The Perfect Old Fashioned, Done Right

In Wisconsin, ordering an Old Fashioned is a tradition all its own.

Whether you're gathering with friends for a Friday fish fry, celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying a quiet evening at a supper club, few drinks carry the same sense of history and hospitality as a well-crafted Old Fashioned. But ask ten people what makes the perfect Old Fashioned, and you'll likely get ten different answers.

Let's settle the debate.

Brandy vs. Whiskey: The Great Wisconsin Divide

Outside of Wisconsin, an Old Fashioned is almost always made with whiskey. Here, however, brandy reigns supreme.

The Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned became a tradition after Korbel Brandy gained popularity throughout the state following the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Over time, Wisconsin embraced brandy as its spirit of choice, creating a cocktail that became uniquely our own.

A whiskey Old Fashioned offers bold notes of oak, vanilla, and spice. It's rich, robust, and appeals to those who enjoy the character of the spirit taking center stage.

A brandy Old Fashioned, on the other hand, is smoother and slightly sweeter, allowing the fruit and mixer to complement the drink in a more approachable way.

At Red Circle Inn, we appreciate both styles. After all, a great cocktail should reflect the preferences of the guests enjoying it.

Sweet or Sour? The Choice is Yours

Once you've chosen your spirit, the next decision is equally important: sweet or sour.

A Sweet Old Fashioned is the classic Wisconsin favorite. Traditionally topped with lemon-lime soda, it delivers a balanced sweetness that softens the edges of the spirit while enhancing the fruit and bitters.

A Sour Old Fashioned takes a different approach. Using a sour mixer creates a brighter, more citrus-forward profile with a crisp finish that many cocktail enthusiasts prefer.

Neither is right or wrong. The beauty of the Wisconsin Old Fashioned is that it allows for personal preference. It's a cocktail that can be customized while still honoring tradition.

What Makes an Old Fashioned Stand Out?

The difference between a good Old Fashioned and a memorable one often comes down to the details.

Quality ingredients matter. Proper balance matters. Fresh garnishes matter. The right amount of ice matters. 

And most importantly, craftsmanship matters.

At Red Circle Inn, we believe every Old Fashioned should be made with care and consistency. From the first muddled ingredient to the final garnish, attention to detail ensures each cocktail delivers the experience guests expect.

An exceptional Old Fashioned doesn't overwhelm with sweetness. It doesn't hide the spirit. Instead, it creates harmony between the liquor, bitters, fruit, and mixer, allowing each element to play its role.

When any one element dominates, the cocktail loses its charm.

The secret is balance. Like a great supper club dinner, every component should work together. Nothing should shout. Everything should belong.

The Perfect Pairing at Red Circle Inn

An exceptional Old Fashioned deserves exceptional company on the plate. Few pairings feel more timeless than a Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned alongside our Overnight Prime Rib. The richness of the beef, the savory depth of the au jus and the gentle sweetness of the cocktail create the kind of pairing that feels distinctly Wisconsin.

If seafood is more your style, our Great Lakes Walleye offers another match to remember. The bright lemon-caper cream sauce complements the citrus notes in the cocktail while allowing both the fish and the drink to shine.

And for those who appreciate the classics, it’s hard to beat an Old Fashioned with a basket of Haystack Onion Rings or cheese curds shared around the table. Some combinations simply never go out of style.

Raise a Glass to Tradition

The perfect Old Fashioned invites conversation. It encourages lingering. It reminds us that some things are timeless for a reason.

That philosophy feels right at home at Red Circle Inn.

For more than 175 years, guests have gathered here to celebrate milestones, reconnect with friends and create new memories around the table. A properly made Old Fashioned has been part of that story for generations, and we suspect it always will be.

Cheers to tradition, craftsmanship, and the perfect Old Fashioned done right.