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Last updated: May 2026
Summer in Wisconsin hits different when you’re sitting on a patio with a cold drink in your hand. The long days, the fireflies, and the sound of the grill going — it all calls for something refreshing, balanced, and just a little bit special.
At Ripsaw Saloon, we’ve spent years perfecting our patio game. Here are the cocktails we reach for most when the temperature climbs and the sun stays out until after 9 PM.
The Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned (Sweet)
This is the king of Wisconsin patio drinks. Sweet, citrusy, and dangerously easy to drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz brandy (Korbel)
– 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
– 1 sugar cube or ½ oz simple syrup
– 2-3 orange slices
, 2-3 maraschino cherries
. Splash of 7UP or Squirt
. Ice
Method: Muddle the orange slices, cherries, and sugar cube in the bottom of a rocks glass. Add the brandy and bitters, fill with ice, and top with 7UP. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Why it works on the patio: The sweetness and fizz make it incredibly refreshing in the heat, and the brandy keeps it grounded in Wisconsin tradition. We’ve served thousands of these over the years, and the reaction is almost always the same, “This is exactly what I wanted.”
The Northwoods Margarita
A Wisconsin twist on the classic, using local ingredients where possible.
Ingredients:
, 2 oz tequila
, 1 oz fresh lime juice
, ¾ oz cranberry simple syrup (or regular simple syrup)
, ½ oz triple sec
. Salt rim (optional)
. Lime wheel
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Salt rim if desired.
The tart cranberry gives it a beautiful color and a slightly different flavor profile that pairs perfectly with grilled food. We started making these a few years ago when a regular brought us fresh cranberries from their bog, and it quickly became a summer staple.
The Summer Shandy
Simple, light, and perfect for daytime patio sessions.
Ingredients:
, 1 bottle or can of your favorite Wisconsin lager (New Glarus Spotted Cow or Leinie’s Summer Shandy)
, 4-6 oz lemonade or lemon-lime soda
. Lemon wedge
Method: Pour the beer into a pint glass, top with lemonade, and stir gently. Add a lemon wedge.
This is the ultimate “I want more than one” patio drink. Low ABV, high refreshment. On busy summer weekends, we go through cases of these.
The Frozen Old Fashioned Slush
For the really hot days, nothing beats a frozen version of the Wisconsin classic.
Ingredients:
, 2 cups brandy
, 1 cup orange juice
, ½ cup simple syrup
, ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
. Ice
Method: Blend everything until slushy. Serve in a mason jar with an orange slice and cherry.
This one is a crowd-pleaser and keeps people cool while they enjoy the patio.
Non-Alcoholic Options That Don’t Suck
We always make sure non-drinkers have something good too. Our current favorite is a ginger-lime shrub with soda water. It’s tart, spicy, and feels like a real cocktail.
Pro Tips for Wisconsin Patio Season
- Keep a bucket of ice and pre-cut fruit on hand
- Have both sweet and sour options available
- Don’t forget the non-alcoholic versions , a good shrub or mocktail keeps everyone happy
- Invest in good glassware that feels nice in the hand
- Have bug spray available . Wisconsin summers come with mosquitoes
- String up some lights so the party can continue after sunset
See also: our signature Wisconsin Old Fashioned, The Bloody Mary at Ripsaw Saloon and How THC Beverages Could Transform Wisconsin Bars
FAQ
What’s the best brandy for a Wisconsin Old Fashioned?
Korbel is the classic choice, but Christian Brothers or even a decent domestic brandy works well. Avoid anything too expensive , the mixers will cover it up anyway.
Can I make these ahead of time?
The Old Fashioned and Margarita can be batched. The Shandy is best made to order.
What food pairs best with these drinks?
Brats, burgers, and anything off the grill. The sweetness of the Old Fashioned cuts through rich, fatty foods perfectly.
How do you keep drinks cold on a hot patio?
We use a big metal bucket filled with ice and water. It keeps bottles and cans colder than a regular cooler and makes it easy for people to grab what they want.
The best patio cocktails are the ones that make people linger. These four have become staples at Ripsaw Saloon for a reason. They’re simple enough to make in volume but special enough that people remember them.
What’s your go-to summer patio drink? Drop it in the comments , we’re always looking for new ideas to test behind the bar.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best summer cocktails in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin summer favorites include the Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet, Moscow Mule, Margarita, Mojito, and the Lemon Drop Shot. Our guide covers each with recipes and local variations.
Does Ripsaw Saloon have a patio for summer drinks?
Yes. Ripsaw Saloon has a covered patio perfect for summer drinking, with direct access from the bar. It is one of the best outdoor drinking spots in Price County.
What is a Wisconsin Old Fashioned?
A Wisconsin Old Fashioned is made with brandy (not whiskey), orange bitters, simple syrup, a splash of soda, and garnished with an orange wheel and cherry. In Wisconsin, “sweet” means Sprite, “sour” means Squirt.
Can I get cocktail recipes to make at home?
Absolutely. Our summer cocktail guide includes full recipes for every drink, so you can make Wisconsin bar favorites at home before your next trip up north.