Author Notes
This lovely libation is a take on what is arguably Wisconsin’s state cocktail: the Brandy Old Fashioned. And while the standard Old Fashioned is definitely delicious, this seasonal fall variety, made with brown sugar, apple cider, brandied cherries, and ginger ale, is pretty darn tasty in its own right. —Sarah | Wisconsin from Scratch
Test Kitchen Notes
Growing up near the boarder of Wisconsin exposed me to the allure of fish fries, steakhouses, and sweet, sparkly Brandy Old Fashioneds from a young age. My first Wisconsin Old Fashioned was accompanied by a rib eye sizzling on a hot metal plate, alongside crisp oniony-hash brown potatoes. How can you not fall in love with a drink that keeps such good company? The addition of cider to this recipe reinvents it while not losing any of the nostalgia. —Gus'Mom
Ingredients
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1/2 teaspoon
brown sugar
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1/2
orange slice
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1/2 teaspoon
grenadine syrup
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5
dashes Angostura bitters
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1 1/2 ounces
brandy
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1 1/2 ounces
apple cider
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ginger ale
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apple slices, brandied cherries, and crystallized ginger, for garnish
Directions
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Combine brown sugar, orange slice, grenadine, and bitters in an Old Fashioned (or similarly sized) glass. Muddle until brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
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Add a handful of ice cubes, then add the brandy and apple cider. Top off with ginger ale. Garnish with an apple slice and/or a skewer of brandied cherries and crystallized ginger if desired.
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