Sweet, Sour? Brandy, Whiskey? Brandy. It's rumored that 1/3 of of Korbel Brandy comes to Wisconsin. Wisconsinites love brandy, and Old-Fashioneds.
Friday nights in many Wisconsin town restaurants go like this.
1. Walk in and greet all of your neighbors and locals.
2. Order an Old Fashioned at the bar, and visit for awhile until your table is ready. You may even place your order at the bar and then be seated when the food is ready.
3. Your meal is most likely Friday night Fish Fry, especially in the Spring. Perch, Cod, or Walleye served with cole slaw a roll & butter and your choice of potato.
4. Go back to the bar, and repeat step 1, and order another Old Fashioned or perhaps a Brandy Alexander.
Though Brandy is very popular, we typically don't make Old Fashioneds at home. In fact, if you asked a few people, I bet only a few could tell you how they're made. There are "good ones, and bad ones". Much of the flavor depends on the mixer and the amount of bitters that's been added. My personal preference is a Brandy Old-Fashioned Sour, with fruit.
Here's my version. Please and enjoy, and please sample responsibly!
To print this recipe, click HERE
Brandy Old Fashioned
(Makes one drink)
1-2 Maraschino cherries
1-2 orange slices
1-2 dashes bitters
1 tsp water (if muddling with water, not fruit - see my note below)
1 tsp sugar, or 1 sugar cube
2 oz brandy
2 oz 7-Up, Squirt or 50/50
Place sugar in bottom of high ball glass. Muddle (squish) the sugar together with 1 cherry and 1 orange slice. Fill glass with ice. Add the brandy and mixer. Stir and garnish with another cherry and orange slice.
I like to muddle the sugar with the fruit. You also muddle with a tsp with water, and garnish with fruit. Some people garnish with olives when using a sour mixer.
Enjoy! Be safe, and be kind.