Wisconsin Old Fashioned Recipe

There’s a reason this cocktail is a staple at every supper club in the state of Wisconsin.

The first time I ordered a Wisconsin Old Fashioned, I was in a wood-paneled supper club near Green Bay with my husband’s cousins. We were there for the Friday night fish fry, and I had no idea what to expect when I asked for an Old Fashioned. What arrived wasn’t the stiff whiskey drink I knew from bars back home. It was sweeter, fruitier, a little fizzy, and garnished with a neon red cherry and orange slice. One sip and I understood why Wisconsinites are so loyal to their version.

I’ve since made it my mission to get the balance just right when I mix it at home. My personal twist? I muddle in a splash of homemade cherry bounce for a deeper fruit flavor with a warm hint of spice. It’s a small addition that gives the drink a richer backbone and really brings out the brandy. Let’s dive in.

Why This Wisconsin Old Fashioned Recipe Works

The Wisconsin Old Fashioned isn’t just a drink. It’s a tradition. You’ll find it served at supper clubs, neighborhood bars, church picnics, and family reunions across the state. And no two are quite alike.

What sets it apart is the use of brandy instead of whiskey and the option to finish it with soda. You choose your style: sweet (usually 7UP), sour (sour mix or Squirt), or press (half club soda, half lemon-lime). That flexibility is part of the fun.

Instead of going heavy on the bitters and booze like the classic Old Fashioned, the Wisconsin version leans friendlier. It’s approachable and great for sipping over a long dinner or while waiting on your fish fry. Muddled fruit, sweetness, and bubbles make it lighthearted but still flavorful.

This recipe sticks to the supper club spirit but gets a little upgrade from a splash of cherry bounce, which gives it depth and a homemade touch that always gets compliments.

Ingredients For a Wisconsin Old Fashioned

Here’s what you’ll need to make one perfect Wisconsin Old Fashioned:

• 2 oz brandy (Korbel is the classic choice)
• 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp simple syrup)
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 orange slice
• 1 maraschino cherry (or two if you’re like me)
• Splash of cherry bounce (optional twist)
• Ice
• Lemon-lime soda (like 7UP), sour mix, or a mix of soda water and lemon-lime (called a “press”)

A few notes on ingredients:

• Brandy: Korbel is traditional in Wisconsin, but you can use any smooth, affordable brandy. For something richer, try an aged or spiced brandy.
• Cherry bounce: This is a homemade cherry liqueur made by soaking cherries in brandy with sugar and spices. If you don’t have time to make it, a dash of cherry syrup works too.
• Maraschino cherries: Go for the bright red ones if you want to keep it classic, or use Luxardo cherries if you’re feeling fancy.

Step-by-Step Instructions For a Wisconsin Old Fashioned

1. Muddle your base. In a lowball glass, add the sugar cube (or simple syrup), bitters, orange slice, cherry, and splash of cherry bounce if using. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to press the fruit gently. You want to release the juices without smashing everything to pulp.
2. Add ice. Fill the glass with ice cubes to the top.
3. Pour the brandy. Add 2 ounces of brandy over the ice.
4. Top with mixer. Add a splash of your preferred topper: 7UP for sweet, sour mix for tart, or half and half for a press.
5. Stir and garnish. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with another cherry or orange slice if you like it pretty.

Helpful tips:

• Avoid over-muddling the fruit. You want juice, not pulp.
• Use fresh soda. Flat mixers will make the drink dull.
• If you’re serving a crowd, set up a little Old Fashioned bar with all the mix-ins and let folks build their own.

My Wisconsin Old Fashioned Recipe (With Extra Cherry)

Yield: 1 cocktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

A sweet, fizzy take on the classic Old Fashioned, made with brandy, muddled fruit, and your choice of soda. This supper club favorite is the signature cocktail of Wisconsin.

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Ingredients

• 2 oz brandy (Korbel preferred)
• 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp simple syrup)
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 orange slice
• 1 maraschino cherry
• Splash of cherry bounce (optional twist)
• Ice
• 7UP, sour mix, or club soda/lemon-lime combo (your choice)

Instructions

1. In a lowball glass, muddle the sugar cube (or simple syrup), bitters, orange slice, cherry, and cherry bounce if using.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Pour in the brandy.
4. Top with your choice of mixer: sweet (7UP), sour (sour mix or Squirt), or press (half club soda, half lemon-lime soda).
5. Stir gently and garnish with an extra cherry or orange slice.

Notes

Brandy: Korbel is the classic Wisconsin pick. For extra depth, try a spiced or aged brandy.

Cherry Bounce: Optional, but adds a warm fruitiness that’s perfect for fall and winter.

Mixer Tip: Always add soda fresh to keep the bubbles lively.

How to Serve a Wisconsin Old Fashioned

This drink is best served cold in a short lowball or rocks glass. You want room for ice, fruit, and a good pour of brandy.

Serve it with a straw if you like to sip through the muddled fruit or go without and let the flavor come through a little stronger. I usually garnish with an extra cherry on a skewer and a fresh orange wedge. That little pop of color makes the whole thing feel festive.

You’ll see these drinks most often at:

• Friday night fish fries
• Holiday parties
• Weddings and receptions
• Cookouts with bratwursts, burgers, and deviled eggs

For a crowd, make a batch base of brandy, bitters, cherry bounce, and muddled fruit. Add ice and soda to individual glasses right before serving so it stays fizzy.

How To Store & Re-Use Wisconsin Old Fashioned Leftovers

If you’ve made a batch of these or have extra ingredients prepped, here’s how to store what’s left:

• Cherry bounce: This keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Store it in a sealed glass jar and use it in cocktails, desserts, or even over pork chops.
• Pre-mixed Old Fashioneds (without soda): You can mix the brandy, bitters, cherry bounce, and muddled fruit and store in the fridge overnight. Just stir before serving and add soda fresh to each glass.
• Soda: Always add soda at the last minute. It’ll go flat in the fridge and lose its sparkle.
• Extra fruit or syrup: Store muddled fruit or cherry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within 3 days for best flavor.

These leftovers are great for:

• Mixing another round later
• Stirring into an iced tea or lemonade for a twist
• Drizzling cherry syrup into club soda for a nonalcoholic treat

Substitutions & Variations For a Wisconsin Old Fashioned

This cocktail is one of the most flexible around. You can tailor it to your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the spirit: No brandy? Try bourbon or even spiced rum. Whiskey will give it more bite, but still tastes great.
• Mixer options:
  • 7UP, Sprite, or a lemon-lime soda for sweet
  • Sour mix or Squirt for a tangier version
  • Press (half club soda, half lemon-lime soda) for a lighter drink
• Garnishes:
  • Use Luxardo cherries for a more grown-up feel
  • Add a cinnamon stick or clove-studded orange slice in the winter
• Bitters: Angostura is standard, but orange bitters add a nice touch too
• Fruit: Swap orange for blood orange or a splash of cranberry juice in the fall

However you mix it, just remember: balance is key. Don’t go too heavy on the soda or too light on the bitters.

FAQs About Wisconsin Old Fashioned Recipes

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this Wisconsin Old Fashioned recipe.

Why is brandy used in a Wisconsin Old Fashioned instead of whiskey?

Brandy became the spirit of choice in Wisconsin thanks to a mix of Prohibition-era tradition and post-war marketing. Korbel brandy, in particular, gained popularity after being featured at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Wisconsinites developed a taste for it, and it stuck. Brandy gives the drink a rounder, sweeter profile that works well with muddled fruit and soda.

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

This refers to how the drink is topped off:

• Sweet means lemon-lime soda like 7UP
• Sour means sour mix or grapefruit soda like Squirt
• Press means half club soda and half lemon-lime

Each has its own personality. Sweet is smooth and mellow. Sour gives a little pucker. Press is crisp and clean.

Can I make a Wisconsin Old Fashioned without muddling the fruit?

You can, but it won’t have quite the same character. Muddling releases essential oils and juices that make the drink taste fresh and layered. If you’re in a rush, you can cheat with a splash of orange juice and cherry syrup, but it won’t be as satisfying.

What kind of brandy is best for a Wisconsin Old Fashioned?

Korbel is the classic choice and widely used in Wisconsin bars. It’s smooth, affordable, and blends well with fruit. If you want to elevate the drink, look for an aged or small-batch brandy that adds warmth and complexity. Just don’t go too fancy. This is a working man’s cocktail, after all.

How do I batch a Wisconsin Old Fashioned for a party?

Start by multiplying the brandy, bitters, and muddled fruit (and cherry bounce if using) for your guest count. Combine them in a pitcher or mason jar and chill. When ready to serve, pour over ice and top with soda in each glass so the fizz stays fresh. Garnish each one with a cherry and orange slice.

Try These Recipes Next

If you enjoyed this Wisconsin Old Fashioned recipe, here are a few more cocktail recipes you might like:

• Best Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipes – A roundup of classic and creative takes on the Old Fashioned.
• Best Espresso Martini Recipe – Bold, creamy, and perfect for coffee lovers.
• Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe – A stronger, more traditional version of the cocktail.

These drinks are all perfect for different moods and occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or relaxing on the porch, there’s always a reason to try something new and delicious.