The Old Fashioned, Wisconsin in a Glass, Brandy Old Fashioned... whatever you call it, this iconic Wisconsin drink is known for its twist on what some might call a “classic Old Fashioned.” (not us though).
But do you know why the Wisconsin version is made with brandy instead of whiskey? Its roots trace back to prohibition + a large population of German immigrants in the Badger State.
The official state drink | Photo by @wollersheimdistillery
Each ingredient has a purpose + history behind its inclusion in the drink, so call us old fashioned as we jump back in time and explore the origins of the cocktail.
Wisconsin Old Fashioned Recipe
2 ounces brandy
- During the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, the Korbel brothers debuted their domestic brandy. Due to its affordability + roots in German and Polish heritage, the spirit gained popularity in Wisconsin.
1 dash 7UP, Sprite or club soda + 1 sugar cube
- Fast forward to the 1920s and the start of Prohibition . Bootlegged and black market alcohol was hardly palatable, so creative ways to make cocktails sweeter involved pop, fruit, sugar, and syrups.
2 brandied cherries + 2 orange slices
- Another sweet way to mask the shoddy alcohol of the drink.
3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Added to give a greater depth of flavor. A little bit of tartness with the sweet fruits + pop gives the drink a more complex taste.
After Prohibition ended, Wisconsinites saw no need to change their well-established drink and thus, the Brandy Old Fashioned has continued as the unofficial state drink for over a century.
Want to taste Wisconsin in a glass? Order an Old Fashioned (no need to preference Brandy) at some of our favorite bars + restaurants:
- The Old Fashioned | 23 Pinckney St.
- Cask & Ale | 212 State St.
- The Harvey House | 644 W. Washington Ave.
- Settle Down Tavern | 117 S. Pinckney St.
- State Line Distillery | 1413 Northern Ct.
- Merchant | 121 S. Pinckney St.
- Mink Mark | 1929 Winnebago St.
- The Free House Pub | 1902 Parmenter St., Middleton
- Tornado Room Steakhouse | 116 S. Hamilton St.
- Imaginary Factory | 1401 Northern Ct.
- The Robin Room | 821 E. Johnson St.
Any places we missed? Let us know so we can try it for ourselves.
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