Brandy is a type of spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made by distilling wine and aging it in oak barrels. Brandy has a rich and complex flavor that is perfect for sipping on its own or adding to cocktails.
Many people don't realize just how versatile brandy can be when it comes to mixing drinks. There are countless cocktail recipes that feature this delicious spirit, each with its own unique flavor profile.
The beauty of brandy cocktails is that they can be enjoyed in any season. In the summer, a refreshing brandy sour or a fruity brandy punch is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
In the winter, a warm brandy toddy or a rich brandy Alexander is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening. No matter what your taste preferences are, there is a brandy cocktail recipe out there that is sure to please.
Whether you are a seasoned bartender or just starting out, experimenting with brandy cocktails is a great way to expand your skills and impress your guests.
From classic recipes like the Sidecar and the Brandy Old Fashioned to modern twists like the Brandy Manhattan and the Brandy Daisy, there are so many delicious options to choose from. So why not grab a bottle of brandy and start mixing up some cocktails today? Your taste buds will thank you.
1. Zesty Brandy
The Zesty Brandy is a refreshing and citrusy cocktail that combines brandy, light rum, triple sec, and lemon juice. It's a simple yet sophisticated drink that's perfect for any occasion. The lemon juice adds a tangy kick that balances out the sweetness of the triple sec and brandy.
It's easy to customize to your liking – add simple syrup for a sweeter drink, or ice for a refreshing sipper. Overall, the Zesty Brandy is a delicious and versatile cocktail that's sure to satisfy.
2. Brandy Alexander Cocktail
The Brandy Alexander Cocktail is a classic and beloved brandy cocktail that is sure to delight anyone who enjoys a creamy, sweet drink with a bit of a kick. Made with equal parts brandy, creme de cacao, and half & half, this cocktail is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
It was first created in the early 1900s by a bartender at Rector's restaurant in New York and has been a favorite ever since. The Brandy Alexander almost tastes like a milkshake, making it a perfect dessert cocktail or after-dinner treat. If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make brandy cocktail, the Brandy Alexander is definitely worth trying.
3. Spiced Orange Brandy Spritzers
The Spiced Orange Brandy Spritzer is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that's perfect for the winter holidays. Made with brandy, orange juice, allspice berries, and cinnamon, it's topped with ginger ale and garnished with orange slices and a cinnamon stick.
The allspice berries give it a warming, sweet note, while the ginger ale adds a bubbly fizz. It's a delicious and versatile cocktail that's definitely worth trying.
4. Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet
The Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet is a classic cocktail that originated in Wisconsin and has become a staple in many bars across the country. Made with brandy, muddled fruit, bitters, and lemon-lime soda, this cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet and boozy flavors.
The use of brown sugar instead of a sugar cube adds a depth of flavor to the drink, while the lemon-lime soda gives it a refreshing fizz. The garnish of maraschino cherries and orange slice adds a pop of color and flavor to the cocktail. If you're looking for a unique twist on a classic cocktail, the Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet is definitely worth a try.
5. Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a dessert cocktail that tastes mostly like chocolate, with hints of fruity or flowery notes depending on the brand of brandy used. It's a little bit on the strong side, but the cream gives it a wonderful texture that feels luxurious and silky. The nutmeg adds a subtle note of spice that goes very well with the brandy and creme de cacao.
It's a perfect after-dinner drink that's sweet enough to replace dessert, and can be garnished with whipped cream or drizzled with chocolate syrup. The Brandy Alexander is a sophisticated and easygoing cocktail that is perfect for holiday entertaining or light snacks.
6. Apple Brandy Allspice Fizz Cocktail
The Apple Brandy Allspice Fizz Cocktail is a perfect drink for the fall season. Made with Apple Brandy, this cocktail has a beautiful apple flavor and spice-filled notes that are complemented by the emulsified, creamy egg white and fizziness of the soda.
It's tart and full of spices, making it a great pairing with flavorful food, yet light and refreshing to sip on, so it won't fill you up. The Laird’s 7 1/2 Year old Apple Brandy used in this recipe hails from New Jersey, and it's a great way to enjoy a delicious drink with a bit of history. If you're a fan of apple cocktails, this one is definitely worth trying.
7. Holiday Homemade Apple Brandy
Looking for a cocktail that embodies the flavors of the holiday season? Look no further than the Holiday Homemade Apple Brandy. This cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with the flavors of apple pie infused into every sip.
Made with apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brandy, this cocktail is a fun and easy project that pays dividends in flavor. Whether you prefer it cold or warm, this drink is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. So why not try something new this holiday season and give the Holiday Homemade Apple Brandy a try? You won't be disappointed.
8. Brandy Manhattan
The Brandy Manhattan is a sophisticated spin on the classic Manhattan cocktail. Instead of whiskey, brandy is used to create a sweeter, more complex flavor. The sweet vermouth and cocktail bitters perfectly balance the fruity, floral, and citrus notes of the brandy.
Top it off with a Luxardo cherry for a complex, fruity, and nutty flavor that makes this cocktail truly stand out. If you're a lover of the Manhattan, this is a must-try variation that will surely impress your guests.
9. Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned
The Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned is a unique twist on the classic old fashioned cocktail, using brandy instead of whiskey. This cocktail is a staple in Wisconsin and is often served with a soda or seltzer wash, giving it a sweet or sour flavor.
The garnish options are also unique, with pickled mushrooms and Brussels sprouts being popular choices alongside the classic cherries and olives. The Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned is a must-try for anyone looking for a new and exciting take on the classic cocktail.
10. Coffee Brandy Alexander
If you're looking for a creamy and decadent cocktail, the Coffee Brandy Alexander is a must-try. This classic cocktail has been given a modern twist with the addition of coffee liqueur, which perfectly complements the mellow undertones of the brandy.
The cocktail is garnished with a grating of nutmeg and a coffee bean, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. It's perfect for a cozy night in or as a dessert cocktail. If you're a fan of creamy cocktails, this one should definitely be on your list to try.
11. Christmas Sidecar
The Christmas Sidecar is a festive twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail. Made with cognac, triple sec, and cranberry juice, this cocktail has a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The addition of fresh cranberries and lime juice adds a refreshing twist to the drink.
The cocktail is beautifully garnished with a sugar and lime zest rim, making it a perfect addition to any holiday party. If you're looking for a delicious and festive Brandy Cocktail to serve at your next holiday gathering, the Christmas Sidecar is a must-try.
12. The Perfect Pear
"The Perfect Pear" is a delicious Brandy Cocktail that is perfect for fall. It requires only one spirit, pear brandy, and is shaken with simple syrup, lemon and orange juices, and strained into a chilled, half sugar-rimmed coupe glass.
The cocktail has a bright and spirit-forward taste with a slightly sweet and tart flavor from the citrus. Despite containing no fresh pears, the drink does not taste artificial at all. If you are looking for a delicious Brandy Cocktail that is easy to make and perfect for fall, "The Perfect Pear" is a great choice.
13. Spanish Coffee
If you're looking for a warm and cozy cocktail to sip on during the winter months, then the Spanish Coffee Cocktail with Brandy is a must-try. This cocktail combines the flavors of orange and brandy to create a swoon-worthy drink that will warm you to your toes. The rim of the glass is coated with raw brown sugar and orange zest, which adds a fragrant and crunchy element to the drink.
While there are many recipes out there, this particular recipe skips the Kahlua and uses Brandy instead. The result is a unique and delicious cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter day. So, if you're in the mood for something warm and comforting, give the Spanish Coffee Cocktail with Brandy a try.
14. Between the Sheets Cocktail
The "Between the Sheets Cocktail" is a fun and saucy adaptation of the classic Sidecar cocktail, made with brandy, lemon juice, Triple Sec, and rum. It is quite strong and meant to be sipped delicately.
To make it perfect, use fresh lemon juice and high-quality rum and Triple Sec. The cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a strong and flavorful drink.
15. Peanut Butter Brandy Alexander
The Peanut Butter Brandy Alexander is a unique twist on the classic Brandy Alexander cocktail. This dessert cocktail combines equal parts cognac or brandy, cream, and crème de cacao with a homemade salted peanut butter syrup. The syrup is made by combining white sugar, hot water, and natural peanut butter, resulting in a salty, peanut buttery flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate and cognac.
The cocktail is shaken with ice and served in a chilled coupe, garnished with a peanut butter wafer cookie dipped in chocolate ganache. This cocktail is perfect for those who love the combination of sweet and salty flavors and want to try something new and decadent.
16. The Japanese Cocktail
If you're a fan of brandy, then you must try "The Japanese Cocktail". Despite its name, this cocktail doesn't have any Japanese ingredients or flavors. Instead, it's a classic American cocktail made with brandy and orgeat syrup, with a hint of citrus from the lemon twist and a herbal finish from the bitters.
The Japanese Cocktail is a sophisticated and versatile drink that's perfect for sipping on any occasion. It's a must-try for anyone who wants to class up their brandy game. So, grab your favorite brandy or Cognac and give this cocktail a try!
17. Pomegranate Brandy Sour
The Pomegranate Brandy Sour is a delightful blend of seasonal flavors that will leave you wanting more. The soft, baking spice and raisin flavors of Cognac are paired with the tart sweetness of pomegranate and the subtle notes of pear brandy.
A dash of bitters and a spritz of absinthe add depth and complexity to the cocktail. The result is a smooth and refreshing sipper that is perfect for any occasion. If you're looking for a Brandy Cocktail that is both delicious and easy to make, the Pomegranate Brandy Sour is definitely worth a try.
18. Blackberry Sidecar
The Blackberry Sidecar is a fruity and refreshing Brandy Cocktail that is perfect for summer. This cocktail is a delightful blend of fresh blackberries and brandy, with a little tartness on the end of each sip. The addition of fresh lemon juice in this cocktail brightens up the drink even more, giving that little hint of acid to make it all balance just right.
The best part about this cocktail is that it is SO EASY to make and doesn't require a ton of tools to make it. The Blackberry Sidecar is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a fine cocktail with a touch of sweetness.
19. Wisconsin Old Fashioned
The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is a unique twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, with brandy and lemon-lime soda as the main ingredients. This cocktail is a popular drink in Wisconsin, with four different ways to order it: Sweet, Sour, Press, and Soda. Each topping option gives the drink a different flavor, making it a versatile cocktail that caters to different tastes.
The garnishes for this cocktail range from standard to downright intriguing, with pickled Brussels sprouts being a popular choice. The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is a fun regional drink that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a night out with friends or a cozy night in. If you're a fan of brandy or Cognac, this cocktail is definitely worth trying.
20. Calvados Jack Rose
The Calvados Jack Rose is a classic cocktail with a fruity and smooth taste that has been enjoyed since the early 1900s. Made with apple brandy, grenadine, and citrus, this cocktail has a rich history and a variety of recipe variations. The use of real grenadine syrup and Calvados apple brandy adds a refined touch to the drink, making it a must-try for any brandy cocktail lover.
Whether you prefer a 2:1:1 ratio or want to experiment with different citrus fruits, the Calvados Jack Rose is a versatile drink that can be tailored to your taste. So, if you're looking for a delicious and classic brandy cocktail, give the Calvados Jack Rose a try and experience the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.
21. Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Its origin is unclear, but it is believed to have been created near the end of World War I in London or Paris.
The drink is a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, and is a versatile drink that can be made with different ratios of ingredients. The Sidecar is a perfect cocktail for those who enjoy the taste of brandy and want to try something new.
22. French 45
The French 45 is a twist on the classic French 75 cocktail, made with brandy instead of gin or cognac. It's an elegant and bubbly cocktail that's perfect for relaxing with friends.
The cocktail is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. It's a more affordable option than the French 75, making it a great choice for anyone who loves brandy cocktails.
23. Donner and Blitzen
Donner and Blitzen is a festive Brandy Cocktail perfect for the holiday season. It combines ginger simple syrup, brandy, pomegranate molasses, and pomegranate juice with ginger beer and orange bitters.
The result is a spicy, sweet, and tangy cocktail with a smooth and rich taste. The garnish of orange slice and crystallized ginger adds to its festive appearance. It's a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves a good holiday drink.
24. Coffee Nudge
The Coffee Nudge is a hot coffee-based cocktail that combines the richness of creme de cacao, Kahlua, and brandy with the comforting warmth of whipped cream. This cocktail is perfect for those who want a little kick in their coffee, as it has a strong alcohol content.
It's an ideal drink for chilly evenings or whenever you're in the mood for a cozy coffee. The Coffee Nudge is a classic cocktail that's sure to impress your guests and leave them feeling warm and fuzzy inside. So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail to add to your repertoire, give the Coffee Nudge a try!
