Wisconsin Old Fashioned: there are 4 different ways to order it! These variations on the “topper” to top off the glass give it different flavors. Pick the one that fits your taste! When you order a brandy Old Fashioned in Wisconsin, you can use these terms to sound like you’re a local. Here’s the decoder key:

• Sweet: Lemon lime soda (like 7 Up or Sprite). This is the default option at bars.
• Sour: Sour mix or grapefruit soda (like Squirt).
• Press: 50/50 lemon lime soda and soda water (club soda)
• Soda: Soda water

These topping options take the Wisconsin Old Fashioned into a whole different category from the standard. Where a classic Old Fashioned is spirit-forward, the brandy version waters down the liquor and adds some nuanced flavors. It’s a unique variation that we almost prefer to the standard. And then there’s the garnishes…

How to garnish a Wisconsin Old Fashioned

The garnishes for a Wisconsin Old Fashioned range from standard to downright intriguing! Here’s a little breakdown:

• Orange slice
• co*cktail cherry
• Olives
• Pickled mushrooms
• Pickled Brussels sprouts

Yes, it’s a thing! Many Wisconsin bars stock pickled Brussels sprouts just for this drink. Here at A Couple Cooks we love regional food traditions, and this one takes the cake. (Let us know if you prefer your drink this way!)

When to serve a brandy Old Fashioned

The Wisconsin Old Fashioned with brandy is a unique spin on the classic! It’s a fun regional drink to pull out as a:

• Happy hour drink
• Dinner party drink
• Late night drinks drink
• Girls or guys night drink
• co*cktail hour drink

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More drinks with brandy

Love brandy or Cognac? Here are a few brandy co*cktails to use up the bottle:

• Classic Sidecar co*cktail Here’s how to make one of the best classic co*cktails of all time: the Sidecar! This sour is the perfect balance of Cognac, Cointreau and lemon.
• Red Sangria or White Sangria Fruity sangria is made with brandy! Here’s how to make it, the Spanish way.
• Vieux Carre The Vieux Carre co*cktail is a 1930’s classic from New Orleans! It’s strong and sippable, featuring rye whiskey, Cognac and vermouth.
• Milk Punch This tasty brandy co*cktail is made with milk and sugar! It’s cold and creamy, and works for brunch or evening.
• Between the Sheets co*cktail A rum spin on the classic Sidecar! Starring Cognac and orange liqueur, it’s bright, citrusy, and sassy.