Overview: The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Rays to win the World Series, securing the franchise’s first title in history. Wisconsin celebrates this victory with a specific preference for brandy rather than traditional bourbon or beer.
The Full Story
Tim Sweeney, bar manager and partner at Pebble Bar, identifies the Brandy Old Fashioned as the definitive state cocktail. The recipe involves muddled orange and cherry, sugar, bitters, brandy, and a soda topper. Molly Horn from Total Wine & More describes the drink as light and bubbly. A Chris Farley tribute served at Pebble Bar utilizes Korbel brandy and Rose’s grenadine.
Bridget Albert of Southern Glazer’s suggests a maple-ginger variation using ginger beer instead of Sprite. Lauren Trickett from Rémy Cointreau recommends a Homerun Shandy pairing farmhouse ale with lemonade and Cointreau. Retailers like Total Wine & More stock the necessary ingredients for these variations.
Brand & Industry History
Chris Farley was a Wisconsin native who attended the same high school as Sweeney. Pebble Bar served a tribute cocktail for SNL’s 50th anniversary using Korbel brandy. Korbel is described as a Wisconsin tradition.
What This Means
The drink represents a tie to location and people grown up with. It signifies the state’s drinking culture has a personality of its own, distinct from other states that would not muddle fruit in an Old Fashioned.
Consumer Takeaway
Drinker can choose between classic brandy, maple-ginger, or shandy styles. Specifics include 1.5 oz brandy for classic, 2 oz for variations, and specific soda or ginger beer toppings.
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