Apricot Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet

Thomas Paine is famed to say that times like these try men’s souls. He was speaking of the hardships endured in the American Revolution, but besides our wars, the Spanish Flu of 1918, and the Great Depression, it’s safe to say that Americans have not been tested in the way that the coronavirus has.

Therefore, to provide some comfort to the Lounge Lizards throughout the country, and to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Firewater Lounge, we decided to post a little touch of home, for those of you at home, to remember the good times we’ve had in the past and the good times that are sure to come in the future. And every Wisconsinite knows, the cocktail that’s closest to home is the Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet.

Now, especially after the early 2000s cocktail renaissance in Wisconsin, everyone knows how to pour a Brandy Old Fashioned, but, among the Lounge Lizards, who don’t do anything halfway, there is an extra sweet version of the classic that, for the average man, might knock them into a sugar coma. The Stoefflers may disagree, but I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our anniversary. To your health, Lounge Lizards everywhere!

Apricot Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet
Holly's Originals

2 ounces Phillips Apricot Brandy
4 ounces club soda or 7up
3-4 dashes Angostura bitters

Find yourself a bitter-peeled orange, if you can; in these times, any old orange will do. We used a blood orange. Cut a swath of orange rind, the size of the bottom of a double old fashioned glass. Cover the peel (not the pith side) with Angostura, 3-4 dashes. Muddle until bitters meld with orange oil and fragrant. Add ice, then bourbon. Stir to incorporate. Add club soda (if you’re a Stoeffler) or 7up. Stir gently. Garnish with orange wedge, cherry, or both.