Brandy Old-Fashioned Slush

I didn’t have my first old-fashioned cocktail until we moved to Wisconsin, where this drink is prevalent on nearly every supper club and bar menu. While a classic old-fashioned is a spirit-forward cocktail made with whiskey, bitters and sugar, variations abound. Ordering an old-fashioned in Wisconsin comes with a litany of questions: Brandy or whiskey? Sour or sweet? Olives or cherries? However, the options don’t end there.

One of the most refreshing variations is a brandy old-fashioned slush, which reimagines the brandy old-fashioned as an icy treat. Unlike a brandy slush, which combines brandy with a tea-flavored base and frozen juice concentrate, this frozen brandy old-fashioned recipe combines brandy with sugar-sweetened water, orange juice concentrate, cherry juice and bitters to truly reflect the flavors of the Wisconsin-favorite cocktail.

Ingredients for Brandy Old-Fashioned Slush

• Water: Water is the base of the slush and is used to dissolve the sugar. Because the freezing point of ethanol is much lower than that of water, the water helps the mixture freeze and achieve its slushy texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the slush.
• Brandy: Brandy is made from distilled wine or fermented fruit. Choose a mid-priced brandy that you enjoy drinking; save the higher-end stuff for sipping. Korbel, made from Californian grapes, is a Wisconsin bar staple and would work well in this recipe. Use leftover brandy to make one of these tasty brandy cocktails.
• Frozen orange juice concentrate: The addition of orange juice concentrate adds a bright citrus flavor to the slush.
• Maraschino cherry juice: Cherry juice is a tribute to the classic cherry garnish, adding a vibrant red hue to the slush.
• Bitters: Bitters are made by combining a high-proof neutral spirit with flavorful botanicals. Just as in an old-fashioned cocktail, bitters add a complex flavor to the slush. Classic Angostura bitters work well in this recipe. You can also experiment with flavored bitters, such as Wisconsin-based Bittercube‘s orange-flavored bitters.
• Lemon-lime soda: Chilled lemon-lime soda adds sweetness and fizz.
• Garnish: Each drink comes with classic old-fashioned brandy cocktail garnishes, including maraschino cherries and orange wedges. For an instant upgrade, use Luxardo cherries in place of neon-red cocktail cherries.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the slush

In a large saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Cook and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool completely. Stir in the brandy, orange juice concentrate, cherry juice and bitters.

Step 2: Freeze

Pour the mixture into a 3-quart freezer container. Freeze overnight or until set.

Step 3: Serve

For each serving, scoop 3/4 cup slush into a rocks glass. Pour lemon-lime soda into the glass. Serve with fruit as desired.

Brandy Old-Fashioned Slush Variations

• Swap the liquor: While brandy is commonly the liquor of choice in a Wisconsin old-fashioned, whiskey is usually the spirit for an old-fashioned. Bourbon, rye or a blended whiskey will bring a different flavor profile to this old-fashioned slush recipe.
• Add some muddled fruit: A Wisconsin brandy old-fashioned typically begins by muddling an orange slice and cherries with the bitters. To mimic these flavors, add a cherry and an orange slice to each glass and muddle before topping with the slush and soda. Double down on the fruit flavors by adding the orange slice and cherry garnish.
• Make it sour: A common variation of this cocktail is the brandy old-fashioned sour, which tops the drink with sour mix or a grapefruit soda, such as Squirt or Fresca, for a less-sweet flavor.

How to Store Brandy Old-Fashioned Slush

Store brandy old-fashioned slush in an airtight freezer-safe container. Store leftover slush in the freezer for up to three months.

Can you make brandy old-fashioned slush ahead of time?

Since it requires plenty of time to freeze, you should make this brandy old-fashioned slush recipe at least 10 to 12 hours in advance, but it can be prepared up to a month or two ahead of time.

Brandy Old-Fashioned Slush Tips

What can you serve with brandy old-fashioned slush?

These old-fashioned slushes can go down a little too easily, if you know what I mean, so be sure to serve them with plenty of tasty food! When sharing these slushes at a holiday party, serve them alongside holiday appetizers such as sausage cheese balls, toasted ravioli or Caprese salad skewers. They’re also perfect with game-day fare, such as meatball sliders, soft beer pretzel nuggets or fried chicken wings.

Watch How to Make Frozen Brandy Old-Fashioneds

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