Best Wisconsin Old Fashioned - history & recipe

[@AndersErickson]

So many ways to have this cocktail. How do you like yours? ** ALSO apparently the 1893 PBR Blue Ribbon claim is up for debate - 🤔if anyone knows more about the topic feel free to drop a comment! Time stamps below! 👇👇👇😊🥃 The History: 0:51 The Booze: 2:26 The Recipe: 4:00 Sips: 7:19

[@unit545]

I believe you made a deal with the devil in 1983. Immortality for infinite shameless plugs for Angostura.

[@unit545]

1893 -- sorry 1983 was the year you where ''born''

[@jackmuller2557]

I believe the Pabst Blue Ribbon was self-awarded for the Fair. The1893 World Fair was supposed to be showing off the Post-bellum, reconstructed and industrially optimistic America off to the rest of the world (side note, the “Great white city” was extremely problematic in its literal whitewashing of American history and achievement). But yeah. The award was their own. Edit for clarity: the “Blue Ribbon” was Pabst’s attempt to remain congruent with the theme that everything at the fair was the best America had to offer to the rest of the world

[@kieranb7747]

why are you so close to the camera.

[@brianwallace1678]

Nice video. If you can find a good Cherry Brandy give it a shot also. If I use that always go with sour to offset the slightly sweeter brandy. Door County Distillery makes a nice Cherry Brandy. Cheers!

[@mattgritzmacher1795]

As a fellow Wisconsinite, I believe every year is a big year for drinking.

[@tedwojtasik8781]

Woo Hoo!!! UofW La Crosse!!!

[@nl3712]

👏👏👏

[@hildus7222]

Shebaghdad hears you, the night is still young.

[@brockbenavides7185]

🤣

[@scotwilliams4789]

As a scotsman I think your completely right haha

[@hotramen5952]

as the chef of a supper club in wisconsin, this recipe is legit. remember, drink wisconsinably!

[@ryanskogg5211]

I am from Duluth, not quite Wisconsin. My question is the Sour Old Fashioned. Would you use sour mix, or would you use Squirt?

[@alexandersteeves5383]

@@ryanskogg5211 squirt

[@frankaxiak1959]

I had a great brandy old fashioned at the Peshtigo. WI supper club.

[@MUrules2014]

Went to a wedding once in Seattle and the bartender was very confused why he was making so many brandy old fashioneds - over half the wedding party were Marquette alums 😂

[@jkmac901]

Love it!

[@TheBswan]

The plural of alumnus is alumni

[@chrispalozzi1602]

​@@TheBswanwhat is the plural for pedantic asshole?

[@Treecliff]

​@@TheBswanAnd the plural of alumna is alumnae. Sadly, I don't think this is a fight we Latinists are ever going to win, but that's language change for you. Que sera sera.

[@azadamaru5681]

I’m European and didn’t get the joke but great!

[@wallstreetwayne1810]

My wife just walked in and asked “what are you doing?” and I said “watching my guy make drinks”. So apparently I like watching your drink videos so much that you’ve become “my guy”. Keep up the good work. Very entertaining and interesting at the same time. Cheers!!

[@AndersErickson]

Thanks, Wayne! I'll keep mixing up the drinks. Cheers!

[@drath5679]

Anders is my guy for drinks too

[@MrStoutfool]

I’m getting in bed and now I’m contemplating getting up to go make an Old Fashioned. My go to guy as well! Cheers!

[@FightScene]

This video was mind blowing for me. I visited Madison Wi a few years back and was at a bar with some Wisconsin colleagues. I mentioned i had just learned to make an old fashioned, and they said "Wisconsin is known for their old fashioned, you have to try one". So I did, and the bartender asked me if I wanted it sweet or sour... i was so confused. So I watched him put 7up, and was mortified. For the past 7 years, I've often thought about how it was the worst old fashioned I've ever had... little did I know it's actually a different drink all together.

[@steveg8102]

I'm from green bay, I laughed out loud.

[@PyrrhusBrin]

Technically this isn't far off from the bourbon old fashioned that has fruit in it (which is my guilty pleasure drink).

[@joegeiselman3526]

This explains why I was so confused when I ordered an Old Fashioned when I was in Wisconsin recently. Bartender: Sweet or Sour? Me: Uh, neither? BT: Confused look Me with glass of crushed ice and obliterated orange and cherry: Confused look

[@AndersErickson]

😂

[@Barprints]

I feel like you just helped me dodge a bullet.

[@bp3986]

Same exact thing happened to me this past summer!

[@iceman5117]

I got this bullshit in rust belt my too. Ordered an old fashioned and got a glass of bourbon flavored macerated fruit and simple syrup

[@PyrrhusBrin]

@@iceman5117 my go to at a bar is a bourbon old fashioned with the muddled orange and cherry. I don't know why I like it like that because at home I follow a fancier recipe.

[@tombrown1898]

Wisconsin is the land of random taverns. A "family restaurant" in Wisconsin is a tavern that serves sandwiches. I say that with affection and many good memories.

[@krazmokramer]

In the 70s, I was a bartender in some really nice restaurants in Lincoln Nebraska. We made OF very similar to your way. Except we used whiskey and a cane sugar cube instead of simple syrup. We muddled the orange, cherry, sugar and bitters (Angostura of course - 2 shakes), added the ice and whiskey. Topped with a small splash of seltzer and a lemon twist. Garnished with the orange and cherry like you did. One of my favorite drinks to this day!! Thanks for this video!

[@stevencrawford7409]

Anders, your home state pride shows in this video. My wife and I just finished our first “Wisconsin” Old Fashioned’s and it truly is a delight. Made ours with Korbel’s to uphold the tradition and based on your enthusiasm and now can’t imagine making one with anything but Korbel’s. I have bottles of Remy Martin VSOP and Pierre Ferrand 1840 on the shelf but this jewel demands Korbel’s. The other KZbinr’s treat this one too haphazardly. You and Oz nailed this one 👏👏👏. Yes this will be a two cocktail evening for us.

[@wiscobuckeye]

As a Wisconsin resident - you nailed the drink perfectly. So good!

[@bgres07]

Wisconsin born and raised. My preference is whiskey old fashioned, sweet, garnished with a pickle. It may be different, but it is very much Wisconsin. Your version of the Wisconsin Old Fashioned looks incredible, thanks for giving it a go!

[@mcmaja]

I like that it’s always 5:00 in your world.

[@judithmorse6829]

I want to give you an elitist thumbs up for this. I went to school In Milwaukee as an expatriate from Philadelphia and fell in love with this. It really is the tiki version of an old fashion and I don’t care what they say, I have introduced this to my friends in the northeast and they all love it, Viva Milwaukee!

[@hildus7222]

Remember to drink Wisconsinably

[@scottduke2809]

I'm a bartender in Miami and if you're ever in town i sure would love to sit with you and have a drink and a good ole chat! really enjoy your videos.

[@knuxson]

I grew up and still live in Texas, but my in-laws are from Wisconsin. The WI Old Fashioned really is a fascinating cocktail because it is so customizable. Whenever I visit my wife's family in Wisconsin, I am just amazed by how this cocktail is pretty much everyone's drink of choice there, but everyone also makes their's slightly differently. And I have grown to love it was well. I don't drink one every day after dinner like my father-in-law, but every now and then I just crave one. I prefer mine with whiskey and squirt (sour) and I like to garnish mine with a salty garnish - olives if that is all I have, but pickled brussel sprouts are actually really good. Thanks for making this one!

[@dicksatan6444]

Once a wash is added, it becomes a highball.

[@raxalot]

As a Wiscosinite this speaks to my heart, I watched the try guys do 50 iconic drinks from the US (one for each state) , they did bloody mary for Wisconsin. I was proud and offended by this as I know an Old Fashioned AND Bloody Mary are iconic for Wisconsin.

[@Quintinohthree]

I guess the Bloody Mary would be the drink FROM Wisconsin, whereas the Old Fashioned wouls be the drink OF Wisconsin.

[@verruckterwissenschaftler]

Brandy Old Fashioned with Cheese Curds and pretzels please. Love your videos Anders!!!

[@tombrown1898]

My goodness. I spent my honeymoon moving to Milwaukee from Ohio. Korbel and I became fast friends in the land of cheese. My favorite was a Brandy Manhattan. "Brandy and sweet.". You never hear that anywhere else. I'm a confirmed Beefeater Martini man now. In Wisconsin, that's called a "see-through.". Great video!

[@rommeldavidtrevinoflores7215]

Just tried, no wash was ok, sour was tasty!! Really liked this cocktail, Regards from where Topo chico in born

[@wpsalieri]

I grew up in Wisconsin as well but haven't been back in a decade. This video gave me flashbacks (in a good way). I still get old fashioneds all the time, usually with bourbon, but haven't specified sweet/sour/etc in forever. I'm gonna ask for a brandy old fashioned sour next time I go out just to see what happens.... Also, fun fact: Rainbow Bar & Grill on Sunset in LA makes these Wisco style with the bright red cherries, muddled with the orange, sweet by default. It's so out of place in the middle of that bougie neighborhood it'll blow your mind.

[@AndersErickson]

I love that these are being made in LA 🤯 Glad this video could bring back positive flashbacks! Cheers to you!

[@jasonethridge]

Wow. Recent subscriber here, exploring the back catalog, and BAM! The memories! My aunt owned The Silver Dollar Saloon, in Pittsville (center of the state!) Two tap bar (PBR and Schlitz, as if) and if you weren’t drinking one of those, you were almost certainly drinking an old fashioned just like this. (The old men would say, “If you’re putting whiskey in your drink, you’re a southerner, and surely not Lutheran!”) Loving your channel! The production is fantastic and you’re a hoot!

[@AndersErickson]

Love your story! It sounds like some of my favorite kind of bars. Glad you're enjoying the videos! Cheers!

[@terryratsack423]

I have been there

[@corysimonavice2770]

The Wisconsin Old Fashion is the drink that got me into making cocktails. Used to make it with a simple syrup with the bitters mixed into the syrup. Had a whole bottle of the stuff just for this drink. I remember feeling so fancy making these for my friends, muddling the fruit. My god they were sweet, but hey, I was proud and my friends were impressed. I haven’t had one in many years now. That changes tonight!! Thanks for another great video Anders!

[@AndersErickson]

I love this story. I remember using the simple/bitters mix too! Brings back some memories. I’m happy you’ve found your way back to this drink. I hope it’s as good as you remember. Cheers!

[@77Badger]

I grew up in Madison, so yeah. This brought back some memories. There is actually a bar/restaurant across from the state capitol called the Old Fashioned. Great place to go if you are ever in Madison.

[@FightinAggie07]

Best cheese curds, too!

[@draco1343]

Best old fashioneds there, I could never make them at home with the same taste

[@77Badger]

@@draco1343 Agreed. Great place. Not sure what they do, although I have concocted a maple syrup old fashioned that I sure like.

[@77Badger]

The Wisconsin version of the Old Fashioned uses brandy but mine uses rye whiskey or high rye Bourbon,

[@johnsarcaneautos]

Surprisingly good. Made one exactly as prescribed and it was a surprisingly complex and satisfying cocktail

[@theravishingone1977]

Born in Oshkosh, raised on BOFs! I used to make them for my parents, in these big plastic tumblers with the Packers logo, ca 1975

[@jkmac901]

I'm from KY. My bourbon Old Fashioned game is pretty strong, if I do say so myself. 😅 I did a travel nursing contract in the Northwoods of Wisconsin in 2021/2022. While I was there, I fell in love with the Wisconsin Old Fashioned. Our favorite hangout was Beachcomber Lounge in Rhinelander, WI. The people there were great... just a lot of fun, and the bartenders, Tom and Deb, were just the best! I tried several different variations on the Old Fashioned there...sweet, sour, press, garnished with cherries, mushrooms, etc. I'll just say.... they were ALL good in their own ways. We loved going there and being accepted as "out-of-towners-but-for-an-extended-period-of-time." 😂 I loved this video! Thank you!!!

[@samuelstropes]

Very helpful video, thank you. I have been personally refused by a bar staff to make the Wisconsin Old Fashioned because they thought it ruined the drink. Next time I will send them this link.

[@brightvalve]

Another great video! In Australia I can't find Wisconsin brandy so I made this cocktail with a fruity cognac that has a dry finish, and it is delicious. With the crushed ice it is refreshing and easy to drink.

[@benjamanborchardt2010]

That’s just yet we really don’t use brandy that comes out of Wisconsin. Korbel is the ph traditional Brandy we use and it’s made in California.

[@rhihodag9873]

I'm a Hodag! I grew up with these. The Best!

[@tombrown1898]

Quite a few years ago, I had an older golfing buddy who stirred his Martinis with his finger. He was a retired physician.

[@colina1330]

Roll out the barrel, and get the band brewin'. Life's got ya down, so just keep 'er movin'. Watch out for deer, and tell your folks I says hi.

[@PyrrhusBrin]

I love mine topped with Squirt, it just becomes very refreshing for me that way.

[@sarahdee374]

Have you ever seen Charlie Berens' video of making the same cocktail? almost as good, and authentic, as yours!

[@patrickhart2483]

Thank you so much for all your videos I’ve been bartending for a while, but I’ve been doing more events that call for more skill in Mixology so your videos have been so helpful!

[@DirtyHairy84]

I dated a girl from a small town called Mayville near Fond Du Lac and they made it as an old fashioned sour and garnished with pickled vegetables like olives, mushrooms and Brussels sprouts

[@happymonk4206]

1:38...its always a good year to drink in Wisconsin. I'm from Wisconsin and proud of it. Still live here. Drink Wisconsibly. Beer, wine, whiskey, gin, whatever you're in to. 🍻

[@FrogFishLeezerd]

What better way to start your weekend than by having one of these on Friday night with your dinner? This is one of my most favorite drinks...just like he made it, the Wisconsin way. Only I add a couple more cherries for fun! 🍒

[@jeffwashburn73]

Interesting. I've had these made for me when ordering Old Fashioned's before and just assumed the bartender didn't know how to make a "proper" Old Fashioned. Can't say I'm a fan of this style, but I learned something! Love the production quality of the videos!

[@ericktellez7632]

Agree. Not a fan at all of this one 🤷‍♂️

[@marvcarrell5777]

On Wisconsin! Thanks, and cheers! :-)

[@judithmorse6829]

I went to Marquette and fell in love with these. I moved back to the northeast and have introduced these to my friends. All it took was one for them to fall in love.

[@madmommy]

My favorite drink, and my favorite book. I like my old fashioned sour. It’s also good sweet with Southern Comfort instead of brandy.

[@williamknox9087]

@6:00 True confession. This is my first time watching one of your videos and I was judging you pretty hard for the open shirt. Cheers.

[@JohnnyDoom]

I was typing a comment like this when Anders realized he was dressed like a romance novel cover. I'm glad he fixed it too.

[@patrickdoyle6519]

Love this one! My step father is from Wisconsin and while his prefers Canadian club, his parents were brandy style old fashioners

[@heatherhill700]

I found your channel recently and as an 18 yr old bartender from Up North 20 years ago. I can still make these in my sleep! 100's of them served while waiting for the fish fry!

[@C_HILL_OUT]

It was a lot longer than 20 years ago!!!

[@TheMatthewcota]

It's a fun recipe. I love to coke it. The bitters oddly carry the drink

[@matttalksbeer1474]

Made these for my mom and family and they loved them! My mom is from West Allis just outside of Milwaukee

[@TomRyanMKE]

Native Wisconsinite here. I like to make mine by muddling the fruit, bitters, and sugar in a Boston shaker, adding the spirit and ice, shaking, double straining into a chilled tumbler over a big rock of fresh ice, and then optionally topping it with soda and garnish. It would probably be considered a blasphemy by my neighbors, but I think it makes for a much cleaner, easier drinking cocktail. Try it!

[@AndersErickson]

That sounds absolutely wonderful to me!

[@lathropedition]

I’m born and raised West Coast, and I’m drooling watching this. Now I have to make it!

[@jasonottum1501]

In honor of my first trip to Bayfield, WI I'm sipping one of these in Minneapolis tonight. Delicious.

[@shadowstalker130666]

Oh man, born and bred wisconsinite and ive been making these since i was like 10 at family get togethers. Usually by the time a few rounds of cards were done, i was the only one able to make drinks. Had my first old fashioned at 14, been drinking them ever since. Brandy sweet with pickled mushrooms. Olives in a pinch.

[@davidstewart3868]

Okay, I have to give this Wisconsin Old Fashioned a try. Go Packers!

[@Bsully144]

They’re delicious! I work for a company based in Wisconsin and I always love going there for a Spotted Cow beer and an Old Fashioned

[@ltthunder1]

Pickled brussels are amazing in general and in this drink

[@eddiemagana8955]

I’m from Green Bay, and anywhere i go, people turn their noses up when I tell them about a Wisconsin Old Fashioned, and the possible variations. It’s fine, I’m not one to convince people about what they’re missing. They’ll go all their lives without such delight and that’s unfortunate for them. We can cherish things on our own.

[@halsurratt3970]

In my visits to WI I’ve had a WI old fashioned made of Southern Comfort.

[@aarondrossart6026]

I grew up in Green Bay then went to college in Milwaukee. Now live in Charlotte NC and my parents came down and ordered what they thought was a Wisconsin old fashioned.... Interesting surprise :)

[@jnsmith111]

1:46- So, just Chi being Chi ? Cool.

[@GregTardif]

Chop sticks work good for stirring too

[@xlastth1nguseex582]

reminds me of home so much.....miss Wisco every day!!!!!!!!!

[@masonhoffman9365]

As a fellow Wisconsinite - I've been waiting to see this video for a long time. Also, love the history lesson.

[@Barprints]

Love all the people from Wisconsin signing off on this. Nothing like that authentic stamp of approval👍

[@halsurratt3970]

My friend Sarah from Kaukauna drinks them Southern Comfort, sweet and the garden!

[@LostandFoundTravel]

It's always a huge year for drinking in Wisco!

[@0176691]

Growing up a mile from Wrigley I am fascinated with DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY and the 1893 WORLD FAIR overall. So many FIRSTS there, like Ferris's Wheel, electric lighting for the common man, Buffalo Bill Wild West Show, Chicago lakefront museums, on and on. 🥰😳 And I am going to try every one of these Old Fashion varieties! Sounds fabulous🥃🥂❤

[@fitter1972]

Korbel is an underrated brandy. Tastes like port, you can still taste the grapes

[@ayostyle5740]

I’m from Wisconsin and knew NONE of this! Thanks for sharing!

[@nnervous]

We will certainly try this ASAP. And thanks for the added history of the 1893 worlds fair. I wasn't aware of those two things that also came from that fair but the story is amazing and so many things came out of that event. As I recall it was the Edison vs. Tesla, AC vs. DC battle that was decided going into that fair where AC power was used. That book is also a great two part story, one for the horrific exploits of H.H. Holmes and the other of the amazing story of the fair itself, the trials and tribulations of pulling it off, the conflicts of the major players of the day and how it almost didn't happen. A wonderful bit of history from a pretty wild time in America.

[@markjeranek9802]

Born and raised in Wisconsin---Germantown FTW, in the 1970's and it is sort of the State Drink. I also worked as a tarbender for years during my college days and made thousands from scratch. Don't use mixes folks. DO wash your fruits. There are a lot of pesticides and herbicides used in orchards. Angostura is still the best.

[@chrisbrodroy1183]

I really like the cinematic approach of your storytelling. And the drinks are delicious!

[@zdruck0717]

Reminds me of home. Moved out to the Twin Cities recently but always gotta keep a bottle of brandy around for one of these. Great stuff man!

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you! I keep a bottle around for the same reason. Cheers!

[@christophmang5236]

pickeled "Rosenkohl" ... interessting idea :)

[@greengrugach1984]

I've tried this drink in many countries in many bars but the best by a mile is Belfast Northern Ireland, it's a different drink altogether there and its made the exact same way as it was in the late 19th century, its a very popular drink in Belfast.

[@joelbraatz9089]

I too am from Wisconsin. This is the best video that I’ve watched on how to make the drink we all love so much. Excellent job!

[@kessenichp]

Fantastic way of covering all the variations. As new sub from Wisconsin, good job. I'd say the most common orders I hear in Wisco are brandy sour, or whiskey sweet. I think those do a good job offsetting the different booze flavors.

[@NeilCampbellRCM]

Just made this straight without the cherry, didn't have any. Excellent!! International Scotsman, based in Germany

[@andrewgabrielse9073]

Spot on 👌 We like using JollyGood sour pow’r for our sweeter grapefruit/lime soda. Another Wisconsin company which started back up a few years ago. Supper clubs and old fashions are a must here 👍🏼

[@AndersErickson]

The fact that you not only know what Jolly Good Sour Pow’r is, but use it to make your old fashioned is proof you’re from Wisconsin! Absolutely love it - cheers to you, Andrew!

[@scotts3460]

I'm from La Crosse. I worked as a busboy at " The New Villa" around 1990. I think this was the only drink served in the bar :)

[@jroc7443]

Every person from Wisconsin I have talked to has said you can not get a good Ol Fashioned once you leave the state. Hopefully your video inspires others to make better ones.

[@johnwilk3655]

We also make Korbel Manhattans. I call it Milwaukee.

[@matttalksbeer1474]

My mom is from Milwaukee (West Allis specifically) and she loves a good Old Fashioned so ill have to make one of these for her...

[@taylorgreenwell578]

I am moving to Eau Claire from Salt Lake City in two weeks so this video was needed!

[@jonathandejesus5574]

Instead of sprite, I try a flavored seltzer. Mango, Orange, Rasperry etc. some flavor no extra sugar

[@KurtPapke]

Born and raised in Milwaukee. Always Southern Comfort, less ice, 100% Seven up.

[@pamfinter5532]

Inspired me to attempt my first Old Fashioned ever - making and drinking one. Delicious! Have loved all your videos - there's something mesmerizing about them (the history lesson, how beautiful they are filmed and edited, the music) Keep up the great work you two! I'll keep watching!

[@NipItInTheBud100]

A Brandy Old Fashioned is my favorite cocktail! Great video! I never knew that's how Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer got its name!!

[@completelynobody4153]

Milwaukee native here. Olives, and Mushrooms are the most common garnish here. Brandy OF Sweet with 2 olives. I've made more of them than any other cocktail combined.

[@michaeljdauben]

All I need is an orange and I'll be making one of these! 🥃

[@Tattdgoose]

This is awesome. Thank you. Being in KY I love the bourbon old fashioned. But I also love brandy. This is great. Splash of sprite! Genius. Thank you.

[@aaronrose5418]

Gotta use a sugar cube with a splash of your soda while muddling the fruit! much better than simple syrup in my opinion

[@catofthenorth64]

Greetings from Wisconsin. Really enjoying your channel. My grandfather used to have brandy in warm water with lots of sugar mixed in as an after work drink...served in a Tupperware cup. Pretty fancy right?

[@AndersErickson]

He would have gotten along with my grandpa!

[@dr.doshay4170]

Just made this right now with a sweet wash and I loved it! I do want to try it with soda as I did think it was too sweet. Thanks my good sir!!

[@wrany72]

My favorite book!

[@aidendossett]

I work at a Wisconsin Tavern in Denver... Taking notes.

[@kevin1873]

Interesting. I love that there are so many different ways and styles to enjoy an old-fashioned and this version looks very good as well. Nicely done.

[@danieltrafecante3813]

Enjoy listening, press as I’ve always known to be 1/2 club soda 1/2 ginger ale and not 7 up.

[@crazycaseyscustoms]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video, sir. As somebody who has visited the lovely Korbel property many times, I’m surprised I’ve never been presented with this idea before, but I will certainly have to try it. Excellent videography, too. Subscribing for sure.

[@c1t1zendaum]

Damn this is good, used a rich demerara syrup and some Christian Brothers Brandy and it's my new favorite cocktail. Thanks Anders!

[@readytoshow3016]

WOW, It looks Delicious, i want to try this right now, congrats. I prepared a Peruvian CEVICHE, maybe someone is interested 👨‍🍳👨‍🍳

[@cypherfunc]

One time I was at a company gathering at a resort, and they had a really good selection and bartenders for an all-inclusive. Thus I was very surprised when I ordered an old-fashioned, and got some kind of very fruity cocktail. It was delicious, but totally unexpected. Now I finally know what it was!😄

[@jasonguern8402]

Having been introduced to a regular old fashioned first, I can not drink these. I ordered an old fashioned at a mid-tier bar, and this is what I got. It was not what I was expecting, and made for a bad first impression of the cocktail. It tastes like when I lose my cocktail at home, and find it after the rock has melted.