Taste Iconic Wisconsin Old Fashioneds with a Twist

Engraved in Wisconsin tradition is a handcrafted cocktail that you most likely know and love: the Wisconsin Old Fashioned. Typically, this iconic drink is made with bourbon, simple syrup, a splash of bitters and garnished with an orange slice and cherries. 

But have you ever tried this classic sip with a twist? Master drink crafters throughout the state have transformed this beloved classic with flavors like strawberry rhubarb pie and maple topped with cherrywood-smoked bacon or spicy habanero. Discover places in Wisconsin to savor a unique spin on the original Old Fashioned with your crew. Cheers!

Bleu Lounge & Restaurant – De Pere

Maple Rye Old Fashioned

Savor the flavors of fall (or any season) with this sweet sip at Bleu Restaurant and Lounge in De Pere. Rye whiskey, house molasses and maple simple syrup are mixed to create the Maple Rye Old Fashioned. It’s maple-wood smoked, a little sour and served on the rocks – and it’s ready to be enjoyed by you and your crew in their rustic yet modern space.

Not only do they have tasty Old Fashioneds, but they also have delicious dishes perfect for sharing — from goat cheese curds and jumbo lump crab cakes to charcuterie boards and more.

The Red Mixer – Eau Claire

Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned

If you have a sweet tooth, then you’re sure to enjoy this delicious cocktail. The Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned at The Red Mixer in Eau Claire is infused with cherry syrup, bitters, a splash of water and Buffalo Trace Bourbon. It’s garnished with smoked cherry woodchips and a decadent Luxardo cherry. With a selection of over 100 different bourbons available and seasonal drink specials, this lounge is perfect for those who love classic Wisconsin drinks.

Peach Old Fashioned

You and your besties will feel just peachy after trying this one-of-a-kind drink. To make this tasty creation, fresh peaches are combined with bitters, a splash of special syrup and Whiskey Smiths Peach whiskey. To end on a tasty note, it’s garnished with a brûlé peach slice. 

To add to these tasty sips, pair with buffalo chicken flatbread, spinach artichoke dip or a savory jalapeno cheese-stuffed pretzel.

Mallory's Restaurant & Rooftop Bar – Hudson

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Old Fashioned

If you love strawberry rhubarb pie, this variation is for you. The flavorful beverage incorporates all the sweet notes of juicy strawberries and rhubarb that you know and love. You can sip on this handcrafted cocktail at Mallory's Restaurant & Rooftop Bar in Hudson and order a breakfast burger or the Parmesan walleye, and enjoy it on the rooftop with a gorgeous river view and cozy fire tables. Or, wander down with your crew to the basement speakeasy for vintage vibes.

The Craftsman American Tavern – Eagle River 

Dark Chocolate Old Fashioned

Are you a chocolate lover? Satisfy your sweet tooth by indulging in the Dark Chocolate Old Fashioned at The Craftsman American Tavern in Eagle River. What’s better than combining this classic cocktail with dark chocolate goodness? . The mixologists combine rich Kohler Dark Chocolate Brandy and orange liqueur. The flavors come together and make this Old Fashioned a delicious treat.

To go with your craft cocktail, try the vegetarian cranberry meatball sliders, amber ale cheese curds and parmesan truffle tots for a sweet and savory pairing.

El Camino Kitchen – Pleasant Prairie 

Mango Habanero Old Fashioned

If you enjoy a savory drink with a kick of spice, then the Mango Habanero Old Fashioned from the If you enjoy a savory drink with a kick, then the Mango Habanero Old Fashioned from the master drink crafters at El Camino Kitchen in Pleasant Prairie will be right up your alley. It’s 1.5 ounces of mango habanero whiskey, orange slices, cherries, bitters, simple syrup and a splash of lemon lime soda.. If you need something sweet to calm down the spicy, pair with the tres leches, fried ice cream or triple chocolate cake. 

TJ’s Highland Steakhouse – Oshkosh  

Cherry Maple Old Fashioned

When you mix cherry and maple together, you get a delicious Cherry Maple Old Fashioned. The mixologists at TJ’s Highland Steakhouse in Oshkosh combine cherry bourbon, maple syrup and ginger beer for a deliciously sweet drink. You and your group will be blown away by both the unique flavors and décor that’s modeled after a traditional Scottish lodge.

Your crew can also share delicious appetizers here, from smoked steak tartare to a bourbon bacon slab and bacon-wrapped scallops.

Driftless Glen Distillery & Restaurant – Baraboo 

Blackberry Old Fashioned

When you mix the classic Old Fashioned and juicy blackberries, you get a masterpiece: the Blackberry Old Fashioned at Driftless Glen Distillery & Restaurant in Baraboo. It’s Bourbon, blackberry ginger balsamic vinegar, a muddled orange, blackberry, bitters and Sprite. 

Orange-Ya Glad Old Fashioned

This citrusy Old Fashioned has sweet notes of orange and is combined with exclusive bourbon de Naranja, black cherry balsamic vinegar, a muddled orange, a Bing cherry and orange bitters. To go along with your handcrafted drinks, you can share roasted honey bourbon barbecue wings, smoked salmon dip and elk sliders with your crew.

Looking for more one-of-a-kind places for iconic food and drinks? Visit these Hidden Gem Supper Clubs.