Wisconsin Old Fashioned
The Story
This is a midwestern cocktail through and through. But since the home base of the Runaway Anchor Cocktail Bar is in the midwest, we wanted to call it out.
This is an Old Fashioned made with Brandy, but it’s more commonly referred to as the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, where it finds it’s origins. You’ll want to pay attention to the build process. First off, this one is built in the glass (not a mixing glass like you would normally do with an Old Fashioned). The other big difference is topping off the drink with soda. I’m still a little conflicted about this myself.
If you want a sweet drink, go with Sprite or 7up. If you want a sour drink, swap out for Squirt and if you just want the bubbles without the added flavors, you can always just do Club Soda.
Last point. For the Brandy stick with the original recipe and get a bottle of Korbel. It’s cheap and easy drinking. If you’re adding soda to a cocktail, you generally don’t want to use expensive stuff, and especially not cognac for this one.
This one is an easy drinker for warm evenings, preferably near a cabin in Lake Country.
Ingredients
2 oz Brandy (don’t waste good cognac on this one)
1 sugar cube (or ½ oz simple syrup)
3-4 dashes Angostura Bitters
Splash of water
Soda for topper (Sprite is our preference, but Club Soda or Squirt are other options)
Garnish with orange slice and cherries
Preparation
Place the sugar cube in the bottom of the glass and soak with the Angostura Bitters
Add a splash of water to the glass (0.25oz if you really need to measure)
Muddle into a nice paste (if using simple syrup, you won’t need to muddle)
Add Brandy and swirl to mix the ingredients together
Add a single cube (or a handful of ice cubes if that’s what you have on hand)
Add your soda of choice to top off the drink
Garnish with a slice of orange and a couple cherries
Source: Runaway Anchor Recipe of a Regional Cocktail