Ah, Wisconsin. The land of cheese curds, endless lakes, and an uncanny ability to turn anything into a Friday night tradition. But there’s one ritual that stands out above all the others—a rite of passage that’s as Wisconsin as Packers football and arguing about the proper way to make a bratwurst. I’m talking, of course, about the Wisconsin Old Fashioned and its steadfast companion, the Friday night fish fry.
Now, if you’re not from Wisconsin, you might be wondering, “What’s so special about an Old Fashioned? Isn’t it just a mix of whiskey, bitters, and sugar?” Well, dear reader, you clearly haven’t had the pleasure of sipping on a true Wisconsin Old Fashioned a drink so unique, it might just make you question everything you thought you knew about cocktails. And when paired with a golden, crispy fish fry, it becomes the ultimate way to kick off the weekend.
A Wisconsin Tradition with a Twist
Let’s start with the basics. The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that’s been around since the 1800s, beloved by cocktail enthusiasts for its simplicity and elegance. But in Wisconsin, we don’t do things the way everyone else does. No, we take tradition, throw it in a blender with a generous pour of brandy, and hit the pulse button until something magical happens.
Yes, you heard that right brandy. While the rest of the country is content to sip on whiskey Old Fashioneds, Wisconsinites have long preferred the smooth, slightly sweet embrace of brandy. The switch to brandy is said to have been popularized during Prohibition when folks in Wisconsin started importing the spirit from European immigrants who had a taste for the stuff. It was love at first sip, and the tradition has stuck around ever since.
But that’s not all. A Wisconsin Old Fashioned isn’t just brandy, bitters, and sugar. Oh no, that would be too simple. Instead, we take things up a notch by adding a splash of soda usually Sprite or 7UP for a “sweet” version, or club soda for a “sour” one. Then, we garnish the whole thing with an orange slice, a cherry, and sometimes even an olive (yes, an olive!). It’s a drink that’s as colorful as it is flavorful, and it’s the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and satisfying.
Why the Wisconsin Old Fashioned is a Friday Night Essential
So, why is the Wisconsin Old Fashioned the drink of choice for a Friday night? Well, let me paint you a picture. It’s the end of a long week, and the sun is starting to dip below the horizon. You’ve spent the day working hard, dealing with the ups and downs of life, and all you want to do is unwind. Enter the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, a drink that’s not just about the alcohol it’s about the experience.
Imagine walking into your favorite supper club, the smell of fried fish and tartar sauce wafting through the air. You find your spot at the bar, settle into a cozy booth, and order yourself an Old Fashioned. The bartender knows exactly how you like it brandy, sweet, with extra cherries and within minutes, you’re holding a glass filled with amber goodness.
The first sip is like a hug in a glass. The brandy warms you up from the inside, the soda adds a fizzy, refreshing note, and the fruit garnish gives you something to snack on as you wait for your fish fry to arrive. It’s the perfect way to transition from the workweek to the weekend, a little moment of indulgence that sets the tone for the night ahead.
And when that plate of fried fish finally arrives? Oh, it’s pure bliss. The crispy, golden fish pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the Old Fashioned, and before you know it, you’re in a state of pure Wisconsin nirvana. Add a side of coleslaw, some rye bread, and a few more sips of that Old Fashioned, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate Friday night feast.
The Charm of the Wisconsin Old Fashioned
But what really makes the Wisconsin Old Fashioned so special isn’t just the taste—it’s the tradition. There’s something inherently comforting about knowing that every Friday night, you can walk into any supper club, tavern, or even a backyard barbecue in Wisconsin and find someone enjoying an Old Fashioned with their fish fry. It’s a ritual that’s been passed down through generations, a way of connecting with your community and celebrating the simple joys of life.
And let’s be honest there’s something delightfully quirky about the Wisconsin Old Fashioned. It’s a drink that doesn’t take itself too seriously, just like the people who enjoy it. Whether you’re a lifelong Wisconsinite or just visiting, ordering an Old Fashioned is like stepping into a little piece of local history, with every sip telling a story of good times and great company.
Conclusion: Raise a Glass to Wisconsin
So, the next time you find yourself in Wisconsin on a Friday night, do yourself a favor: skip the fancy cocktails and order yourself a Wisconsin Old Fashioned. Embrace the brandy, the soda, the fruit garnish, and even the olive if you’re feeling adventurous. Pair it with a fish fry, sit back, and enjoy the magic that happens when tradition, flavor, and a little bit of humor come together in perfect harmony. Cheers to Wisconsin, where the drinks are as hearty as the people who enjoy them, and where every Friday night is an excuse to raise a glass and celebrate the good life.
