No spirit says “supper club” quite like brandy. Of all the supper club staples on this list, brandy is the one non-negotiable. Wisconsin has long been the brandy capital of the country, and a good bottle behind the bar is the foundation of the state’s most iconic cocktail: the Brandy Old Fashioned. Whether you like yours sweet, sour, or press, a quality Wisconsin brandy brings a smooth, slightly fruity warmth that mixes beautifully and mellows with a splash of soda or a muddled cherry. It’s less a trend and more a birthright — the one bottle every home bar or restaurant bar in this state should never run out of. Ask any longtime supper club bartender what they pour most, and brandy will top the list every time. Take your Wisconsin pride to the next level by asking your Brandy Old Fashioned to be made with one that is created right here in the Badger state.

Supper club staples live and die by the details. Bitters, simple syrup, sweet and sour mix, a splash of soda, and a jar of good cherries are what turn a simple pour of brandy into an actual Old Fashioned. Don’t overlook the orange slice, either — muddled in or perched on the rim, it’s a supper club signature. A well-stocked bar also means keeping citrus, simple syrup, and quality bitters on hand at all times, since these small touches are what separate a passable cocktail from a true supper club experience. Stock a few quality modifiers and garnishes and you’ll be able to build a proper round for guests without a single trip to the store.

Wisconsin’s German heritage runs deep, and nowhere is that more apparent than in our love of a chilled, slightly sweet glass of wine. Moscato and Riesling round out the list of essential supper club staples, and for good reason — their bright fruit and gentle sweetness pair perfectly with fish fry, prime rib, or a sampler platter of cheese curds and onion strings. These wines have been supper club menu mainstays for generations, poured by the glass alongside a relish tray or saved for that final toast.

Not every night calls for a full bar setup, and that’s where ready-to-drink cocktails come in. A well-made RTD brings that same nostalgic, unhurried supper club vibe to your home in a can — no shaking, muddling, or measuring required. Look for RTDs built around brandy Old Fashioneds or other classic cocktail profiles for an easy way to bring supper club flavor to a backyard gathering, a boat outing, or just a Tuesday night that deserves a little something special. As more bars and restaurants add RTDs to their offerings, they’re proving to be one of the easiest ways to deliver consistent supper club staples without added prep time behind the bar.