Brandy cocktails offer a sophisticated way to enjoy this classic spirit. These drinks blend the rich flavors of brandy with other ingredients to create tasty and complex beverages.
Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or fruity flavors, there’s likely a brandy cocktail to suit your taste.
You can find brandy cocktails for every season and occasion.
Some recipes feature warm spices perfect for cold weather, while others incorporate fresh fruits for a refreshing summer drink. From simple two-ingredient mixes to more elaborate concoctions, brandy cocktails provide many options to explore.
Trying different brandy drinks can help you discover new favorites and expand your cocktail repertoire.
1. Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic brandy cocktail you’ll love. It mixes cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.
To make a Sidecar, shake 2 ounces of cognac, 1 ounce of Cointreau, and 3/4 ounce of lemon juice with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
For extra flair, rim the glass with sugar before pouring. This adds a sweet touch to balance the drink’s tartness.
You can enjoy a Sidecar before or after dinner. Its crisp, citrusy flavor makes it refreshing any time.
2. Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a smooth, creamy cocktail perfect for dessert or after-dinner sipping. You’ll love its rich, indulgent flavor.
To make one, mix equal parts brandy, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
For best results, use quality ingredients. Choose a good brandy and a high-grade crème de cacao. The better your ingredients, the tastier your drink will be.
Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg on top. This adds a nice aroma and complements the flavors beautifully.
3. Vieux Carré
The Vieux Carré is a classic New Orleans cocktail that will warm you up. It blends brandy, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Benedictine liqueur.
To make one, mix equal parts cognac, rye whiskey, and sweet vermouth. Add a splash of Benedictine and a few dashes of Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters.
Stir the ingredients with ice and strain into a glass. The drink has a rich, complex flavor that balances sweet and spicy notes.
The name “Vieux Carré” refers to the French Quarter in New Orleans. This cocktail captures the city’s French, American, and Italian influences in one glass.
4. Stinger
The Stinger is a classic brandy cocktail that combines sophistication and simplicity. You’ll find it easy to make with just two ingredients: brandy and crème de menthe.
To create this drink, mix 1.5 ounces of brandy with 0.5 ounces of white crème de menthe in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
The Stinger offers a smooth blend of flavors. The brandy provides warmth and depth, while the crème de menthe adds a refreshing minty touch.
This cocktail was once popular among high society, especially in New York City. It’s a strong drink with an alcohol content around 29% ABV, so sip it slowly and enjoy its unique taste.
5. Brandy Smash
The Brandy Smash is a classic cocktail that’s easy to make. You’ll need brandy, sugar, mint, and water.
Start by muddling mint leaves with sugar and a splash of water in a glass. This releases the mint’s flavors.
Add ice to the glass. Pour in brandy and stir gently. The drink should be cold and refreshing.
You can customize your Brandy Smash. Try using apple brandy for a fruity twist. Or add berries for extra flavor.
The Brandy Smash is perfect for sipping on warm evenings. It’s a great choice when you want something simple yet tasty.
6. Jack Rose
The Jack Rose is a classic brandy cocktail from the early 1900s. It uses applejack, an apple brandy, as its base spirit.
You’ll mix applejack with fresh lemon juice and grenadine to create this drink. The result is a crisp, tart flavor balanced by sweetness.
The cocktail has a pretty pink color from the grenadine. Some say this rosy hue inspired part of its name.
You can enjoy a Jack Rose as an aperitif. It pairs well with light appetizers like soft cheeses or prosciutto-wrapped melon.
7. Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling is a classic cocktail that blends gin and brandy. It was created in the early 1900s at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
This pink drink combines gin, cherry brandy, lime juice, and pineapple juice. Grenadine gives it its signature color.
To make a Singapore Sling, you’ll need ice, gin, cherry brandy, lime juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a glass.
The cocktail has a sweet and fruity taste with a gin kick. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm day or enjoying at a tropical-themed party.
8. Brandy Old Fashioned
The Brandy Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a twist. It swaps whiskey for brandy, creating a smoother drink.
This cocktail is popular in Wisconsin. It uses sugar, bitters, and an orange slice. Some versions add cherry juice for extra sweetness.
You can make it “sweet” or “sour” by changing the mixer. Lemon-lime soda makes it sweet, while sour mix or water creates a tart version.
To make one, muddle sugar and bitters in a glass. Add brandy and ice, then top with your chosen mixer. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
9. Between the Sheets
The Between the Sheets cocktail is a Prohibition-era drink with a spicy name. It’s similar to a Sidecar but with an extra kick.
To make it, you’ll need cognac, light rum, triple sec, and lemon juice.
Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
The taste is complex yet balanced. You’ll get the rich warmth of cognac mixed with rum’s tropical notes. The triple sec adds sweetness, while lemon juice brings a fresh tang.
This drink works well as an after-dinner sipper. It’s strong but smooth, perfect for winding down your evening.
10. Brandy Crusta
The Brandy Crusta is a classic cocktail with a rich history. It dates back to the 1850s and was created by Joseph Santini in New Orleans.
This drink features brandy, orange curaçao, lemon juice, and maraschino liqueur. Its unique garnish sets it apart – a sugar-crusted rim and a long lemon peel wrapped inside the glass.
To make a Brandy Crusta, you’ll need a coupe glass. Rim it with sugar and line the inside with a long lemon twist. Mix the ingredients, shake with ice, and strain into the prepared glass.
You can try variations like using cognac instead of brandy for a more luxurious taste. Some recipes also include a dash of Angostura bitters for added complexity.
11. Brandy Daisy
The Brandy Daisy is a classic cocktail that combines brandy, citrus, and a touch of sweetness. To make one, you’ll need brandy, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
Start by adding ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour in 2 ounces of brandy, 1 ounce of lemon juice, 1/2 ounce of orange liqueur, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Shake well to chill and combine the ingredients.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top it off with a splash of soda water for a refreshing fizz. You can garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry if you like.
The Brandy Daisy offers a balanced mix of flavors. You’ll taste the rich brandy, zesty lemon, and subtle orange notes in each sip.
12. Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a classic South American cocktail that showcases the unique flavors of pisco brandy. This drink blends pisco with lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white for a smooth, frothy texture.
To make a Pisco Sour, you’ll need to shake the ingredients vigorously with ice. This creates a silky foam on top of the drink. A few dashes of bitters add a nice finishing touch.
For a vegan version, you can skip the egg white. Some recipes use pineapple juice instead for a fruity twist. You can also try variations like the Pear Ginger Pisco Sour for a seasonal flavor.
13. Metropolitan
The Metropolitan is a classy brandy cocktail. You’ll love its smooth, sophisticated taste. To make it, you need brandy, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
Grab your cocktail shaker and add ice. Pour in 2 ounces of brandy and 1 ounce of sweet vermouth. Add a dash or two of Angostura bitters.
Shake the mixture well. Strain it into a chilled martini glass. For a fancy touch, you can garnish with a lemon twist.
This drink pairs great with cheese plates or grilled meats. It’s perfect for sipping at upscale gatherings or relaxing at home.
The Art of Mixing Brandy Cocktails
Brandy cocktails offer a rich blend of flavors and textures. With the right techniques and knowledge, you can create drinks that showcase brandy’s unique qualities.
Understanding Brandy Varietals
Cognac, Armagnac, and fruit brandies each bring distinct flavors to cocktails.
Cognac has notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit. It works well in classic drinks like the Sidecar. Armagnac is bolder, with more rustic flavors. Try it in an Old Fashioned for a twist. Fruit brandies like apple or pear add bright, crisp notes to drinks.
Mix and match brandies to find your favorite combinations. Start with small amounts to avoid overpowering other ingredients. Remember, higher quality brandies shine best in simple cocktails where their flavors can be appreciated.
Classic vs. Modern Techniques
Traditional brandy cocktails often use simple mixing methods. You’ll stir drinks like the Brandy Alexander to blend ingredients without dilution. Shaking with ice is common for sours and creamy cocktails to create a frothy texture.
Modern techniques add new dimensions to brandy drinks. Try using a smoking gun to infuse wood flavors. Fat-washing brandy with butter or bacon can add richness. Experiment with foam toppings or flavored ice cubes to enhance your cocktails.
Always taste as you go. Adjust sweetness and acidity to balance the brandy’s strength. Don’t be afraid to tweak classic recipes to suit your taste preferences.
Key Ingredients and Pairings
Brandy cocktails shine with the right mix of flavors. Spices, herbs, citrus, and sweeteners can take your drinks to the next level. These pairings bring out brandy’s deep, rich notes.
Spices and Herbs for Enhanced Flavor
Cinnamon sticks and star anise add warmth to brandy drinks. They work well in hot toddies and mulled brandy. Nutmeg gives a cozy feel to creamy cocktails. Grate it fresh on top of a Brandy Alexander for best results.
Fresh herbs like mint and basil bring a bright touch. Try muddling mint in a Brandy Smash. Rosemary sprigs make great garnishes and add an earthy aroma.
Ginger adds a spicy kick. Use fresh ginger in a Brandy Buck or add ginger beer to your cocktail for extra zing.
Citrus and Sweeteners
Lemon and orange are classic brandy pairings. They balance the spirit’s richness.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a Sidecar. Or, muddle orange slices in an Old Fashioned.
For sweeteners, honey works well in warm drinks.
Simple syrup is great for cold cocktails. Brown sugar adds depth to brandy’s caramel notes.
Try maple syrup for a unique twist. It pairs nicely with apple brandy in fall drinks.
Grenadine gives a fruity sweetness and pretty color.
Use it in a Brandy Daisy for a striking look.