Every time I go to Wisconsin, sipping an Old Fashioned simply has to be part of the visit. People from there, and who live there, will tell you they INVENTED the cocktail and have their own, special spins on it. We have been told by several bartenders that when out-of-towners step up to their bars and order the classic drink, they are always surprised by what they receive because it’s not the usual recipe typically made with bourbon. And the options for garnishes aren’t necessarily the usual. But those bartenders also confirmed that those same people become converts to the ways of the Wisconsin version. On a recent return to Elkhart Lake (our third visit!), we asked The Osthoff Resort if we could share their recipe (with garnish variations) with Real Food Travelers. Graciously, they said “of course!” Give the recipe a try at home but for the real deal, head to Wisconsin to indulge in their long-standing “cocktail culture” and give them a try in Elkhart Lake.

Save this recipe article to Pinterest so you can make the famous Wisconsin Old Fashioned Cocktail anytime. Photos clockwise: Old Fashioned garnished with olives and with cherries by the Osthoff Resort. Top left Old Fashioned with cherries at The Concourse by Courtney Drake-McDonough. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

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The Wisconsin Old Fashioned Cocktail

Provided by Brittney Munro, Food and Beverage Director, The Osthoff Resort
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin