If you’ve recently acquired a bottle of brandy, congratulations! You’re probably eager to try out some delicious cocktail recipes. And we’ve got you covered – our list of tasty brandy cocktails is sure to satisfy your cravings. But before diving into the world of mixed drinks, it’s worth exploring the flavor profile and overall ease of preparation. What exactly does brandy taste like? Is it easy to mix with other ingredients? Which type of brandy should you use?
The truth is, the best way to understand these questions is by trying out a few recipes for yourself. But don’t worry, we’ve taken the liberty of compiling 14 mouth-watering brandy cocktails that go beyond the classic old-fashioned. And if you’re wondering what sets brandy apart from Cognac, let us enlighten you. The term ‘brandy’ refers to any distilled spirit made from fermented fruit juice, making it a broader category than Cognac.
So, while all Cognacs are technically brands of brandy, not all brands of brandy are necessarily Cognacs. The key difference lies in the region of origin – Cognac is a type of brandy that harkens from the city of Cognac in southwestern France, known for its high quality and premium price tag. On the other hand, ‘brandy’ can be produced anywhere in the world, resulting in varying levels of quality and price.
Brandy Alexander
The decadent Broussard is a timeless cocktail that tantalizes the taste buds with its sweet and rich flavors. A key ingredient in this indulgent drink is crème de cacao, which provides a deep, velvety chocolate note that’s simply divine. To fully appreciate its complex character, it’s best to serve the Broussard over ice or in a chilled cocktail glass, such as a martini glass, allowing the subtle nuances of the cognac and heavy cream to shine through.
The crowning touch is a sprinkle of grated nutmeg, which adds a warm, aromatic depth to the overall experience. When you take a sip, you’ll be treated to a delightful dessert cocktail that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Brandy Crusta
The brandy crusta is steeped in history, with its origins dating back to the mid-19th century. This classic cocktail has remained a timeless favorite among connoisseurs and socialites alike. The quintessential blend requires a thoughtful balance of cognac, triple sec liqueur, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup, and angostura bitters, each ingredient playing a crucial role in the final product.
When served in a delicate flute glass, the brandy crusta’s elegance is undeniable, making it the perfect accompaniment to any sophisticated evening gathering.
French Connection
Experience the sophistication of French Connection, a delectable cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. The simplicity of its ingredients is what makes this drink truly special – you’ll only need two main components: equal parts cognac and amaretto. Yes, you read that right, just two ingredients! The key to creating the perfect French Connection is to combine these two elements in harmony, allowing their distinct flavors to meld together seamlessly.
To serve, pour the mixture into a lowball glass filled with ice, and voilà – your sophisticated cocktail is ready to impress.
Jack Rose
While simplicity can often be a hallmark of great cocktails, this particular recipe really shines when it comes to pleasing even the most discerning palates. The Jack Rose is an excellent choice for serving at gatherings or for those who may not typically gravitate towards traditional brandy-based drinks.
Amaretto Sour
Amaretto sours have earned their place among cocktail enthusiasts due to their unique blend of sweet and tart flavors. When crafted with high-quality brandy, the end result is truly irresistible. For those looking to create this delectable drink at home, the essential ingredients are simple: amaretto, simple syrup, and lemon juice. To elevate the experience, consider garnishing with a maraschino cherry and an orange wedge.
Once prepared, chill the cocktail before serving to fully appreciate its refreshing qualities.
Tom And Jerry
Don’t confuse this indulgent dessert cocktail with the American cartoon duo. For those seeking a sweet treat to unwind after a long day, the Tom and Jerry may be just what you’re looking for. This complex cocktail requires some effort upfront, as it necessitates preparing the Tom and Jerry batter – or, of course, simply buying it pre-made. The batter itself is a flavorful concoction of egg yolks, whites, powdered sugar, cinnamon, allspice, vanilla extract, cloves, cream of tartar, and aged rum.
Once the batter is prepared, the cocktail calls for combining it with cognac, aged rum, and hot milk. To fully appreciate this drink, we recommend serving it in a large coffee mug – although specialized Tom and Jerry mugs can also be found online.
Japanese Cocktail With Brandy
The Japanese Cocktail has a rich history, and its recipe requires a blend of cognac, freshly squeezed lime juice, orgeat syrup, and aromatic bitters. To complete the drink, garnish with a lime peel or lemon peel. To prepare this classic cocktail, fill a shaker with ice and combine all the ingredients. Once mixed, pour into your preferred glassware and serve.
Metropolitan
In the world of spirits, each type often has its own iconic cocktail counterpart. Vodka is famously paired with the Martini, while Whiskey is typically matched with the Manhattan. But what about Brandy? Its classic companion is none other than the Metropolitan. This sophisticated drink combines the smoothness of Brandy with the complexity of sweet and bitter flavors.
To craft this elegant concoction, you’ll need to combine Brandy, bitters, superfine sugar, and sweet vermouth in a cocktail shaker. Once mixed, shake the ingredients well and strain them into your favorite cocktail glass for a refined and indulgent experience.
Vieux Carre
The NOLA-inspired cocktail boasts an intricate flavor profile that is sure to tantalize the taste buds. To craft this complex drink, you’ll need a combination of rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, benedictine liqueur, Peychaud’s bitters, and angostura bitters, all carefully combined with ice in a cocktail glass. For added visual appeal, garnish with a lemon twist and serve the chilled concoction in its own glass.
Sidecar
The sidecar is a classic brandy cocktail that’s also classified as a sour. Its refreshing taste is just one of its many appealing qualities, requiring only three ingredients to create. To craft this delightful drink, combine good cognac with orange liqueur and lemon juice in a shaker filled with ice cubes. Once mixed, strain the concoction into a sugar-rimmed coupe glass and serve chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Strawberry Champagne Bowler
To beat the summer heat, this refreshing brandy cocktail is perfect. Its best enjoyed in a chilled flute, which helps to preserve its crisp flavors.
You’ll need just a few ingredients to make it: fresh strawberries, champagne, white wine, sugar, and cognac.
Start by muddling the strawberries with the sugar using a muddler. This will help release their natural sweetness and create a smooth texture.
Next, add in the white wine and cognac, then let the mixture sit for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Just before serving, pour the mixture into a glass and top it off with a splash of champagne. This will help to cut the sweetness of the strawberries and create a delightful balance of flavors.
Mulled Wine
Winter’s warmth is perfectly captured in the classic mulled wine, a delicious blend of wine-based goodness infused with the richness of brandy. As the mercury drops, this cozy cocktail is the perfect way to round off a fantastic day spent outdoors during the colder months. To create this winter wonder drink, you’ll need oranges, a robust red wine like merlot or zinfandel, brandy, maple syrup, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
Once you have all the ingredients at your disposal, heat them until they’re steaming hot. Serve the mulled wine in a mug of your choice – perhaps one with a festive holly design to match the season’s magic?
Salted Caramel Horchata
Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of the salted caramel horchata, a dessert cocktail that bears a resemblance to the classic Milk Punch. To craft this unique concoction, you’ll need brandy, horchata ice cream, cajeta, and star anise for garnish. Combine these ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, then pour the mixture into a lowball glass for serving. For an added touch of indulgence, feel free to serve it in a tall glass instead.
Champs-Elysees
The classic cocktail has been a staple since its inception in the 1930s. Despite being created by a Londoner, it’s rooted in American history. To craft this unique concoction, you’ll need a few essential ingredients: angostura bitters, lemon juice, simple syrup, brandy, and of course, the defining feature – green chartreuse. Simply combine all the elements in a shaker, give it a good shake until everything is harmoniously mixed, then serve it chilled for optimal enjoyment.
The bottom line
Whether you’re looking for the perfect drink to toast a special occasion or simply want to elevate your happy hour game, these timeless and adaptable brandy cocktail recipes are sure to delight. With their rich flavors and versatile ingredients, they’ll provide endless inspiration for crafting the ideal concoction, no matter what gathering or celebration you have in mind.
