Go Back

Wisconsin Old Fashioned

This iconic Wisconsin cocktail combines whiskey, bitters, sugar, and muddled fresh fruit to create a perfectly balanced, refreshing drink that tastes like home. A simple yet sophisticated sipper that takes less than five minutes to prepare.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 maraschino cherry preferably fresh or high-quality
  • 1 slice fresh orange about half an inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or simple syrup
  • 2 to 3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 2 ounces whiskey preferably rye or bourbon
  • Ice cubes preferably large
  • Splash of club soda or water optional

Equipment

  • Rocks glass (10 to 12 ounces)
  • Bar spoon or long-handled cocktail spoon
  • Muddler or the back of a wooden spoon
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Cutting board and sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Fill your rocks glass with ice and let it sit while you prep the other ingredients to chill the glass.
  2. Cut a fresh orange slice about half an inch thick, leaving the peel on for oils and presentation.
  3. Empty the ice from your chilled glass and add one teaspoon of sugar and two to three dashes of Angostura bitters.
  4. Place the orange slice and maraschino cherry into the glass with the sugar and bitters. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press and twist the fruit for about 10 to 15 seconds until the orange releases its oils and the cherry starts to break apart.
  5. Pour 2 ounces of whiskey into the glass over the muddled fruit and sugar mixture.
  6. Fill your rocks glass completely with large ice cubes, packing them tightly.
  7. Using a bar spoon or long-handled cocktail spoon, stir the drink for about 10 to 15 seconds to combine all the flavors and chill the liquid.
  8. Add a tiny splash of club soda or still water if you prefer a slightly lighter drink (optional).
  9. Express the oils from a fresh orange twist over the drink by twisting it and rubbing the rim, then drop it in as garnish. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use large, crystal-clear ice cubes instead of standard ice, as they melt slowly and look elegant in the glass while keeping your drink cold without watering it down. Use whiskey you actually enjoy drinking straight, since the spirit is the main star. Muddle gently and briefly to avoid releasing bitter compounds. Serve immediately after making for best results.