A Toast to Tradition: Old Fashioneds in Middleton
In Wisconsin, the Old Fashioned isn’t just a cocktail – it’s a state tradition. Whether you prefer brandy or bourbon, muddled fruit or none at…
In Wisconsin, the Old Fashioned isn’t just a cocktail — it’s a state tradition. Whether you prefer brandy or bourbon, muddled fruit or none at all, Middleton has plenty of spots mixing up versions that honor the classic while adding a touch of their own flavor.
Here are some of the best places to sip an Old Fashioned in Middleton.
Craftsman Table & Tap
Craftsman Old Fashioned, Espresso Old Fashioned & A Lyre’s Old Fashioned
Craftsman Table & Tap offers a lineup of Old Fashioneds to suit every taste. The Craftsman Old Fashioned features Redemption Rye, Angostura and orange bitters, demerara sugar and a touch of orange. The Espresso Old Fashioned is a brunch special that brings a caffeinated twist with Maker’s Mark bourbon, espresso, demerara and El Guapo Coffee Pecan Bitters. For a zero-proof option, A Lyre’s Old Fashioned uses Lyre’s American Malt with muddled orange and cherries, topped with seltzer for a refreshing, spirit-free take on the original.
Photos from Food Fight Restaurant Group
1847 at the Stamm House
Barrel Aged Old Fashioned
Nothing is more Wisconsin than an Old Fashioned at a supper club. 1847 at the Stamm House serves a Barrel Aged Old Fashioned with Berens Old Fashioned Brandy, Angostura bitters, Italian maraschino cherries, and fresh oranges, which pair perfectly with the supper club experience and even better with Stamm House's famous truffle fries.
Nitty Gritty
Spiced Pear Old Fashioned
Nitty Gritty puts a flavorful spin on with a Spiced Pear Old Fashioned. St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur blends with brown sugar and Angostura bitters, while orange and cherry add a bright touch. A cinnamon stick garnish brings everything together for a smooth, lightly spiced sip.
The Free House Pub
Barrel Aged Old Fashioned & Barrel Aged Up Fashioned
This Barrel Aged Old Fashioned starts with Free House’s own select Sazerac Rye, muddled oranges and Traverse City cherries. After steeping in a barrel for three days, it’s strained and served up with an orange swath and cherry garnish.
For a bolder take, the Barrel Aged Up Fashioned switches it up with Redemption Rye and bitters, keeping the same muddled Traverse City cherries and oranges and serving it straight up in a martini glass.
The Free House Pub also keeps the celebration going with Old Fashioned Friday — enjoy $2 off any Old Fashioned, all night long.
Photos from The Free House Pub
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
PB&J Old Fashioned
Cooper’s Hawk puts a playful spin on the PB&J Old Fashioned. This creative cocktail mixes Whistle Pig 6-Year Bourbon with Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey and chocolate bitters, finished with an Amarena cherry and orange. A sidecar of Cooper Hawk's sweet red wine adds a smooth, jam-like note that ties the flavors together perfectly.
Photo from Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
The Village Green
Wisconsin Bourbon Old Fashioned & Everywhere Else Old Fashioned
Neither of Village Green's Old Fashioneds holds back from a heavy-handed pour. The Wisconsin Bourbon Old Fashioned features locally made J. Henry & Son’s Wisconsin small-batch bourbon, Angostura bitters, simple syrup, and of course, what makes it a Wisconsin Old Fashioned, a splash of lemon-lime soda. The Everywhere Else Old Fashioned keeps it strong with Buffalo Trace bourbon, Angostura bitters and simple syrup, served without a mixer for a bold, full-bodied drink.
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
Old World Old Fashioned
Biaggi’s Old World Old Fashioned blends Maker’s Mark Bourbon with Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur and bitters. A caramelized orange and Amarena cherry garnish add depth and a touch of sweetness.
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Maple Bacon Old Fashioned & Johnny’s Old Fashioned Moscow Mule
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse serves two standout Old Fashioneds. The Maple Bacon Old Fashioned combines Knob Creek Maple Bourbon with candied bacon to contrast the sweet with savory. Can't decide between an Old Fashioned or Moscow Mule? Have both in one drink with Johnny’s Old Fashioned Moscow Mule. This combines brandy or bourbon with bitters, ginger beer and lime juice for a refreshing, lightly spiced drink with a citrusy finish.
Photos from Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Villa Dolce
Villa Dolce Old Fashioned
The Villa Dolce Old Fashioned elevates the game with an unexpected flavor profile. Buffalo Trace bourbon pairs with Giffard Banane du Brésil (banana liqueur) and black walnut bitters, creating a smooth, nutty and subtly sweet cocktail with a hint of tropical warmth.
This list only scratches the surface of where you can order an Old Fashioned in Middleton. Nearly every bar and restaurant in town can mix one to your liking. Find a full list of Middleton’s bars and restaurants here.