History and Tradition of Wisconsin's Iconic Old Fashioned Cocktail

The History of the Old Fashioned in Wisconsin

The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic cocktails in Wisconsin's rich history of spirits and bartending traditions. Known for its simplicity of ingredients - whiskey, bitters, sugar, water - yet complex balance of flavors, the Old Fashioned has been a staple drink across the state for over a century.

Origins in the 19th Century

References to the Old Fashioned date back to the early 1800s, with the first written recipe published in 1880 by Jerry Thomas in his Bartender's Guide. The cocktail is believed to have originated at private social clubs and high-end hotels, eventually making its way into taverns and pubs by the late 1800s. But it was in Wisconsin that the basic spirit-sugar-bitters recipe transformed into a complete cultural phenomenon.

Brandy and Whiskey in Wisconsin

As German and Scandinavian immigrants settled across Wisconsin in the mid to late 1800s, they brought with them distilling traditions that yielded potent fruit brandies and whiskeys ideal for cold-weather drinking. Locally distilled brandy joined rye and bourbon whiskeys as the spirits of choice for early 20th century Old Fashioneds in America's Dairyland.

The Rise of the Supper Club

Following Prohibition's repeal, small roadside bars known as supper clubs started gaining popularity across northern and central Wisconsin as drinking establishments where friends gathered for simple food, live music, card games, and most importantly - Old Fashioneds. As they grew into popular destinations for weekend dining and revelry, Old Fashioneds became synonymous with Wisconsin culture.

Distinct Qualities of a Wisconsin Old Fashioned

Over generations of mixing and tweaking recipes, Wisconsin's version of the Old Fashioned has evolved into its own unique regional cocktail - expected for its consistency from supper clubs in Bayfield to bars in Milwaukee. Here are some of the key qualities that define a true Wisconsin Old Fashioned today.

Brandy or Whiskey Base

Traditionally made with brandy distilled from Wisconsin fruits like cherries and apples, today's Old Fashioneds also use Bourbon, Rye, or Canadian whiskies as the base spirit. Local distillers like Yahara Bay, Death's Door, and Central Standard craft some exceptional bottles coveted by mixologists.

Muddled Fruit and Bitters

The fruit largely depends on seasonal availability, but cherries, oranges, lemons, and olives are common additions, muddled at the bottom of the glass. A couple hearty dashes of aromatic bitters like Angostura or Peychaud's complement the fruit flavors.

Sweetener and Soda Water

Simple syrup or freshly cubed sugar sweetens the cocktail to balance the sour and bitter notes. Soda water is the typical mixer for volume and slight effervescence. The ideal ratio is 50% spirit to 50% soda for a smooth, quaffable drink.

Whiskey-Soaked Maraschino Cherries

Perhaps the quintessential garnish of any proper Wisconsin Old Fashioned - these boozy cherries capture all the flavors of the state's signature cocktail in one perfect bite - sweet, sour, bitter and fruity all in one.

Classes of Old Fashioned Glasses

Over the generations, distinct glasses have emerged for serving classic Wisconsin Old Fashioneds, tailored to highlight the beautiful color and maximize enjoyment from that very first sip.

Old Fashioned Tumblers

Thick, heavy-bottomed tumblers between 6 to 10 ounces are well-suited to serving Old Fashioneds on-the-rocks. The weighted glass prevents melting ice from diluting the drink too fast. Brands like Ravenscroft Crystal and JoyJolt Apex make exemplary Old Fashioned glassware.

Pilsner Glasses

For a tall, refreshing Old Fashioned - also called the Milwaukee-style - a shapely footed pilsner glass adds stackable height. The elegant slope showcases the drink's gorgeous sunset colors while concentrating the aroma. Libbey and Spiegelau shape some of the nicest pilsner-ware for cocktails.

Lowball Rocks Glasses

Short and stout, these 3 to 5 ounce lowball glasses keep the drink steadily chilled. Their subtly flared profile allows you to swirl and appreciate the glass after ingredients have settled. Durable lowballs by companies like JoyJolt, Libbey, and Luigi Bormioli provide perfect foundations for building your Old Fashioneds.

How to Mix the Perfect Wisconsin Old Fashioned

Now that you know exactly what defines the Wisconsin Old Fashioned's distinctive profile and glassware, here is a classic step-by-step recipe to mix this unique regional cocktail like an expert bartender:

Ingredients

• 2 oz brandy or whiskey
• 1 sugar cube or 1 teaspoon simple syrup
• 3-4 dashes aromatic bitters
• Slice of orange and cherry for muddling
• Soda water
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Place sugar cube (or simple syrup) in an Old Fashioned glass and wet it with 2-3 dashes of bitters and a splash of soda water.
2. Add cherry and orange slice and muddle thoroughly with a bar spoon to release juices.
3. Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes.
4. Pour in brandy and stir gently to combine.
5. Top off with soda water, stir once more and garnish with Maraschino cherry.

Now take your first blissful sip and enjoy your authentic handcrafted Wisconsin Old Fashioned! Skål!

FAQs

What is unique about a Wisconsin old fashioned cocktail?

Wisconsin's version of the old fashioned uses brandy or whiskey as the spirit base and is typically muddled with local fruits like cherries, oranges, and olives. It also has equal parts soda water and is always garnished with a maraschino cherry.

Does the type of glass make a difference?

Yes, to properly enjoy a Wisconsin old fashioned it should be served in a thick old fashioned tumbler, pilsner glass or short lowball rocks glass. These help retain proper dilution and chill while presenting the beautiful sunset colors of the cocktail.

What brands make the best old fashioned glasses?

Some excellent handmade glass manufacturers suited for quality old fashioned cocktails are Ravenscroft Crystal, JoyJolt Apex, Libbey, Spiegelau, and Luigi Bormioli. They craft sturdy, artful glassware that complements the drink.

What is the history of the drink in Wisconsin?

The old fashioned has been popular across Wisconsin bars since the late 1800s when German and Scandinavian immigrants brought distilling traditions. It rose to prominence during the 1920s-30s supper club era and became woven into the cultural fabric.

How can I mix the perfect Wisconsin old fashioned at home?

Follow the simple old fashioned recipe that includes quality brandy or whiskey, sugar cube, bitters, citrus, maraschino cherry for muddling, soda water to top off, and always garnish with a boozy cherry.