Our "Official Wisconsin" BOF recipe

George Kutlenios • June 4, 2025

A Toast to Legacy and Loved Ones

Some traditions are more than habits—they’re heartfelt rituals that keep memories alive. At The Holly Hotel, we believe in honoring the past while savoring the present, and one of our favorite ways to do that is with a timeless Wisconsin tradition: the Brandy Old Fashioned.

Growing up, my Wisconsin family would gather at gravesites of loved ones—not just to reflect, but to celebrate. With glasses raised and stories shared, we’d toast to lives well lived. It was a moment of warmth, gratitude, and connection that turned remembrance into ritual.

Today, we continue that tradition at The Holly Hotel with our very own signature version of the Official Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned—a cocktail rooted in history and served with heart.

Our "Official Wisconsin" BOF Recipe:

In an old-fashioned glass:

Muddle an orange slice
Add a maraschino cherry, splash of cherry juice, and a sugar cube
Add five dashes of Angostura bitters (because five makes it just right!)
Pour in one jigger of good brandy (a touch more if you’d like)
Add ice, stir well, and top with two cherries

It’s more than a drink—it’s a tribute. Whether you're toasting to family, friendship, or just the moment you're in, this classic cocktail brings people together and keeps stories flowing.

So here’s to legacy. To love. To the memories that never fade, and the moments we make along the way.

Cheers,
Chrissy & George
The Holly Hotel

📸 Photo courtesy of Bob and Julie Roop

< Older Post

Newer Post >

A heartwarming article on a cold January day

January 29, 2026

Information provided by article from The Oakland Press: See article linked below. For a few meaningful hours, the historic Holly Hotel briefly came back to life as part of the Echoes in the Iron music series, a Michigan-based project that brings original music into unique, small-town spaces. Local musicians, including Ashley and Aaron Markovitz and Trey Simon, gathered inside the still-closed hotel to record an intimate acoustic session. For many, the experience was deeply personal, especially for the Markovitz duo, who first met next door and have strong ties to the space. Created by Brandon Still and Bill Arnold, Echoes in the Iron focuses on connecting artists with the places that shape their stories. Filmed in locations across Michigan, the series highlights the emotional connection between music, community, and history. The Holly Hotel session quickly gained attention online, reflecting the strong community sentiment tied to the landmark, which has remained closed since a 2022 fire but continues to hold a special place in the hearts of locals. Read the full story to experience the music, memories, and meaning behind this powerful Holly Hotel session. https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2026/01/21/holly-hotel-brought-back-to-life-with-one-time-recording-session