Sorry, just saw this. You and others have kind of covered it, but having grown up in Wisconsin, let me reply to a few of the posts:

- The main difference is they use brandy rather than some type of whiskey. Specifically, Korbel brandy, which is more similar in flavor to whiskey, without some of the strong flavors fancier brandies often have.
- As others have said, you order it either sweet or sour. Either a splash of Sprite or sour mix.

Other than these two things, there's really zero difference between the classic version and the Wisconsin version. The standard garnish is cherries. I've never personally seen anyone get pickled vegetables or anything weird in their drink. But I'm sure it happens...somewhere, sometimes. It's NOT prevalent.

If you were to walk into a bar or supper club in northern WI and ask for an old fashioned, the default is almost always brandy, sweet (Sprite), with cherries, and sometimes an orange peel. If you want "sour" you'd have to be specific, and I'm certain that's the case if you want bloody mary vegetables in it. That said, most people from there will automatically order "an old fashioned sweet/sour" out of habit. Lately, I've seen some places where they ask you if you want brandy or something else, which I attribute to the classic cocktail becoming more popular in Illinois.

We make them sweet, and it's one of the few non-Vodka cocktails my wife enjoys. She won't drink them with any type of whiskey, but I enjoy those too.

I'd encourage people to try mixing one. Make sure you use Korbel, and don't call it an old fashioned if that throws you off. It's a delicious drink.

PS: Having empty to-go cups in your car is gross no matter what was in it. The thought of that smell is making me a little shaky as I sip my coffee.