A brandy old fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been popular in Wisconsin and other parts of the Midwest United States for over a century. It’s made from a few simple ingredients that create a smooth, flavorful drink. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into making this staple cocktail.
Brandy
A brandy old fashioned is made with brandy, which is a spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice. Brandy can range from very inexpensive to extremely high-end and artisanal. For an old fashioned, a good quality brandy is ideal, though you don’t need an extremely expensive bottle. Some popular types of brandy to use include:
- Cognac: Made in the Cognac region of France, this brandy is distilled from wine and aged in oak. VS, VSOP, and XO are quality designations.
- Apple brandy: Distilled from apples, with a fruitier flavor profile.
- Pear brandy: Made from pears, often more delicate than other brandies.
- Cherry brandy: Flavored with cherries or cherry juice.
Bitters
Bitters are an essential component of an old fashioned. Bitters are concentrated tinctures made from herbs, spices, roots, bark, fruit peels, and other botanicals. Just a dash of bitters balances out the sweetness of the drink and adds complexity.
Angostura aromatic bitters are the most common type used in old fashioneds. Angostura is made from tropical ingredients like gentian root, spices, and herbs. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret.
Sugar
Sugar is used to sweeten and temper the strong spirit in an old fashioned. Traditional recipes call for simple syrup, a mixture of equal parts sugar and water heated until the sugar dissolves. The simple syrup can use white sugar, brown sugar, or even maple syrup.
Some recipes use granulated sugar instead of simple syrup. The sugar cube is placed in the glass and soaked with bitters and brandy to dissolve it.
Water
While not all recipes call for it, many add a splash of water or club soda to an old fashioned. This helps open up the flavor and balance the sweetness.
Garnish
The typical garnish for a brandy old fashioned is an orange slice and maraschino cherry. The orange accentuates the citrus flavors while the cherry adds a pop of color and sweetness.
Some other popular garnishes include lemon twists, brandied cherries, cinnamon sticks, or orange peels.
Steps to Make a Brandy Old Fashioned
Now that we’ve covered the key ingredients, here is a simple step-by-step process for making a brandy old fashioned cocktail:
- Add ice to a rocks glass.
- Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters onto the ice.
- Add 1 sugar cube or teaspoon of simple syrup.
- Muddle or stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Add 2 ounces of brandy.
- Top with water or club soda if desired.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
The exact proportions can vary slightly based on personal preference. Some recipes call for more or less sugar, bitters or brandy. The drink can also be served “up” without ice in a cocktail glass.
Variations
While the traditional recipe is fairly straightforward, there are some fun variations on the old fashioned worth trying:
- Cherry Brandy Old Fashioned – Uses cherry brandy and garnishes with brandied cherries.
- Rum Old Fashioned – Substitutes dark rum for the brandy.
- Scotch Old Fashioned – Uses Scotch whisky in place of brandy.
- Mezcal Old Fashioned – For a smoky twist, substitute mezcal for the brandy.
- Apple Brandy Old Fashioned – Uses apple brandy for more fruit flavor.
Tips for the Best Old Fashioned
To master the perfect brandy old fashioned, keep these tips in mind:
- Use quality ingredients – decent brandy and real Angostura bitters make a difference.
- Muddle the sugar and bitters thoroughly to properly dissolve and integrate flavors.
- Chill the glass beforehand by filling it with ice water while preparing other ingredients.
- Garnish with fresh orange slices and maraschino cherries, not dried fruit.
- Skip the soda and serve it over a large ice cube for a smoother, more concentrated drink.
History
The old fashioned dates back to the 19th century, originating as a way to showcase whiskey. Early recipes from the 1880s simply called for whiskey, bitters, water and sugar. It became popular in gentlemen’s clubs.
The name “old fashioned” started being used in the late 1800s to distinguish the drink from newer cocktails. As Prohibition saw whiskey supplies dry up in the 1920s, brandy became a popular substitute, and the brandy old fashioned was born.
In Wisconsin, the brandy old fashioned surged in popularity from the 1940s onward. The state’s large population of German and eastern European immigrants had a taste for the brandy-based version. It became a staple drink ordered in bars and supper clubs across the state.
The Wisconsin brandy old fashioned diverged from the original recipe, often mixed with sweet sodas, fruits and other embellishments. But many traditionalists still order the classic recipe made according to the original specifications.
Conclusion
With its simple yet delicious blend of spirits, sugar, bitters and fruit, the old fashioned has remained a cocktail favorite for well over a century. The Wisconsin brandy twist on the classic drink showcases smooth, quality brandy in one of America’s most venerable cocktail recipes. Sipped in a supper club or by a fire, a well-made brandy old fashioned is a taste of cocktail history.