Wisconsin was trending on Twitter yesterday afternoon. It made me get a thinking about things that I've found to be uniquely Wisconsin, but something not so obvious like a Cheesehead or Harley Davidson.
The Old Fashioned. I have not been any place outside of the Midwest that truly understands what a fantastic Old Fashioned entails if they're vaguely familiar with the cocktail at all.
A quick poll of some of the state's leading Twitter users created this list:
Duane Drzadinski recommends the classic
American Legion Post 537 (@toddpost537)
Ben Conrad suggests Schwarz's Supper Club in New Holstein, Wisconsin, a fifty year-old tradition that features homemade seafood and meat dinners and serves a traditional Fish Fry on Friday nights.
Southside Milwaukee's Bryant Lounge, a former Miller Brewing tied house turned chic 'Velvet Lounge' in the late 1960s was put up by Andrew Wiech as a great place to grab a good Old Fashioned. Considering the history, it's certainly worth a try and will be the next cocktail I order when there rather than one of the 449 other specialty drink options on the list.
Andrew also mentioned The Hamilton, which is a newer joint on the lower Eastside just off Water Street. Housed in a former brick manufacturing building, The Hamilton looks like a nice spot to ease the week's tensions. It considers itself a wine salon and makes craft cocktail lounge. Sounds like they could have the real deal...muttled cherries and the whole bit here.
Who better to answer the question than the Theresa at Milwaukee Food Tours. What do you think of the Old Fashioned at The Iron Horse Hotel or Mason Street Grill? How about at the INdustri Cafe?
Lastly, Susan Kim from Today's TMJ4 suggested 'The Oldfashioned' in Madison, Wisconsin near the Capital. This place is dedicated to serving the state's finest beer, brats, cheese and cocktails.
When I'm looking for something to warm me up over these winter months, I'll remember this list and begin my taste and search for Wisconsin's best Old Fashioned. Might have to head Up North!
