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Wisconsin Cocktails

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Cocktails have always had a stronghold in America’s Dairyland. This highly illustrated volume uncovers the true stories behind the state’s obsession with brandy, ice cream drinks, and a smorgasbord of garnishes.

Beyond delving into mythic origins of several classic creations, Jeanette Hurt introduces a new generation of cocktails that offer a spin on standard concoctions. She explores the state’s unique farm-to-table ethos influenced by an abundance of locally sourced ingredients. Also included are a wealth of interviews with notable mixologists, sharing numerous favorite recipes for specialty pick-me-ups that connoisseurs and home bartenders alike will be clamoring to try. A definitive account of the beverages we love, Wisconsin Cocktails insists we order our Old Fashioneds the right way—with brandy.

280 pages, Hardcover

Published September 22, 2020

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Jeanette Hurt

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth Judd Taylor.
695 reviews5 followers
January 19, 2021
A recipe book with lots of Wisconsin cocktail lore and history, this book starts with, of course, the infamous Old Fashioned. This is a welcome reminder of my home state.
Profile Image for Harris.
1,106 reviews32 followers
August 25, 2022
An interesting account of the idiosyncratic drinking habits of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Cocktails sheds light on the history of Wisconsin bar standards like the brandy old fashioned and the bloody mary. A state infamous for heavy drinking, even by the standards of the Midwest, Wisconsin has some unique customs regarding booze, differing even from neighboring Minnesota and Illinois. I have good memories of enjoying typical Wisconsin libations while visiting the state capitol of Madison, so I was interested in author Jeanette Hurt’s detailed research on how these strange customs developed.

In addition to the history, Hurt compiles recipe examples of the various forms of cocktails endemic to the state, from vintage dairy based Supper Club creations such as the Pink Squirrel and the Tom and Jerry to more contemporary ones drawn from culinary professionals throughout the state. All in all, many of the recipes focus on Wisconsin-made ingredients which would limit their usefulness for those outside the Midwest, though I feel they could certainly be adapted. Also, the majority of them are definitely on the sweet side (with the exception of the savory Bloody Mary variations), so if you are looking for lighter or drier flavors, the Wisco style might not quite fit the bill for you.

I recommend other resources for crafting global cocktails at Harris' Tome Corner, here.
Profile Image for Dan Ader.
9 reviews
March 10, 2022
A must-have for any aspiring Badgerland barkeep. All the essential recipes for your favorite super club cocktails and ice-cream drinks.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews