Invented in 1850s New Orleans by Joseph Santini, the Brandy Crusta pairs cognac, orange curaçao, maraschino, lemon, and bitters in one of cocktail history’s most influential drinks.

I didn’t have my first old-fashioned cocktail until we moved to Wisconsin, where this drink is prevalent on nearly every supper club and bar menu. While a classic old-fashioned is a spirit-forward ...