I Love This Brandy Old Fashioned Recipe With An Orange Twist

A brandy old fashioned is a smooth, fruit-forward twist on the classic cocktail, and it holds a special place in Midwestern hearts, especially up in Wisconsin.

I still remember the first time I had one. It was at a supper club up north, the kind with wood paneling on the walls, relish trays on the table, and a bartender who’d been muddling oranges since the Reagan years. I asked for an old fashioned and was surprised when it came with brandy instead of whiskey, topped with a splash of 7Up and garnished like a fruit salad.

But it was a pleasant surprise. That drink was pure comfort.

Since then, I’ve been making my own version at home with a Southern-inspired twist: a spiced orange syrup that replaces the plain sugar cube. It gives the drink a richer flavor and makes it feel just a little more special.

Why This Brandy Old Fashioned Recipe Works

The Brandy Old Fashioned has deep Midwestern roots, especially in Wisconsin where it’s practically the state drink. It’s smoother than the traditional whiskey version, with a mellow sweetness that makes it approachable for folks who don’t usually sip spirits neat. Brandy gives it a rich, fruity warmth that plays beautifully with muddled orange, cherry, and just a touch of sugar.

Now, if you’ve ever ordered one up north, you’ve likely encountered the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, which takes things a step further with lemon-lime soda or sour mix poured over the top. It’s bubbly, bright, and often served in sweet, sour, or “press” variations. That recipe has its own charm and you can find my full take on it right here: Wisconsin Old Fashioned Recipe.

This version here is more pared down and spirit-forward. I wanted to keep the soul of the classic old fashioned intact but replace the whiskey with brandy and add a little bit of Southern flair.

My twist? A spiced orange syrup that replaces the plain sugar cube. It brings in warm, cozy notes without overpowering the drink. The result is a cocktail that’s classic, polished, and just different enough to stand out at your next gathering.

Ingredients For This Brandy Old Fashioned Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cocktail:

• 2 oz brandy (Korbel is traditional, but I like a good aged brandy for added depth)
• 1 orange slice
• 1 maraschino cherry (plus more for garnish)
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 tsp spiced orange syrup (or substitute a brown sugar cube if you want classic)
• Ice cubes

Twist ingredient: Spiced Orange Syrup
To make this syrup, simmer equal parts sugar and water with orange peel, a cinnamon stick, and a few whole cloves. Let it steep until cooled, then strain and refrigerate. It adds a gentle spice and citrusy richness to the drink that I think really makes it shine.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making a Brandy Old Fashioned

1. Muddle the fruit and syrup: In a sturdy lowball glass, muddle 1 orange slice, 1 cherry, the spiced orange syrup, and 2–3 dashes of bitters until the fruit is well mashed and the syrup is blended.
2. Add ice: Fill the glass with a handful of ice cubes. You want enough to chill the drink without watering it down too fast.
3. Pour in the brandy: Add 2 ounces of brandy over the ice.
4. Stir gently: Give it a good stir with a bar spoon or even the handle of a wooden spoon. Mix until the drink is nicely chilled.
5. Garnish and serve: Add another cherry and maybe a fresh orange slice for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips:

• Don’t over-muddle the orange peel or it can make the drink bitter.
• If you’re hosting, you can pre-make the syrup and slice up the oranges in advance. Then all you have to do is muddle and pour.

How To Make Spiced Orange Syrup

This simple syrup is what gives the drink its Southern-inspired twist. It’s easy to make ahead and adds a warm citrus spice that complements the brandy beautifully.

To make it, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Add the peel from one orange (use a vegetable peeler to avoid the bitter white pith), one cinnamon stick, and three or four whole cloves. Bring everything to a low simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.

Once it simmers, turn off the heat and let the mixture steep for about 30 minutes. Strain out the solids and let the syrup cool completely. Transfer to a glass jar and store in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks.

Use one teaspoon per cocktail, and feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking.

Brandy Old Fashioned Recipe With An Orange Twist

Yield: 1 cocktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

A smooth, fruit-forward take on the classic cocktail. This version uses spiced orange syrup for extra warmth and depth, perfect for sipping year-round.

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Ingredients

• 2 oz brandy (Korbel is traditional, but aged brandy adds depth)
• 1 orange slice
• 1 maraschino cherry (plus more for garnish)
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 tsp spiced orange syrup (or substitute a brown sugar cube for classic style)
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. In a sturdy rocks glass, muddle the orange slice, cherry, spiced orange syrup, and bitters until the fruit is crushed and well combined.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
3. Pour in the brandy.
4. Stir gently until the drink is well chilled.
5. Garnish with an extra cherry and orange slice. Serve immediately.

Notes

To make spiced orange syrup: Simmer equal parts sugar and water with orange peel, a cinnamon stick, and a few whole cloves. Let cool, strain, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Adds a cozy, citrusy depth that elevates this cocktail.

How To Serve a Brandy Old Fashioned

This cocktail is traditionally served in a short, heavy-bottomed glass. It’s what most folks call an old fashioned or rocks glass. The drink should be built in the glass and served over ice.

There are a few ways folks like to finish it:

• Sweet: Top with a splash of 7Up or Sprite.
• Sour: Add sour mix or a bit of lemon juice and club soda.
• Press: Use half lemon-lime soda and half club soda for a balanced finish.

I usually leave mine plain or go with a tiny splash of soda water if I want it a little lighter. If you’re serving these at a get-together, set up a little DIY bar with options for topping and garnishes. That way everyone can doctor theirs to their liking. A bowl of cherries and sliced oranges adds a festive touch, and a little card explaining “sweet vs sour vs press” can be a fun detail.

This drink pairs well with a cheese plate, salty snacks, or even smoked sausage if you’re leaning into the supper club theme.

How To Store & Re-Use Brandy Old Fashioned Leftovers

You’re probably not storing a finished old fashioned, since they’re best fresh. But there are a few clever ways to prep ahead or re-use your ingredients. The spiced orange syrup will keep well in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. I like to drizzle it into iced tea or even over pancakes if there’s any left after cocktail hour.

If you’re making several drinks for a group, you can muddle the fruit, syrup, and bitters ahead of time and keep the mixture in a small container. When it’s time to serve, just scoop a spoonful into each glass and top with ice and brandy. That makes it quick and consistent, especially when guests are waiting.

If you accidentally make too much of the base (without ice or soda), it’ll keep in the fridge overnight. Just give it a good stir before pouring it over fresh ice. And don’t toss out the leftover muddled fruit. It’s perfect for a quick sangria or stirred into a fruit compote. It still has a lot of flavor and makes a nice little surprise in dessert.

Substitutions & Variations For a Brandy Old Fashioned

This recipe is pretty flexible, which makes it a great cocktail to play with depending on what you have on hand.

• Brandy swaps: Try bourbon, rye, or even dark rum for a richer twist. Cognac also works beautifully.
• Sweetener: Use brown sugar cubes, demerara syrup, maple syrup, or regular simple syrup if you don’t want to make the spiced orange syrup.
• Fruit: Swap orange for blood orange, mandarin, or even a peach slice. Fresh cranberries make a festive holiday garnish.
• Bitters: Angostura is classic, but orange bitters or cardamom bitters can add new layers.
• Soda finish: Club soda keeps it cleaner, while 7Up, Sprite, or even ginger ale add a sweeter kick.

Play around until it suits your taste. This one’s easy to personalize.

FAQs About Brandy Old Fashioned Recipes

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this brandy old fashioned recipe.

1. What’s the best brandy for a Brandy Old Fashioned?

Korbel is the go-to in Wisconsin and a good starting point. It’s affordable and has that familiar flavor profile. But if you want to elevate the drink a bit, look for an aged brandy that’s smooth and mellow with hints of vanilla or dried fruit. I’ve used E&J XO and Christian Brothers VSOP with good results. Just avoid anything that’s too sharp or overly flavored.

2. Can I make a Brandy Old Fashioned without muddled fruit?

You can, especially if you’re using a flavored syrup. Just combine the syrup, bitters, and brandy, then stir over ice. That said, the fresh orange and cherry really add to the drink’s signature flavor and visual appeal. If you’re in a hurry, a dash of orange bitters can help mimic that citrus note.

3. What’s the difference between sweet, sour, and press in a Brandy Old Fashioned?

It refers to what you top the drink with after you’ve built it. “Sweet” uses a lemon-lime soda like 7Up, “sour” means sour mix or lemon juice with soda, and “press” is a combo of club soda and 7Up. Some folks get pretty passionate about their preference, so it’s fun to offer all three options when entertaining.

4. Can I batch Brandy Old Fashioneds for a party?

Yes, and they’re a great make-ahead cocktail. Muddle the fruit, bitters, and syrup in a pitcher, then stir in the brandy. Store in the fridge until ready to serve. Pour over ice and top with soda or serve it as-is. Just don’t add ice or soda to the batch or it’ll water down quickly.

5. What’s the origin of the Brandy Old Fashioned in Wisconsin?

It dates back to the mid-1800s when German immigrants brought their love of brandy to the region. After Prohibition, Korbel promoted their brandy at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, and it caught on fast in nearby Wisconsin. Supper clubs helped keep the tradition alive, and now it’s a statewide favorite.

Try These Recipes Next

If you loved this Brandy Old Fashioned recipe, here are a few more cocktail recipes I think you’ll enjoy. These are some of my favorites, and they’re all available right here on the blog:

• Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe – A bold, spirit-forward classic with deep oak and vanilla notes.
• The Best Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipes – A roundup of fun twists and variations, from smoky to citrusy.
• Best Espresso Martini Recipe – If you’re switching from whiskey to vodka, this coffee-kissed drink is a hit every time.

Each one is easy to make and perfect for everything from a quiet night in to a lively cocktail hour with friends. Try one out and let me know which is your favorite!