Brandy, a timeless spirit distilled from wine, is a versatile beverage cherished the world over. Whether you savour it neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, appreciating brandy enhances the experience.
What Is Brandy?
Brandy is a distilled spirit made from fruit wine, often aged in barrels to develop its flavour and character. Cognac, a renowned type of brandy, is crafted from fermented grapes.
In Australia, brandy can be enjoyed fresh from the still in mixed drinks, like Pisco or aged in wooden barrels, where it develops a richer colour and more complex flavour, ideal for sipping neat.
The term “brandy” originates from the Dutch word brandewijn, meaning “burnt wine,” referencing the distillation process. Brandy is also a key ingredient in producing fortified wines like sherry and port.
Below, we discuss the best ways to enjoy this exquisite drink.
What’s the Best Way to Drink Brandy?
The best way to drink brandy depends on its type and your personal preferences. Premium brandies, such as Australian XO brandy, Cognac or Armagnac, are typically enjoyed neat at room temperature.
This method allows the rich aromas and flavours to shine without dilution. Serve in a tulip-shaped or snifter glass to concentrate the aromas, offering a fuller sensory experience.
What is the Best Mixing for Brandy?
Brandy can also be used as a mixer in cocktails. Some popular mixers include:
- Citrus Juices: Orange or lemon juice pairs well, balancing brandy’s sweetness.
- Soda Water: For a refreshing, lighter drink.
- Ginger Ale: Adds a sweet and spicy twist, my Granny loved this.
- Sweet Vermouth: For classics like a Brandy Manhattan.
Experimentation is encouraged. High-quality brandy, like XO brandy, is often enjoyed on its own, while more affordable options can make excellent cocktail bases.
How is Brandy Consumed?
Brandy is versatile:
- Neat: Sipped slowly to appreciate its full character.
- On the Rocks: Ice cools and slightly dilutes it, softening stronger flavours.
- Cocktails: Used in drinks such as Sidecars, and Brandy Alexanders, or even in warm beverages like spiked coffee or hot toddies.
- After Meals: Known as a digestif, brandy aids digestion and rounds off a fine meal.
Why Do You Swirl Brandy?
Swirling brandy is essential for releasing its complex aromas. When you gently hold the glass and swirl the liquid, oxygen interacts with the spirit, amplifying the fragrances.
This practice, combined with the warmth from your hand on the snifter, elevates the tasting experience by unlocking subtler notes.
The Proper Way to Drink Brandy straight
To enjoy brandy like a connoisseur:
- Choose the Right Glass: A snifter or tulip glass enhances aroma.
- Serve at Room Temperature: Avoid chilling to preserve its natural bouquet.
- Swirl and Smell: Take in the aromas before sipping.
- Sip Slowly: Let the brandy linger on your palate to appreciate its depth.
- Pair Thoughtfully: Complement it with dark chocolate, dried fruits, or cigars for a sophisticated pairing.
By following these steps, you’ll fully appreciate the craftsmanship and complexity that make organic brandy such a beloved spirit.
Brandy Cocktails
The Boulevardier (The Brandy & Cognac Negroni)
When you cross a Negroni with brandy, you enter the territory of the Boulevardier—traditionally made with bourbon or rye, but substituting brandy or cognac creates a lush, sophisticated variant often called a Cardinal or simply a Brandy Negroni.
Cognac or aged brandy brings deep stone-fruit, oak, and dried-fruit notes that play exceptionally well with the bitter bite of Campari and the rich herbal complexity of sweet vermouth.
Ingredients
- 30 ml VSOP Cognac or aged Brandy
- 30 ml Sweet Vermouth (such as Carpano Antica Formula for a rich, vanilla-forward profile)
- 30 ml Campari
- Garnish: Orange twist (or an orange wheel)
Method
- Combine: Add all three ingredients into a mixing glass filled with quality ice.
- Stir: Stir well for about 20–30 seconds to properly chill and dilute the drink.
- Serve: Strain into a rocks glass over a large clear ice cube (or neat in a coupe).
- Garnish: Express the oils from an orange peel over the top and drop it in.
If you want to stick with the classic equal-parts structure, that’s OK. If you are looking for a modern, split-base twist, add a splash of rum or a bitter liqueur.