She Strengthens

The Birth of a Tradition: Wisconsin’s Brandy Old Fashioned

In the heart of the Midwest, a peculiar phenomenon has taken root. In Wisconsin, the quintessential Old Fashioned cocktail is crafted with brandy, not whiskey. This deviation from the norm has its roots in the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where California’s Korbel company introduced brandy to the masses.

A Family Affair

My grandmother, Marge, was particularly fond of her brandy Old Fashioned, often garnished with those sugary, fluorescent red maraschino cherries that bring back memories of my childhood. For an authentic Wisconsin experience, feel free to indulge in these sweet treats. However, for a more refined approach, consider substituting them with homemade brandied cherries.

Customizing Your Cocktail

To take your brandy Old Fashioned to the next level, experiment with various toppings. You can opt for a classic finish with plain soda, or try something new with lemon-lime soda for a “sweet” twist, sour mix for a tangy “sour” flavor, or a combination of pop and soda water for a refreshing “press.”

The Recipe

Yield: 1 drink
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: Under 5 minutes
Active Time: Under 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 sugar cube
• Several dashes of angostura bitters
• Soda water
• 1 (1/2-inch-thick) orange slice
• 2 to 3 Citrus Brandied Cocktail Cherries or Maraschino Cherries
• Ice
• 2 ounces brandy

Instructions:

1. Begin by placing the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and splashing it with angostura bitters.
2. Add a dash of soda water to dissolve the sugar, followed by the orange slice and 1 cherry.
3. Gently muddle the mixture to crush the fruit without pulverizing it.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes and pour in the brandy.
5. Top off with soda and garnish with another cherry or two.

With these simple steps, you’ll be sipping on a true Wisconsin classic in no time!