How to Make a Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet

wisconsin brandy old fashioned sweet in a rocks glass with an orange and cherry garnish

The Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet is a regional favorite—a blend of comforting tradition and Midwestern flair. Unlike its whiskey-based cousin, this cocktail spotlights brandy and a sweet, effervescent finish. Here’s how to craft it authentically, with smart ingredient picks and clever shortcuts for home bartenders.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Brandy takes center stage in this recipe. Opt for Korbel or another American brandy for true Wisconsin flavor. Cocktail cherries and maraschino or orange slices add classic sweetness and citrus aroma, while muddling sugar and bitters lays the foundation for that layered taste.

Brandy: Rounded, mellow American style (Korbel is iconic in Wisconsin).
Sweet: Lemon-lime soda (like 7UP or Sprite) for the signature fizzy finish.
Cherries & Citrus: Maraschino cherries and a wheel of orange, muddled or garnished.
Bitters: Angostura is the standard, but orange bitters add complexity.
Sugar: White granulated or a sugar cube for controlled sweetness.

Classic Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet Recipe

60 ml brandy (Korbel or domestic for tradition)
1 orange wheel
1 maraschino cherry (+ extra for garnish, optional)
5 ml sugar (or one sugar cube)
2 ml Angostura bitters
90 ml lemon-lime soda (7UP, Sprite, or similar)
Ice (preferably large cubes)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Place 1 orange wheel, 1 maraschino cherry, and 5 ml sugar in the bottom of a short glass.
Add 2 ml Angostura bitters. Muddle gently to dissolve sugar and release citrus oils.
Fill the glass with large ice cubes. Pour in 60 ml brandy.
Top with 90 ml lemon-lime soda.
Stir gently to combine. Garnish with another cherry and an orange wedge if desired.

muddling orange and cherry with sugar in an old fashioned glass

Ingredient and Preparation Tips

Muddling too hard can turn citrus bitter—aim to release aroma and dissolve sugar, not to pulverize.
For less sweetness, reduce soda to 60 ml, topping up to taste after stirring.
Try orange bitters or split between aromatic and orange for a fruitier base.
Large ice cubes limit dilution and keep soda fizzier longer.

Wisconsin Variations to Try

Brandy Old Fashioned Sour: Replace the soda with a tart mixer, such as sour mix or grapefruit soda.
Press: Use half lemon-lime soda (45 ml) and half soda water (45 ml) for lighter sweetness.
Squirt or 50/50 sodas: Some Wisconsin bars use grapefruit soda (Squirt) or part club soda for a different take.

wisconsin brandy old fashioned sweet with lemon lime soda and cherry garnish

The Spirit of a Wisconsin Supper Club

Order a brandy old fashioned sweet in Wisconsin, and you’re instantly part of a beloved regional ritual. The drink’s approachable balance, custom garnishes, and soda fizz are its calling cards. Mastering this glass means more than a cocktail—it’s a tribute to comfort, hospitality, and local pride.