Brandy Old Fashioned
Wisconsin's unofficial state cocktail and a beloved supper club staple. Unlike the bourbon version, this one muddles fruit right in the glass and is typically topped with lemon-lime soda for a sweeter, more approachable drink.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy (Korbel is traditional)
- 1 sugar cube
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 slice Orange
- 1 Maraschino cherry
- 2 oz Lemon-lime soda (sweet) or water (press)
- orange slice (garnish) garnish
- cherry (garnish) garnish
- cocktail pick of mixed olives (optional, for sour version) (garnish) garnish
Pairs With
Serve with Wisconsin cheese and charcuterie, or classic supper club fare like prime rib and creamed vegetables. The muddled fruit adds sweetness that complements rich, savory dishes.
Instructions
Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass and saturate it with Angostura bitters
Add the orange slice and cherry, then muddle gently to dissolve the sugar and release fruit juices
Fill the glass with ice
Pour brandy over the ice and stir briefly
Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda and give one final gentle stir
Garnish with a fresh orange slice and cherry on a pick
Tips
In Wisconsin, you order this as "sweet" (7Up or Sprite), "sour" (sour mix and olives), or "press" (equal parts soda water and lemon-lime soda) Korbel brandy is the traditional Wisconsin choice and its smooth, slightly fruity profile is ideal for this drink Do not over-muddle the orange; you want the juice and oils, not bitter pith