If you are from Wisconsin, you are familiar with a Brandy Old-Fashion. You are probably familiar with a few drunkin’ weenies too. There are a handful of cocktails that to me scream my youth; Brandy Old Fashions, Brandy Slush, Harvey Wallbanger, Black Russian, Alabama Slammer, Pink Squirrel and Sloe Screw. I have drank my fair share of all of the above and then some. Today’s recipes use Brandy, a Wisconsin favorite.

Here in Wisconsin

Here in Wisconsin we love a good ol’ Brandy Old-Fashioned. It’s a drink that our Grandparents drank and our parents drink. It will most likely be your first drink, when you become of legal drinking age. A Brandy Old-Fashioned will be the first drink your grand-parents or parents order for you at their favorite supper club. It’s a tradition here in Wisconsin, your rite of passage into adulthood. Brandy Old-Fashioned was the first alcoholic drink I ever drank.

On my 18th birthday, my family took me out to dinner at Jacks or Better. A very popular Supper Club back in the day. It was located in the small city of Little Chute WI., the city my Grandma Rose hailed from. My Grandma Rose ordered my first Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet. It came in a ‘bucket’ style glass, with a rock candy stir stick, a slice of orange and a cherry. It was delicious and strong! My Grandma also ordered my first appetizer that same evening.

Shrimp Cocktail

Grandma Rose ordered me my first ‘Shrimp Cocktail.’ It came in a huge cocktail glass, that was served right at the bar. It was served ice cold, a sauce was poured in the middle of the glass and the large shrimp hung over the side. That night my Grandma Rose also taught me the fine art of  ‘Bellying-up to the Bar.’ I practice I was actually quite good at, at one time. After dinner I had my first ‘after dinner drink’ which was a Black Russian.

Downtown Appleton

My family and I then headed to downtown Appleton WI.,  to a little tavern called ‘Jim’s Place.’ Jim’s Place was owned and operated by Jim and Carmen Mullins. My older sister Barb was married to their son Jeff. I proceeded to have one of their ‘House Specialty’ drinks, a Harvey Wallbanger
made with the owners ‘secret ingredient.’ Harvey Wallbanger is the perfect name for this very tasty drink….because it packs a punch!

After a Few

I really don’t remember much after my 2rd or 3rd Harvey Wallbanger but I do remember my Grandma Rose yelling to the bartender, “Bartender, buy the bar another round!” “I’m going to drink all you fella’s under the table!” I could barely hear the jukebox playing, “Keep it Coming Love” above all the cheers, clapping and shouts of ‘hell yes’ coming from the tavern customers. That night my Grandma taught me another important lesson…

A Lesson

That night my Grandma Rose taught me an important lesson, a lesson I used many times after that evening. My Grandma Rose taught me that a Lady always leaves with her head held high, with a smile on her face and most importantly with her dignity…no matter how drunk she is:) In the morning, you might groan when you think of the antics from the night before but at least you can say you walked out on your own two feet! (Barely)

 Some Downtown History

“Jim’s Place” was either at the beginning or at the end of the famous “Death March” This depended on where you started the “Death March” The “Death March” was a march you did on your 18th Birthday…this was during the time when the legal drinking age was 18 in WI. The lucky or not so luck birthday boy or girl marched up one side of College Ave then crossed the street and proceeded to march down the other side of the street.

Birthday Walk from Hell

The lucky or not so lucky birthday boy or girl went into every tavern located on College Ave and had a “shot” or “drink” at each establishment. At that time, there were many, many taverns located in downtown Appleton. Plus the fact that College Ave is at least 20 blocks long, this was definitely a feat. We are talking about a drink or shot at each place. The beverages were usually on the ‘house’ for the lucky or unlucky birthday boy or girl.

Another Tradition

With the change in the way people consume alcohol and changes in drinking laws, this rite of passage into adulthood is no longer in practice:) Another tradition that we partake in, here in Wisconsin, occurs during the holiday season. A favorite holiday drink is often consumed and the name of that alcoholic drink is called a Tom and Jerry. Read all about it here~Tom and Jerry Holiday Drink