Brandy has been enjoyed for centuries as a luxurious and sophisticated spirit. Its rich flavor and aroma make it a popular choice for sipping on its own, but it also makes a great base for cocktails. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best brandy cocktails and what makes them so special.
Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It is a simple yet elegant cocktail that combines brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. The result is a refreshing and tangy drink that is perfect for any occasion.
To make a Sidecar, you will need:
- 2 oz. brandy
- 1 oz. Cointreau or other orange liqueur
- 3/4 oz. lemon juice
- Sugar for rimming the glass (optional)
Instructions:
- Rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar (optional).
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a creamy and indulgent cocktail that is perfect for dessert or as an after-dinner drink. It combines brandy, crème de cacao, and heavy cream to create a rich and decadent cocktail.
To make a Brandy Alexander, you will need:
- 1 1/2 oz. brandy
- 1 oz. crème de cacao
- 1 oz. heavy cream
- Nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add brandy, crème de cacao, and heavy cream.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic New Orleans cocktail that is made with brandy, absinthe, and Peychaud’s bitters. It is a complex and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for those who enjoy a strong and boozy drink.
To make a Sazerac, you will need:
- 2 oz. brandy
- 1 tsp. absinthe
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse a chilled Old Fashioned glass with absinthe and discard the excess.
- In a separate mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with the Peychaud’s bitters.
- Add brandy and ice to the mixing glass and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared Old Fashioned glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel.
French 75
The French 75 is a refreshing and effervescent cocktail that is perfect for brunch or a daytime event. It combines brandy, lemon juice, and simple syrup, and is topped off with sparkling wine to create a light and bubbly drink.
To make a French 75, you will need:
- 1 oz. brandy
- 1/2 oz. lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup
- 2 oz. sparkling wine
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add brandy, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well and strain into a champagne flute.
- Top off with sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Vieux Carré
The Vieux Carré is a classic cocktail that is named after the French Quarter in New Orleans. It is a complex cocktail that combines brandy, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, and Peychaud’s bitters. The result is a rich and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for sipping slowly and savoring every sip.
To make a Vieux Carré, you will need:
- 1 oz. brandy
- 1 oz. rye whiskey
- 1 oz. sweet vermouth
- 1/4 oz. Benedictine
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add brandy, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, and Peychaud’s bitters.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon peel.
The Cable Car
The Cable Car is a modern twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail. It was created in the late 1990s by bartender Tony Abou-Ganim and is made with spiced rum, orange curaçao, and lemon juice. It is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
To make a Cable Car, you will need:
- 1 1/2 oz. spiced rum
- 3/4 oz. orange curaçao
- 3/4 oz. lemon juice
- Sugar for rimming the glass (optional)
- Cinnamon for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar (optional).
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add spiced rum, orange curaçao, and lemon juice.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Brandy Crusta
The Brandy Crusta is a classic cocktail that dates back to the mid-19th century. It is made with brandy, orange curaçao, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and bitters. The cocktail is served in a glass rimmed with sugar and garnished with a lemon peel.
To make a Brandy Crusta, you will need:
- 2 oz. brandy
- 1/2 oz. orange curaçao
- 1/2 oz. maraschino liqueur
- 1/2 oz. lemon juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Sugar for rimming the glass
- Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim a chilled wine glass with sugar.
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add brandy, orange curaçao, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and bitters.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel.
Conclusion
Brandy is a versatile and delicious spirit that can be used in a variety of cocktails. From the classic Sidecar to the modern Cable Car, there is a brandy cocktail for every taste and occasion. Whether you prefer a strong and boozy drink or a light and refreshing cocktail, there is a brandy cocktail that will satisfy your taste buds. So, the next time you are looking for a sophisticated and luxurious drink, consider reaching for a bottle of brandy and mixing up one of these delicious cocktails.