Wisconsin Old Fashioned by the Keg: The Story & The Batch Recipe

 


The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is one of the Midwest's most beloved cocktails, and it also happens to be the drink that started everything for Gloria. This Wisconsin Old Fashioned batch recipe lets you scale that classic into a full cocktail keg, so a whole group can share it without mixing drink after drink. You batch it once, tap it, and enjoy an Old Fashioned that pours perfectly consistent from the first glass to the last.

The story behind this recipe makes it especially meaningful. As Gloria shares on its About Us page, the whole idea began on a whim after the founders heard a rumor about someone mixing an entire half barrel of Wisconsin Old Fashioneds for a fishing trip. They thought it was brilliant and had to try it themselves. Using a keg they already owned, they scaled up their favorite Whiskey Old Fashioned Sour, connected CO2 to maintain carbonation and propel the cocktail, assembled everything in a cardboard box, and took their first taste. It was glorious, and the Original Cocktail Keg was born.

Why batch an Old Fashioned in a keg?

An Old Fashioned is a natural fit for batching. Once you get the proportions right, every pour tastes exactly the same, and there's no measuring or stirring for each guest. Because the keg seals the drink under pressure with no oxygen getting in, the cocktail stays fresh, and shelf-stable batches keep their character for weeks.

The standard Gloria (7L) is perfect for this. It holds 7 liters (1.75 gallons), which is enough to batch full-bottle recipes, and only one 16-gram CO2 cartridge is needed to propel a full keg. It also comes with an insulated sleeve and a locking spout and drip tray to keep the contents under control, whether you're serving at home or taking it on the road, just like that original fishing trip.

The Wisconsin Old Fashioned batch recipe

Here are the exact proportions from Gloria's recipe collection.

For the Gloria 7 Liter:

  • 1 L or 1.75 L whiskey, brandy, or bourbon

  • 1/3 cup bitters

  • 1 1/3 cups Old Fashioned Mix or cherry juice

  • 4 L of lemon-lime soda or citrus soda

For the Big G 10 Liter:

  • 3 L whiskey, brandy, or bourbon

  • 1/2 cup bitters

  • 1 3/4 cups Old Fashioned Mix or cherry juice

  • 6 L of lemon-lime soda or citrus soda

If you're serving a larger crowd, the Gloria Big G (10L) is built for volume. At 10 liters (2.6 gallons), it holds 1.4 times the volume of the standard Gloria, and its 600-gram CO2 canister can propel up to 25 kegs, so you won't be swapping cartridges between refills.

How to mix it

Pour the ingredients in the order they are listed. The carbonated items are listed last to preserve the bubbles, so take care to pour them slowly. Place the cover on and gently roll or shake the keg to mix. Some recipes settle or separate slightly, so if the keg is left alone for a day or two, give it a gentle shake before dispensing.

Make sure the tapper is locked or removed before mixing, and bring the pressure back down to 7 psi before using. These simple steps keep your Wisconsin Old Fashioned smooth, balanced, and ready to pour on demand.

Serving and keeping it fresh

The keg is designed to keep cocktails fresh and carbonated, then pour them over ice, which is exactly how a great Old Fashioned should be served. If you chill the keg and ingredients beforehand, they'll stay cold longer, and you can place the keg in a cooler, on ice, or in the refrigerator. Since the contents sit under pressure with no oxygen entering, a shelf-stable batch keeps its carbonation for at least three weeks, so you can prep ahead of any gathering.

You don't even need to fill the keg completely for it to work. You can put in as little or as much as you like, and the CO2 will pressurize the keg to the level of the liquid and dispense it. That flexibility makes the Wisconsin Old Fashioned easy to batch for a small get-together or a big celebration.

A recipe with a story worth sharing

Part of what makes this drink special is everything it represents for the brand. Gloria was created out of necessity because there was nothing else like it on the market, and the founders wanted to spend more time with their guests instead of stepping away to mix drinks. The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is the cocktail that inspired it all, which makes batching one by the keg feel like tasting a piece of the story.

From a fishing-trip rumor to a keg full of Old Fashioneds, Gloria proves the best drinks are the ones shared with friends. Batch this Wisconsin classic, tap it, pour it over ice, and raise a glass. For questions about CO2, pressure, cleaning, or care, the FAQ has all the details you need. Cheers to a glorious pour.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Turn Any Party Into an Experience: Why Gloria Keg Is the Life of the Pour

Image
There's a certain magic that happens when drinks start flowing- smiles widen, conversations spark, and the vibe transforms from casual to unforgettable. But what if you could make that transformation effortless? That’s where Gloria Keg comes in. Whether you're planning a cozy backyard BBQ, a vibrant cocktail night, or a low-key game day gathering, Gloria Keg doesn’t just serve drinks- it serves experiences. And in a world of messy cans, half-empty bottles, and awkward refills, this sleek, pressurized mini keg stands out as a game-changer for every host. Why the Modern Keg Is So Much More Than Beer When you think of a keg, maybe a bulky half-barrel keg comes to mind- something you'd see at frat parties or sports bars. But today’s keg game has evolved. Now you have options like the mini kegerator, corny keg, pony keg, and sixtel keg, built for convenience, style, and portability. And Gloria Keg takes that concept further. With a modern design, CO2 cartridge compatibility, and...
Read more

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing the Gloria Locking Spout on Your Mini Keg

Image
There’s something exciting about pouring the first glass of beer from a freshly filled mini keg. The crisp sound, the golden flow, and that first sip, it all feels like a celebration. But behind every smooth pour, there’s one detail that makes a big difference: having the right spout installed the right way. If you’ve ever struggled with drips, leaks, or uneven pouring from your keg, you know how frustrating it can be. That’s where the Gloria Locking Spout comes in. Designed for both casual beer lovers and serious homebrewers, this spout ensures every pour is smooth, steady, and leak-free. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to install the spout on your mini keg step by step, plus tips, troubleshooting, and answers to the most common questions. Why the Right Spout Matters Imagine hosting a small gathering. You bring out a chilled mini keg, ready to impress your guests. But as soon as you pour, the beer splashes everywhere, foam spills over, and you’re left embarrassed instead of ...
Read more

How to Use Gloria Rose to Serve Batched Cocktails at Every Party

Image
Every party has its own rhythm. The music flows, people laugh, and glasses clink. But there’s always one moment that can break the vibe: waiting in line for a drink. Guests crowd the counter, mixers spill, and someone is stuck shaking cocktails instead of enjoying the fun. Now imagine this instead: a glowing centerpiece on the table, filled with a sparkling pink cocktail that pours smoothly, stays fresh all night, and looks like a piece of art. That’s the magic of using the Gloria Rose . This isn’t just another drink dispenser. It’s a modern way to serve batched cocktails with elegance, ease, and a touch of surprise. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a cozy dinner with friends, or a full-blown celebration, Gloria Rose changes the way drinks are shared. Why Batched Cocktails Are a Party Saver Think of the last time you tried to make cocktails one by one. It takes forever, the taste isn’t always the same, and the host ends up behind the counter instead of on the dance floor. That’s why...
Read more