Soda vs Club Soda
Historically, only club soda is used in an Old Fashioned. That being said, as a Wisconsinite, I urge you to try it with soda instead of club soda. It adds another layer of sweetness and flavor that just can’t be beat in this great cocktail recipe. Every year we go away to celebrate Christmas at a waterpark resort. While we are there, my wonderful brother-in-law makes me the best Old Fashioned recipe. Let me tell you: This cocktail is the perfect way to survive a weekend of water park. The Old Fashioned is a Wisconsin classic. You can go into just about any bar in Milwaukee and Madison and find hipster versions of this delicious cocktail on the menu. They are great, but the original will always be my go to.
Bourbon Whiskey: Read more on this below. Fresh Orange Peel & Fresh Lemon Peel: These bring a great subtle flavor to the cocktail. Maraschino Cherries: These are an absolute must for an Old Fashioned. Sugar Cube: These are perfect because they are easily found in the baking aisle and can be kept in your pantry for years. Bitters: This is a liqueur that is meant only as an ingredient in other cocktails. It is made from botanicals and as it’s name suggests, it brings a slightly bitter taste to the drink. Club Soda: This helps round out the drink.
The Brandy Old Fashioned has become its own thing in Wisconsin. Some even call it our unofficial cocktail. And the way we do it here, is with Brandy and either a lemon lime soda to make it sweet or a sour soda (like Squirt) to make it sour.
How to Serve
Old Fashioned are served in a tumbler full of ice cubes. It is then garnished with an additional orange wedge and a maraschino cherry.
Whiskey Smash Whiskey Sour Manhattan Irish Coffee
If you make this Old Fashioned recipe or any of my other cocktails, leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
