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Cocktail drinks are a must on any bar or restaurant beverage menu. From seasonal ones like fall cocktails and summer cocktails to brandy cocktails, unpopular cocktails, or the most common cocktails, they are important.
Whether you are striving to earn a Michelin Star or just want to improve the customer experience at your bar, both uncommon and popular cocktails are an essential part of it that you need to plan out well. If you serve a variety of foods, you need also to consider drink and food pairings when figuring out the beverage menu.
Here, on our blog, we have plenty of useful articles all about cocktails, beverage storage (see also: brandy storage), and implementing new items into your menu. We also have a lot of information about different types of alcohol, including fruit brandy, as well as wine, and food pairings. All of these resources can help any restaurant or bar owner build their beverage menu with ease.
In this article, however, we want to talk about the various brandy cocktails you can offer and inspire you to add some to your offers.
Which Are the Most Popular Brandy Cocktails
If you still don’t have any brandy cocktails on your menu, now is the time to change this. Brandy is a well-loved beverage that many customers will be ordering anyway. There are even some great health benefits of brandy. But if you put it in classy and tasty cocktails, it will become an even bigger hit.
Here’s our list of 8 popular brandy cocktails to try!
Key Takeaway: There are many delicious brandy cocktails that deserve a spot on your restaurant and bar beverage menu. You can add them as seasonal offers and if there’s a high demand, you can keep them all year round.
1. Brandy Alexander
This is a classic and indulgent cocktail known for its creamy, dessert-like qualities. The ingredients are:
- 1.5 oz brandy
- 1 oz dark crème de cacao
- 1 oz cream
How to prepare Brandy Alexander:
- Shake everything with ice.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
2. Sidecar
Sidecar is often described as a timeless classic that offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. For, it, you will need:
- 2 oz brandy
- 1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec)
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
How to make Sidecar:
- Shake all of the ingredients with ice.
- Strain the drink into a sugar-rimmed cocktail glass.
- Garnish the drink with a lemon twist.
3. Vieux Carré
A sophisticated and robust brand cocktail that offers a complex interplay of flavors, Vieux Carré is a great addition to any cocktail menu. You will need:
- 1 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz cognac
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 0.25 oz Benedictine
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
How to make Vieux Carré:
- Stir well all of the ingredients.
- Pour the drink over ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
4. Brandy Sour
The Brandy Sour is often described as a straightforward cocktail that showcases the natural flavors of its ingredients. To make it, you need:
- 2 oz brandy
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
How to make Brandy Sour:
- In a shaker, put all the ingredients and some ice. Shake well.
- Shake them well and pour over ice.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon and a cherry.
5. Corpse Reviver #1
This version of the Corpse Reviver is a flavorful cocktail that offers a well-balanced blend of spirits. It’s made with:
- 1 oz brandy
- 1 oz apple brandy
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
How to make Corpse Reviver #1:
- Stir all the ingredients with ice.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
- The cocktail garnish, is once again, a lemon twist.
6. Between the Sheets
Between the Sheets is a cocktail drink that’s often described as bold and zesty. It’s generally a very refreshing drink to have. For it, you need:
- 1 oz brandy
- 1 oz white rum
- 1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec)
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
How to make Between the Sheets:
- Shake all the ingredients together with ice.
- Stain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or another garnish of choice.
7. Brandy Crusta
Brandy cocktails are often described as sophisticated and this one is no exception. The ingredients needed are:
- 2 oz brandy
- 0.5 oz orange liqueur
- 0.25 oz Maraschino liqueur
- 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
How to make Brandy Crusta:
- Shake the ingredients with ice.
- Pour the drink in a glass with a sugar rim.
- Add a lemon twist.
8. Brandy Daisy
This drink is often described as a bright and refreshing cocktail that balances the rich warmth of brandy with the zesty freshness of lemon juice. For it, you need to mix:
- 2 oz brandy
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 0.5 oz orange liqueur
How to make a Brandy Daisy:
- Shake the ingredients.
- Pour the drink over ice.
- Garnish with a cherry and a lemon slice.
The Great Things about Brandy Cocktails
Brandy cocktails can be enjoyed all year round and they can be served in any bar or restaurant. Hotels, country clubs, and cruise ships are no exception. In case you are not offering any brandy cocktails now, you can try and implement them into your seasonal menu for the upcoming months.
With the help of beverage inventory tracking software, such as BinWise, you will be able to see clear data showing whether people like the new offers or not. If you are not selling much brandy cocktails, you can always cut down the offers or phase them out entirely.
Whether you want to introduce new cocktails or maybe you are trying out different varieties of wine, new spirits, or even gluten-free beer, such software will be a true game changer. You will track your inventory with ease, notice trends, handle digital ordering and so much more. Book a demo with us now to learn how!
Frequently Asked Questions about Brandy Cocktails
If you still have some questions regarding brandy and brandy drinks, this section is for you. Below, you will find some of the commonly asked questions we hear and their answers. This information can be truly helpful.
You can also read our articles on how is brandy made and brandy pairings.
What’s the Difference Between Cognac and Brandy?
Cognac is a type of brandy, but not all brandies are Cognac. Cognac is a specific type of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France. It undergoes strict production regulations and is known for its high quality.
If you want to offer something exquisite for your customers, you can stock up on some Cognac bottles. The brandy lovers will appreciate the fact that you offer a variety.
Are Brandy Cocktails Typically Served Chilled or at Room Temperature?
Brandy cocktails can be served both chilled and at room temperature. It depends on the recipe and the preferences of the customer. Some cocktails, like the Brandy Daisy, are served over ice. But others like the Vieux Carré, are stirred with ice and strained into a glass at a room temperature.
What’s the Best Garnish for a Brandy Cocktail?
Lemon twists, orange twists, cherries, and maraschino cherries are commonly used garnishes for brandy cocktails. The garnish should complement the brandy drink flavors and presentation. You can also experiment with different unique variations.
Keep in mind that glassware is another crucial part of the cocktail presentation. Some glasses look better with specific types of garnish. Play around with different options before you decide on a certain look for the cocktails you are serving.
What Mixers Pair Well with Brandy in Cocktails?
Cocktail mixers that pair well with brandy include citrus juices like lemon, orange, and lime, as well as ginger ale, tonic water, and club soda. Brandy also complements flavors like chocolate, coffee, and various liqueurs, making it a versatile spirit for both simple and complex brandy drinks.
Are There Any Seasonal Brandy Cocktails?
Yes, brandy is often featured in seasonal cocktails, particularly in fall and winter. A popular fall cocktail choice is the Apple Brandy Sour, made with apple brandy, lemon juice, and simple syrup. During the holiday season, the Brandy Eggnog is a festive favorite, combining brandy with eggnog, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla.
Can I Use Flavored Brandy in Cocktails?
Flavored brandy can be a great addition to cocktails, adding a unique twist to traditional recipes. For example, apricot brandy can be used to make an Apricot Sour, while cherry brandy can add depth to a Cherry Brandy Smash. When using flavored brandy, it's important to balance the sweetness and intensity of the flavor with other ingredients to get a delicious brandy drink.