Best Wisconsin Old Fashioned - history & recipe

Today I'm mixing up the best Wisconsin old fashioned! Of course in Wisconsin it's just called an old fashioned, but if you've had one, you know it's very different from a classic old fashioned. This drink is special to me because it reminds me of home. Highly customizable, there's a version of this cocktail for every drinker out there. You choose the level of sweetness and the garnish (anything from fruit to pickled vegetables!). I owe my personal philosophy of cocktails to this drink. I believe we should all drink what we like, and this is what I like. Cheers!
P.S. If you need a good book to read this winter, I'd recommend "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson 😊 amzn.to/2JoD6TC
Grab the bottles I use here! 👉 bit.ly/AndersBottleCollection
Patreon: / anderserickson
TIME STAMPS
Intro: 0:00
The History: 0:51
The Booze: 2:26
The Recipe: 4:00
Sips: 7:19
THE WISCONSIN OLD FASHIONED RECIPE
2 oz. (60 ml) Korbel Brandy
1/4 oz. (7.5 ml) Semi-rich simple syrup (1.5:1)
4 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
2 small wedges of orange
1 cocktail cherry
Topo Chico sparkling mineral water
Cocktail cherry and orange slice for garnish
THE TOOLS
My workhorse double jigger: amzn.to/3lmmKrK
Serrated utility knife: amzn.to/3qg8nsB
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Co-produced with the lovely Azusa "Az" Inaba 🎥 🎨

[@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).

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@wiscobuckeye]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@hildus7222]

Remember to drink Wisconsinably

[@mcmaja]

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

[@verruckterwissenschaftler]

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

[@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!

[@rhihodag9873]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@marvcarrell5777]

On Wisconsin! Thanks, and cheers! :-)

[@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.

[@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

[@rommeldavidtrevinoflores7215]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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. 🍻

[@sarahdee374]

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

[@hongodarongo]

Thank you for this recepie! Thank you for this channel! So excited to start mixing!

[@johnwilk3655]

We also make Korbel Manhattans. I call it Milwaukee.

[@chrisbrodroy1183]

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

[@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.

[@MauiPearl]

Best one I've seen made! Yum! 😋

[@johnsarcaneautos]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@Barprints]

Yup! I could definitely get behind one of these!

[@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,

[@eddiesocker1189]

This is one of my new favorite drinks I had no clue about this until I saw your video. Thanks for introducing me to something new and great.

[@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!

[@lathropedition]

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

[@CallMeSlavik]

Oh yea can’t wait to try this

[@drath5679]

Love watching your videos ... I measure all other drink mixing videos by yours.. thanks Anders

[@COSBROWN151]

Looks so good.

[@waynewong8442]

Thanks for the instructions and history of the drink, and yeah, "Devil in the White City" is a good read! I'm making this drink for Thanksgiving. Your video was very informative, especially about the different toppers. I just ordered one of those ice crushing bags. Didn't know there was such a thing, thanks!

[@NN-tl1oy]

Great work, sir!

[@sweetnclever928]

Looks so good

[@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.

[@wrany72]

My favorite book!

[@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!!!

[@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!!

[@jnsmith111]

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

[@rodrigodiaz1321]

Looks delicious. I am going to try making this

[@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.

[@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.

[@ritawodyka5257]

Awesome !

[@PyrrhusBrin]

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

[@xlastth1nguseex582]

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

[@matttalksbeer1474]

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

[@yoniudkoff3577]

My man great vid!!

[@chuckiep268]

Thank you for this recipe. I was just up in Door county and had a couple of these. Now I have the recipe! 🎉

[@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.

[@Psykochon]

I tried it with cognac, good stuff thank you

[@rafatonic]

This is my new favorite drink! And every time I make it to someone they love it even if they’re not a fan of Brandy

[@IndigoWall]

Looked forward t this particular session. You r a hoot, sir! Cheers!

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you, Steve! Adjust those bitters as needed 😉 Cheers!

[@verruckterwissenschaftler]

The cherries look awesome tasting. Must find those.

[@patrickdoyle6519]

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

[@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.

[@jamesmcpherson499]

Great book

[@ayostyle5740]

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

[@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.

[@NipItInTheBud100]

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

[@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! 🍒

[@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

[@yevheniipalyvoda9654]

Love you, man 🙂 I have started doing a good cocktails, my fellows are satisfied

[@jasonottum1501]

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

[@paulmente679]

Hey Anders I’m a fellow Wisconsinite as well, love that recipe it’s spot on. And I’ve been watching your videos and I finally get the clock in the back. Typical bartender clock should be 5 o’clock somewhere right love it.

[@rustynaild4247]

I will try this one. I think I will like it.👍

[@NJCocktails]

Enjoy your content my friend, happy I’ve found the channel. Keep up the great work!

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you so much! Appreciate the support. Cheers!

[@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!

[@Christophe_L]

Tried this now. I might need another one quickly.

[@Pitsy]

Love this - can’t wait to make it - no sprouts though !!!!!!

[@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.

[@billyhughes9776]

This looks great -- I'm gonna do this with Copper & King's American Brandy w/the Topo Chico topper.

[@CocktailsUnderQuarantine]

Well done! I enjoyed "The Devil in the White City" as well.

[@JonPlarr]

Great video also good Erik Larson recommendation great author

[@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!

[@hanks5324]

My moms from Kenosha and she always orders a brandy only fashioned. Really glad to hear the explanation! Thank you

[@SERBIAZ]

Swedes on 56st. Makes them well

[@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👍

[@indynebeker4866]

I thought I was crazy thinking I was doing the Old fashion wrong after I was in Wis. but you video set me straight...I think I love both versions:)

[@punkrockwino164]

I LOVE Old Fashioneds... but I have never heard of this. Up until this year ango bitters was the only one available in my area. I think I'm gonna have to try this soon!

[@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.

[@TheMatthewcota]

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

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Great video

[@poohbah65]

Nice work Cuz!!!

[@javiervigil2511]

Seems like it's much sweeter than a traditional old fashion, great look at a Wisconsin thx