When you think of Wisconsin, you cannot overlook the iconic Brandy Old Fashioned, which has become a mainstay in every Supper Club Series around the state. This classic cocktail is deeply ingrained in Wisconsin’s culture like the much-loved deep-fried cheese curds and the hearty chicken booyah that locals savor.
The brandy offers a different kind of sweetness that distinguishes it from other cocktails. Whether you are looking to make this drink at home or delve into recipes handed down through generations, Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned isn’t just a beverage it’s an experience complementing cheese-laden food with a glass of fresh milk.
As someone who’s been fortunate to be inside cozy supper clubs in Wisconsin will say this drink doesn’t get taught but is a tradition epitomizing warmth and hospitality in the state.
Ingredients
- 1 cube of sugar
- 1 tsp cherry syrup
- 4-6 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 ½ oz brandy
- ice cubes
- one slice of orange fruit.
- one maraschino cherry.
- lemon-lime soda pop.
- grapefruit soda water.
- soda water.
Instructions
- Put one cube of sugar into the old-fashioned glass.
- Crush an orange slice, a cherry, and a sugar cube all together.
- Add some more bitters and crush again.
- Pour brandy into it and fill the glass with ice cubes at the same time.
- Put it on top of some soda.
Wash it your way: sweet, sour, or press.
In the crafting of a Wisconsin Old Fashioned, what you choose really changes the game. A usual recipe for brandy and a muddle of sugar can be improved upon by determining which flavors best accentuate your taste. For example, if you like it sweet and lemon-lime soda tastes good to you, then Sprite or 7Up is recommended.
Choose grapefruit or squirt for a tart drink in addition to some seltzer or club soda that will balance it out. Press style would rather finish with a 50/50 blend or drop water in there. Lastly, put some ice to chill the liquor off for that refreshing sip every time when taken. Each technique carries its own luster while contributing towards an individual’s personal rendition of the classic brandy Old Fashioned cocktail.
Garnish your brandy old-fashioned like a Wisconsinite.
Garnish is crucial in making the Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned authentic. In Wisconsin, it’s not just about the drinks; it’s about making each one a true experience. The obvious choice for a classic old-fashioned is a vibrant mix of cherries, olives, and pickled mushrooms. Elevate your home cocktail with pickled Brussels sprouts too; they add something special. This combination is common in good bars throughout the state thus you should always have these pickled delicacies on hand as part of your garnishing inventory. Start with these Wisconsinite favorites to perfect your brandy old-fashioned.
Varieties of Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned
Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned is not only a drink but a template for ingenuity. Although many people love the traditional recipe, there are some variations that can make the experience better. Add fresh lemon juice to your Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned and you will have what is called a Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned Sour which is very tangy. If you want to be adventurous, go for brandies infused with other flavors like cherry or apple resulting in an exclusive variation. For people who would rather have their drinks spicy, including cinnamon or nutmeg can bring about another dimension. These versions serve as modern updates for the classic yet still retain its roots in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Old Fashioned Brandy when paired with local food
Brandy Old Fashion is not just a drink but a perfect accompaniment for the heavy cuisine of Wisconsin. It can be served with traditional supper club dishes like juicy steak or rich and creamy cheese fondue. The sweetness of brandy compliments the saltiness of Wisconsin cheese and the savory nature of a well-cooked steak.
Alternatively, you could serve it beside fresh fish fry which is a local favorite as it helps to enhance the refreshing quality of the drink. You can experiment with other combinations to explore how Brandy Old Fashioned may improve your dining experience.
The History Behind Wisconsin’s Brandy Old Fashioned
The Brandy Old Fashioned has an intricate story that is closely related to the cultural heritage of Wisconsin. This cocktail started gaining popularity in the state from the beginning years of the 1900s when reasonably priced brandy was quite common as compared to other spirits. Local bars and supper clubs picked up on this trend, taking up the traditional method for making Old Fashioned cocktails and giving them their own unique interpretations.
Eventually, this innovation became synonymous with Wisconsin, representing a welcoming drink for visitors that was exceptional and well-liked within the state. Consequently, searching into the roots of Brandy Old Fashioned provides a glimpse at Wisconsin’s past history and present culture.
Conclusion
The Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned is a cherished tradition that captures the spirit of hospitality and cuisine of Wisconsin, and it is more than just a cocktail. It is a distinct combination of brandy, muddled fruit, and choice of soda that makes it not only taste uniquely sweet but also an indication of its historical richness as well as its supper club culture.
Whether sipped in cozy supper clubs or prepared within one’s own home, the Brandy Old Fashioned will forever be a symbol of Wisconsin’s warmth and culinary inventiveness. As such, this favorite cocktail has retained its timeless appeal while embracing change; hence it remains the staple drink for local gatherings both past and present with every sip from the glass.
FAQs
Does this mean that the brandy old-fashioned is a Wisconsin thing?
The brandy itself, rather than being made in Europe, was Wisconsinites who had settled there by the time of the early European settlement years and brought their love for it with them. Today, the Brandy Old Fashioned has become more synonymous with Wisconsin than any other place, and one must include fruit and soda when making it.
Which is the best brandy for an old-fashioned one?
Many of these cocktails are often prepared with Korbel brandy in most bars. Alternatively, you could consider a bottle of Central Standard North 40 Brandy.
Which is the best brandy for an old-fashioned one?
Many of these cocktails are often prepared with Korbel brandy in most bars. Alternatively, you could consider a bottle of Central Standard North 40 Brandy.
Why do people in Wisconsin drink so much brandy?
Brandy’s popularity in Wisconsin began when many German immigrants came to Wisconsin in the 1800s and couldn’t find any brandewijn which prompted Korbel to start distilling publicly in 1889. Some small-batch local distilleries make – or have made – also produced such sort after beverages like cognac.
Which is the most widely consumed brandy in Wisconsin?
The fact that there is a higher consumption rate of brandy in the Badger State than any other place in America may come as a surprise to many. Korbel Brandy’s sales were over 50 % accounted for by Wisconsin residents in 2019.
Is brandy whiskey?
No, whiskey is not what brandy is. It is distilled from grain while brandy comes from wine or fermented fruit. Whiskey can never be considered as Brandy, or vice versa because they are always made using different components-Grain for whiskey and fruit for brandy.
Is an Old Fashioned a ladies’ drink?
An Old Fashioned on its own is not girly at all. It isn’t too sweet and it isn’t loaded with garnish either. If you ever meet a girl who orders an Old Fashioned, you must marry her.