Brandy Old-Fashioned

1. Gather the ingredients.

2. Place the sugar cube in the bottom of an old-fashioned glass. Saturate the cube with a splash of soda and the bitters, then add orange slices and cherries.

3. Muddle the ingredients.

4. Add the brandy and stir well.

5. Add a single, large piece of ice (such as an ice ball) and top with lemon-lime soda. Serve and enjoy.

A Wisconsin Favorite

There are many variations on the classic old-fashioned. Some are more popular than others and some, like the brandy old-fashioned, have become entrenched in the drinking habits of certain regions.

Wisconsin's affinity for this drink is one of wonder. Just how did this state come to enjoy a version of the classic cocktail that is rarely found elsewhere in the U.S.? It's a question that many people have asked and one that Dy Godsey wrote about for Edible Milwaukee. 

The answers may lie in the primarily German settlers who made Wisconsin home. With a preference for brandy over whiskey, it seems that the brandy old-fashioned was a natural fit. It is also likely due to Korbel Brandy's introduction to Wisconsinites during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.

Drink Like You're in Wisconsin

How do you drink a brandy old-fashioned like a true Wisconsinite? Korbel brandy is almost always poured in the state, so that's a good start. Some people prefer plain seltzer, though the lemon-lime sodas are a favorite.

Also, because bartenders mix up so many of these, many create a mix called "bug juice" to save time. Essentially, they're creating a ready-to-pour mixture of sugar, water, and bitters—foregoing the muddle completely.

While that's a good adaptation in a busy bar, home bartenders will find that making the brandy old-fashioned according to this recipe an easier way to go. It does not take much time at all and in a few minutes, you will have a great drink. Though everyone in Wisconsin may put their personal spin on the drink, this recipe is accepted as authentic.