Our Brandy Old Fashioned recipe is inspired by my home state of Wisconsin, where it might just be considered the state drink. Appreciate the complex citrusy, caramel, and vanilla-infused flavors of brandy thanks to Angostura bitters and simple syrup. This is truly one of my favorite cocktails for entertaining friends or a cozy night in.
The Best Brandy Old Fashioned (Wisconsin-Style)
I’m reminded of cheese curds, a classic Wisconsin supper club, and the Friday night fish fry with my first sip of this brandy old-fashioned. It’s a traditional choice for any true wisconsinite that’s loved by many and I can’t wait for you all to try it!
Love an Old Fashioned – try our Smoked Old Fashioned!
What You’ll Need
- maraschino cherry – We highly suggest you splurge here and get high quality cherries for the best flavor. My favorites are luxardo cherries (after taste testing so many different brands). Your taste buds will thank you.
- simple syrup – Just a bit to balance the bitter flavors. Feel free to make your own or use store-bought. Alternatively, you can muddle a sugar cube.
- brandy – Go for the good brandy to experience the full depth of flavor this liquor can provide!
- aromatic bitters – A concentrated ingredient used to add flavors of herbs and spices to cocktails.
- Sprite – Any lemon-lime soda to add bubbly citrus flavors. Some people use club soda, but you’ll lose that lemon lime flavor.
- ice – Just a few cubes.
- orange peel & additional cherries – A simple orange slice and some more cherries really make this drink shine.
How To Make A Brandy Old Fashioned
Start by gathering your ingredients to quickly whip up this classic cocktail.
Next, grab your favorite old-fashioned glass (ours is the classic low-ball) and add brandy, simple syrup and bitters.
Then add Sprite, to taste – I usually add just a splash.
Lastly, add your orange peel garnishes and a cherry skewered on a toothpick and enjoy one of the best brandy cocktails out there!
Serve this alongside a cheese spread for the full badger state experience.
Recipe FAQs
Any will do, but for the best flavor we highly recommend using these Luxardo Maraschino Cherries – they are the best!
Feel free to add a sugar cube and muddle it in with the cherry instead of adding the simple syrup. Either way works.
Made this classic old fashioned recipe and loved it?! We would love it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review – it is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that as well. THANK YOU!
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Other Cocktail Recipes You Might Like
Brandy Old Fashioned Recipe (Sweet)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Counter Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
A true Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned recipe! Made with classic ingredients and served over ice this is the perfect special occasion drink!
Ingredients
- 1.5oz – 2oz brandy
- .25 – .5oz simple syrup (or one sugar cube)
- 3 dashes of bitters
- splash of Sprite, to taste
- ice
- garnish: orange peel + maraschino cherry
Instructions
- In a lowball glass add brandy, simple syrup, bitters and sprite.
- Add ice and garnish with orange peel and additional cherry on a toothpick.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Maraschino Cherries: I highly recommend using these Luxardo Maraschino Cherries – they are the best!
- Simple Syrup vs. Sugar Cube: feel free to add a sugar cube and muddle it in with the cherry instead of adding the simple syrup. Either way works.
- Classic Old Fashioned: if you want a more classic version of this recipe that is quite so sweet – use bourbon instead of brandy and omit the Sprite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 229
- Sugar: 8.3 g
- Sodium: 5.2 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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