Classic Wisconsin brandy

The brandy slush is a classic Midwestern cocktail, especially beloved in Wisconsin, where it is a nostalgic addition to many family gatherings and holiday parties. Although the origins of brandy are somewhat unclear, its popularity dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, when home freezers became increasingly popular, allowing the preparation of gigantic batches of frozen drinks.

For as long as I can remember, brandy has been part of our holiday celebrations. Every year, you would find a frosted container in my grandmother’s freezer, waiting to be served at family holiday gatherings. It has become a seasonal staple – frosty, refreshing and just the right mix of sweet and savory to balance the luxurious flavors of holiday meals. I remember my grandmother pouring the icy mixture into glasses and adding just enough soda to create the perfect drink.

While brandy slush has mighty roots in Wisconsin, the concept likely grew out of the Midwest’s love of brandy, a kinship revitalized by the waves of German and Eastern European immigrants who settled here. Wisconsin’s renowned Old Fashioned brandy cocktail made this drink especially popular – something to be enjoyed slowly in a glass rather than laughing and telling stories.

The brandy slush recipe evolved as a fun, iced way to incorporate brandy, usually mixed with tea, lemonade or orange juice, frozen into a slush and served with a splash of lemon-lime soda. The flavors combine the classic flavors of orange, lemon and brandy to create a drink that is both radiant and comforting. And when I pull out familiar containers of homemade slush during the holiday season, I think back to the beginnings of my grandmother’s kitchen – a diminutive but beloved part of our family’s tradition.

For many, brandy has become part of a family holiday tradition and is often prepared in gigantic batches for uncomplicated sharing. Today it is more than just a drink; is a Midwestern staple, a memory and crowd pleaser that speaks to Wisconsin’s unique approach to cocktail culture.