Wisconsin Old Fashioned Mocktail Recipe: The Wisconsin Old Fashioned isn’t just a drink—it’s a tradition. In Wisconsin, ordering an Old Fashioned usually means something sweet, citrusy, bubbly, and fruit-forward, very different from the stiff, spirit-heavy version served elsewhere.
This Wisconsin Old Fashioned Mocktail keeps everything people love—the muddled fruit, the sweetness, the fizz, the iconic cherry and orange garnish—while making it completely alcohol-free, refreshing, and perfect for everyone.
Let’s break it down properly and make it the right way.
What Is a Wisconsin Old Fashioned?
How It Differs from a Classic Old Fashioned
A traditional Old Fashioned is usually:
- Strong
- Spirit-forward
- Lightly sweetened
- Not fizzy
A Wisconsin Old Fashioned, on the other hand:
- Uses muddled orange and cherry
- Is sweet or sour
- Topped with soda
- More approachable and refreshing
Why the Wisconsin Version Is Unique
Wisconsin made the Old Fashioned its own. Instead of focusing on alcohol, it focuses on flavor balance—sweetness, citrus, bubbles, and aroma.
That’s exactly why it adapts perfectly into a mocktail.
Can You Make It Without Alcohol?
Absolutely. The fruit, sugar, citrus oils, and soda already carry most of the flavor. We simply enhance those elements to replace the “depth” alcohol would normally provide.
Why This Wisconsin Old Fashioned Mocktail Works
Flavor Balance Explained
This mocktail hits four key notes:
- Sweet from sugar and soda
- Bitter from bitters alternatives or citrus peel
- Citrus from orange and lemon
- Fizz from soda
How We Replace Alcohol Without Losing Depth
Instead of alcohol, we rely on:
- Muddled fruit oils
- Aromatic citrus peel
- Carbonation
- Optional spice notes like vanilla or cinnamon
The result? A drink that feels complete, not watered down.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
- Orange slices (fresh)
- Maraschino cherries (or natural cherries)
- Sugar cube or granulated sugar
- Lemon-lime soda or club soda
- Ice
Optional Flavor Boosters
- Orange peel
- Lemon peel
- A drop of vanilla extract
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
Ingredient Substitutions
Sugar Alternatives
- Honey syrup
- Maple syrup
- Simple syrup
Citrus Options
- Blood orange
- Mandarin
- Tangerine
Soda Choices
- Lemon-lime soda (sweet version)
- Club soda (sour version)
- Citrus soda for extra zing
Tools and Glassware
Best Glass to Use
A rocks glass (short, wide glass) is traditional and perfect.
Tools That Make It Easier
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Citrus peeler (optional)
- Spoon for stirring
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Wisconsin Old Fashioned Mocktail
Step 1 – Prepare the Fruit
Place one orange slice and one maraschino cherry into a sturdy rocks glass. These fruits are essential to the Wisconsin style, adding sweetness, citrus aroma, and a nostalgic flavor base.
Step 2 – Add Sugar and Bitterness
Add 1–2 teaspoons sugar or simple syrup and a few dashes of non-alcoholic aromatic bitters. This combination creates balance—sweet up front with a subtle bitter edge that mimics a classic Old Fashioned.
Step 3 – Build the Mocktail
Gently muddle the fruit with the sugar and bitters just until the juices release. Fill the glass with ice, preferably large cubes. Pour in ½ cup strong brewed black tea (cooled) or a whiskey-style non-alcoholic spirit to provide body and structure.
Step 4 – Add Soda and Ice
Top the drink with lemon-lime soda for the traditional Wisconsin “sweet” version, or use club soda for a lighter finish. Pour slowly to keep the drink fizzy.
Step 5 – Garnish and Serve
Give the drink one gentle stir, then garnish with an orange slice and cherry on a pick. For extra aroma, express a strip of orange peel over the glass before serving.
This mocktail captures the sweet, fruit-forward character Wisconsin Old Fashioneds are famous for—without any alcohol.
Sweet vs Sour Wisconsin Old Fashioned Mocktail
Sweet Version (Most Popular)
- Lemon-lime soda
- Extra cherry
- Slightly more sugar
Sour Version (Classic Twist)
- Club soda
- Extra citrus peel
- Less sugar
Both are authentic—choose your mood.
Best Soda Choices Explained
Lemon-Lime Soda
Classic Wisconsin-style. Sweet, nostalgic, crowd-pleasing.
Club Soda
Cleaner, sharper, more grown-up.
Citrus Soda
Adds brightness and complexity without overpowering fruit.
Flavor Variations You’ll Love
Cherry Vanilla Mocktail
Add 1 drop vanilla extract. Tastes like dessert.
Orange Spice Mocktail
Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Cranberry Wisconsin Old Fashioned
Replace half the soda with cranberry juice.
Holiday Spiced Version
Add clove, orange peel, and cinnamon stick.
Make It for a Crowd (Pitcher Version)
Party Ratios
- 4 oranges (sliced)
- ½ cup cherries
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 liters soda
Make-Ahead Tips
Muddle fruit and sugar ahead. Add soda right before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-Muddling the Fruit
This makes the drink bitter. Gentle pressure only.
Using Flat Soda
Fresh carbonation matters.
Imbalanced Sweetness
Taste and adjust before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Food Pairings
- Cheese platters
- Pretzels
- Light sandwiches
Occasions to Serve
- Family gatherings
- Holidays
- Brunch
- Summer parties
Storage and Preparation Tips
Can You Store It?
Not fully mixed. Prep fruit ahead, mix fresh.
Best Way to Prep Ahead
Slice fruit, measure sugar, chill soda.
Nutritional Overview
Low fat, alcohol-free, customizable sweetness, and naturally refreshing.
FAQs about Wisconsin Old Fashioned Mocktail Recipe
1. Can I make this mocktail without sugar?
Yes. Skip added sugar and use a fruit-forward soda or a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit in small amounts to maintain balance.
2. What’s the best cherry to use?
Maraschino cherries are the traditional choice and give the classic Wisconsin flavor. Fresh cherries work well if you prefer a lighter, less sweet taste.
3. Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely. This mocktail is completely alcohol-free and easy to customize, making it suitable for kids and family gatherings.
4. Can I use sparkling water instead of soda?
Yes. Sparkling water creates a cleaner, less sweet drink while still keeping it refreshing and lively.
5. Why is this drink so popular in Wisconsin?
It’s beloved because it’s approachable, social, and packed with flavor—a drink meant to be enjoyed slowly with friends and family.
These answers help you customize the mocktail while keeping its classic Wisconsin charm.
Conclusion
The Wisconsin Old Fashioned Mocktail proves you don’t need alcohol to enjoy tradition. It’s sweet, citrusy, bubbly, and nostalgic—perfect for any age, any occasion, any season. Once you make it this way, it’s hard to go back.
