11 Brandy Cocktails for an Elegant Evening
Brandy cocktails showcase the warmth and richness of brandy, from the refined French Cognac to the bold Spanish Brandy.
These cocktails blend brandy’s deep flavors with ingredients that highlight its fruit-based origins, creating sophisticated drinks suited for a dignified evening.
Whether sipped slowly by a fireside or enjoyed during a festive celebration, brandy cocktails exude a sense of time-honored tradition.
Vintage Champagne Cocktail
A brandy cocktail awaits when champagne is on hand.
This recipe shines when leftover champagne needs a new purpose.
Gather prosecco or champagne, quality brandy, and orange liqueur for a refreshing mix that serves four cocktails.
Pour the brandy into the glass first, followed by Cointreau or Triple Sec, and finish with chilled champagne on top.
The Japanese Cocktail
The Japanese Cocktail has roots in the 1862 recipe book by Jerry Thomas, a legendary bartender often called the grandfather of bartending.
Initially, this drink featured lemon peels stirred with its ingredients in a rocks or highball glass and served over ice.
Over time, fresh lime juice replaced lemon peels to enhance its flavor.
Essential components for crafting this cocktail include fresh lime juice, orgeat syrup, cognac, and aromatic bitters.
French Connection
The French Connection surprises with its bold flavor, despite using only two ingredients.
Combining Amaretto and Cognac creates a drink that intrigues the palate.
This cocktail serves as an excellent introduction for those new to brandy or cognac cocktails.
Each sip reveals a complex taste, showcasing how simple ingredients can lead to something remarkable.
Milk Punch
Classic milk punch offers a taste of history, tracing its roots back to 1688 in Scotland.
This cocktail gained recognition in recipe books by 1711, making it one of the oldest drinks around.
Whole milk, brandy, bourbon whiskey, vanilla extract, and simple syrup come together to create this beverage.
For an extra flourish, adding a cinnamon stick or some grated nutmeg enhances the experience beautifully.
Star anise also makes for an interesting garnish that adds depth to each sip.
Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a popular cocktail known for its sweet and creamy flavor.
Traditional recipes call for white creme de cacao, cognac or another brandy, and heavy cream.
Its origins remain somewhat of a mystery, adding to the drink's allure.
A refreshing twist on this classic includes Kahlua, vanilla ice cream, cocoa powder, brandy, and dark creme de cacao.
For those seeking something indulgent yet different from the norm in their cocktail experience will surely enjoy this version of Brandy Alexander.
Brandy Manhattan
A Brandy Manhattan offers a fresh take on the traditional Manhattan cocktail.
By replacing rye whiskey with brandy or cognac, this drink maintains its classic appeal while introducing new flavors.
Orange bitters or cardamom add depth, complemented by sweet vermouth for a balanced taste.
For an eye-catching finish, garnishing with a blood orange slice or maraschino cherry enhances both flavor and presentation.
Even without bourbon, this cocktail remains true to its roots while inviting exploration of variations.
Sazerac Cocktail
Missing New Orleans can feel like a longing for its lively spirit.
A Sazerac cocktail serves as a way to revisit the essence of The Big Easy.
This drink combines sugar, whiskey, and an unexpected twist with absinthe, known for its black licorice flavor.
Antoine Peychaud, a pharmacist from New Orleans, is credited with inventing this famous cocktail that blends whiskey and brandy beautifully.
For your own version at home, gather cognac; Herbsaint works well, rye whiskey, absinthe, a sugar cube, and Peychaud’s bitters to recreate the magic of the French Quarter in your glass.
Between The Sheets
The Between the Sheets cocktail has gained popularity, partly due to its playful name.
This drink features a blend of Cognac, fresh lemon juice, rum, and orange liqueur.
Cointreau enhances the mix with its orange aroma that balances sweetness and tartness beautifully.
Although the exact history remains uncertain, this cocktail is derived from the classic Sidecar created at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.
For an extra fruity twist, adding a splash of orange juice elevates this brandy drink even further.
Classic Sidecar
The classic Sidecar cocktail has a rich history, originating at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.
Fresh lemon juice, cognac, and Cointreau are essential ingredients for this drink.
Shaking the mixture with ice in a cocktail shaker ensures a refreshing taste before straining it into a martini or cocktail glass.
For an appealing finish, garnish the drink with either lemon twist or orange peel along with a maraschino cherry.
Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour stands out as a cocktail that showcases the distinct flavor of Pisco brandy.
This refreshing drink combines fresh lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters for a smooth finish.
Originating in the 1920s, an American bartender named Victor Morris is credited with its creation.
Drawing inspiration from the Whiskey Sour, this cocktail replaces whiskey with Pisco and lime for a twist.
Few cocktails feature Pisco brandy; this one truly highlights its unique qualities.
Brandy Old Fashioned
Wisconsin proudly claims the Brandy Old Fashioned as its official cocktail, showcasing a mix of flavors.
Variations abound when ordering this drink at a bar, with options like sour, sweet, press, and soda.
Essential ingredients include a sugar cube and Angostura bitters combined with soda such as lemon-lime or grapefruit.
Garnishes add an exciting twist; choices range from pickled Brussels sprouts to maraschino cherries and green olives stuffed with pimentos.
One of our favorite recipes highlights how well brandy pairs in this beloved concoction from the Midwest.