A Toast to the Past: Unearthing the Wisconsin Old Fashioned’s Roots
Picture this: You’re in a cozy supper club in Wisconsin, the air thick with the aroma of Friday fish fry. Laughter and chatter fill the room, and the clinking of glasses echoes around you. In your hand, you cradle a vibrant, ruby-red concoction, garnished with an orange slice and a cherry. This, my friends, is no ordinary cocktail. This is the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, a sweet and boozy emblem of the Midwest, a drink so deeply ingrained in the state’s identity that it’s practically a cultural artifact.
While the classic Old Fashioned is a venerable mix of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water, the Wisconsin version throws convention out the window and embraces a sweet, fruity, and decidedly unique twist. This is a cocktail that’s not just stirred, but carefully constructed, a reflection of Wisconsin’s history, palate, and convivial spirit. This article will delve into the fascinating origins of the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, provide a detailed recipe, explore exciting variations, offer tips for perfecting your own, and even suggest ideal food pairings to elevate your experience. So, grab your favorite glass, prepare your muddler, and let’s embark on a flavorful journey into the heart of Wisconsin’s cocktail culture.
To truly appreciate the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, we must first understand the story of its ancestor, the classic Old Fashioned. Born in the late 19th century as a response to overly elaborate cocktails, the Old Fashioned sought to return to the essence of a good drink: a simple yet satisfying blend of spirits, sugar, bitters, and water. However, somewhere along the way, the Wisconsin adaptation took a detour, resulting in the delicious and complex drink we know and love today.
The key to understanding this divergence lies in Wisconsin’s deep connection to brandy. While whiskey might be the spirit of choice for Old Fashioneds elsewhere, Wisconsin has long embraced brandy, thanks to a confluence of historical and cultural factors. German immigrants, who flocked to Wisconsin in the 19th century, brought with them a preference for brandy, a spirit often enjoyed in Europe. The success of Korbel, a California brandy producer, in promoting their product in Wisconsin further cemented brandy’s popularity, making it a staple in homes and bars across the state.
But the Wisconsin Old Fashioned is more than just a simple substitution of brandy for whiskey. It’s the addition of muddled fruit, typically orange slices and cherries, and the topping off with sweet soda that truly sets it apart. The exact origins of these additions remain shrouded in mystery, but it’s likely that bartenders, catering to local tastes and preferences, gradually incorporated these elements over time. This resulted in a cocktail that is both sweet and tart, boozy and refreshing, a drink that perfectly captures the Wisconsin spirit of warmth and hospitality.
Today, the Wisconsin Old Fashioned is more than just a cocktail; it’s a symbol of the state. It’s a staple at supper clubs, tailgate parties, family gatherings, and any occasion that calls for a celebration. Ordering an Old Fashioned in Wisconsin is not just asking for a drink; it’s participating in a local tradition.
Crafting the Perfect Wisconsin Old Fashioned: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s acknowledge what makes this drink so special. The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is not just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about building layers of flavor and achieving a perfect balance. This recipe focuses on the “sweet” version, which is arguably the most popular iteration. Fear not; we’ll explore other variations later.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Two ounces of brandy (Korbel is a classic choice, but any decent brandy will do)
One sugar cube (or one teaspoon of sugar)
Two to three dashes of Angostura bitters
One orange slice
Two maraschino cherries
Sweet soda (Sprite, 7-Up, or Squirt work well)
Optional: A splash of club soda
Garnish: Orange slice, maraschino cherry
The Art of the Muddle: Step-by-Step Instructions:
Muddle the Fruit: Place the sugar cube (or sugar), bitters, orange slice, and cherries in an Old Fashioned glass. Muddle thoroughly, using a muddler to gently crush the fruit and dissolve the sugar. Don’t over-muddle; you want to release the juices and oils, not pulverize the fruit.
Add the Brandy: Pour the brandy into the glass.
Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice.
Top with Soda: Top off the glass with sweet soda, leaving a little room at the top. If desired, add a splash of club soda to cut the sweetness slightly.
Stir Gently: Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Beyond Sweet: Exploring Wisconsin Old Fashioned Variations
The beauty of the Wisconsin Old Fashioned lies in its adaptability. While the “sweet” version is the most common, there are several other variations that cater to different palates.
- Sour: Instead of sweet soda, top off the drink with sour soda, such as sour mix or even a splash of lime juice and club soda.
- Press: A “press” combines sweet soda and club soda, offering a balanced sweetness.
- Whiskey Old Fashioned: For the purist, replace the brandy with rye whiskey or bourbon for a more traditional Old Fashioned experience.
- Fruit Infusions: Experiment with different fruits, such as cranberries during the holidays or raspberries in the summer, to add a unique twist to your Old Fashioned.
Mastering the Art: Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cocktail
Creating the perfect Wisconsin Old Fashioned is a skill that can be honed with practice. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you elevate your cocktail game:
- Choosing the Right Brandy: While Korbel is a popular choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with other brands. Look for a brandy with a smooth, fruity flavor profile.
- Perfecting the Muddle: Muddling is a crucial step. Use gentle pressure to extract the juices and oils from the fruit without overdoing it.
- Selecting the Right Soda: The type of soda you choose can significantly impact the flavor of your Old Fashioned. Experiment with different brands and find the one that best suits your taste.
- Glassware Matters: While not essential, using an Old Fashioned glass can enhance the overall experience.
- Ice Ice Baby: Use quality ice. It is essential to use large ice cubes.
Wisconsin Old Fashioned Food Pairings
The Wisconsin Old Fashioned pairs exceptionally well with a variety of foods, particularly those that are common in Wisconsin cuisine.
- Cheese Curds: The salty, squeaky goodness of fresh cheese curds provides a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the Old Fashioned.
- Brats: Grilled or boiled brats, another Wisconsin staple, are a classic pairing.
- Friday Fish Fry: The crispy, golden-fried fish and creamy coleslaw of a traditional Wisconsin fish fry complement the Old Fashioned beautifully.
- Hearty Stews: The rich, savory flavors of a hearty stew or chili are a welcome contrast to the sweetness of the cocktail.
In Conclusion: A Toast to Tradition
The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of the state’s unique culture and history. Its blend of brandy, muddled fruit, and sweet soda creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and complex, a reflection of the Wisconsin spirit of warmth, hospitality, and good times.
So, raise a glass to the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, a sweet and boozy slice of Midwest culture that continues to delight and unite. Now that you’ve learned the secrets, go forth and create your own perfect Wisconsin Old Fashioned. Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and share the joy of this beloved cocktail. Cheers to good times and great traditions! We encourage you to share your own creations with us and tag us in your social media posts so we can continue to share in the tradition of making a great Wisconsin Old Fashioned.
