Originally Posted by
Sweet Willie
Old Fashioneds are THE predominant cocktail in Wisconsin, usually made with Brandy (Wisconsinites drink a staggering % of the brandy compared to the rest of the US). Elsewhere most Old Fashioneds are made with bourbon (we prefer rye if going the bourbon route).
Korbel brandy is typically used. Find it on the bottom shelf of your nearest liquor store...but it makes a very good Old Fashioned. Possibly my first cocktail. When you order, specify "sweet" (splash of Sprite), "sour" (sour mix) or "press" (club soda). I don't know anyone who drinks them sour. The classic cherry is still the most prevalent garnish, but olives or cocktail onions are also on offer at supper clubs and some bars. I've been to a couple WI weddings where the bar was only serving beer, wine, and OF's. I'd bet a dollar that the top 2 cocktails in the state are the OF and Bloody Mary (with a free beer back of course).
Ultimately its unlike an Old Fashioned you'll get anywhere else and probably deserves its own name. But I still love them, and I think I was in my 40's before I really appreciated a classic bourbon/rye OF.