I’ve been intrigued by the drinking culture of the state of Wisconsin ever since I started vacationing there with my family each summer. Wisconsin seems free of any prohibition leftovers or strict moral relationship with alcohol that some parts of the Midwestern United States still seem to hold. Wisconsinites are almost as specific about their brandy old-fashioneds as they are about their cheese. An article called “Cheers! Wisconsinites are the top consumers of Korbel in the U.S.” explains this phenomenon well, so if you are interested in the history of this cocktail and, specifically brandy, in Wisconsin, read on!
Wisconsin reminds me of many places I have visited in Europe in that they enjoy moderate amounts of alcohol (brandy or beer, as a generalization) as an everyday part of life. I’ve been polling friends who grew up in Wisconsin, and it’s unanimous—they drink brandy! One friend said, “Every local bar has their own variation, and there are a million . . . like the churches in Holland, Michigan. Ours never had club soda but instead 7-UP or Squirt and were always sweet. I would tend to say that people make them overly sweet in Wisconsin.” I tend to say that however they make them, they do it right, and to me, they have glimmers of sangria because of the fruit and brandy. I really like them!
My version of the Brandy Old Fashioned might make some Wisconsinites queasy—I’m quite sure it is TOO far from the standard orange slice, sugar, bitters, brandy, 7-UP, and maraschino cherry—but I love it! Let me know what you think.
Blue Brandy Smash
Serves 20 (in a 10-ounce rocks glass filled with ice)
56 sugar cubes (or ¾ cup sugar, although I think that cubes are more fun!)
2 cups frozen blueberries
7 cups club soda
4 teaspoons plum bitters
1 lemon, sliced thin
7 cups brandy (I prefer Korbel)
In a large glass measuring cup (a four-cup measure is a good size), muddle sugar cubes and blueberries with the back of a wooden spoon until the sugar cubes begin to melt into the blueberries.
Pour two cups of the brandy and squeeze the lemon slices into this mixture and muddle. Allow this to sit overnight in the refrigerator for best flavors.
If you like a cleaner cocktail (like I do), strain off the blueberry and lemon.
When ready to serve, transfer to a gallon-size serving container, add the remaining 5 cups of brandy, then add the club soda immediately before serving. Enjoy!
Purchase the Lark Cocktails book for dozens more great recipes! #livinglark
