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Brandy Wisconsin Old Fashioned

Wisconsin Old Fashioned Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
This Wisconsin Old Fashioned recipe is just what you need for a cozy winter evening! Made with brandy, sugar, bitters, and a splash of citrus, it's the ultimate drink for staying warm on cold nights.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 157

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Brandy
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters
  • 2 orange slices
  • 1 splash of Club Soda
  • Orange slice and maraschino cherry - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Old Fashioned Glass
  • Muddler
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Place 1 sugar cube in your Old Fashioned glass.
  • Add Bitters: Douse the sugar cube with 2 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters.
  • Add orange: Place 2 orange slices into the glass.
  • Muddle: Use a muddler to crush the sugar cube and the orange slices together.
  • Add Brandy: Pour 2 oz Brandy.
  • Add Ice: Fill your glass with ice cubes.
  • Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients until the sugar cube is dissolved.
  • Top with Soda: Add 1 splash of Club Soda.
  • Garnish: Place an orange slice and a maraschino cherry into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Brandy: If you don't have brandy on hand, bourbon is a great substitute that I often use. It gives the cocktail a slightly different flavor profile but still works wonderfully.
  • Angostura Bitters: If you're out of Angostura bitters, try using orange bitters instead. They add a nice citrusy twist to the drink.
  • Sugar Cube: If you don't have sugar cubes, use a teaspoon of granulated sugar or simple syrup as a substitute.

Making a Pitcher of Wisconsin Old Fashioned:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of brandy, 8 sugar cubes, 16 orange slides, and 16 dashes of Angostura bitters.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, muddle the sugar cubes and the orange slices together with the Angostura bitters. Add Brandy and ice cubes. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into individual ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, add a splash of soda water, garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Brandy Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic brandy substitute available in most supermarkets and do a good job mimicking the brandy's flavor.
  • Angostura bitters: use a non-alcoholic aromatic bitter alternative available on the market.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version of this classic cocktail.

Making it Vegan:

  • Sugar Substitute: Some sugars are not vegan due to the processing methods used. To ensure your cocktail is vegan-friendly, make sure your sugar is not processed using bone char or any other animal-derived products.
  • Garnish: Ensure your maraschino cherries are vegan. Some brands use artificial colors or preservatives derived from animal products. Look for brands that specify they are vegan-friendly.