15 Popular Brandy Cocktail Recipes to Try
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Brandy cocktails are a versatile delight, whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a brandy enthusiast looking to shake things up. From timeless classics like the Sidecar to modern gems like the French Twist, this collection offers a full spectrum of flavors. Perfect for dinner parties, casual gatherings, or cozy nights in, these recipes celebrate brandy in its many forms—cognac, Armagnac, and even pisco. Get ready to explore a mix of rich heritage and fresh creativity in every sip.
1. Brandy Alexander
First on our list of classic brandy cocktails is the time-honored Brandy Alexander. This glitzy recipe hails from the 1920s Great Gatsby era and became the coolest cocktail of the 1970s when Beatles fans discovered it was rumored to be John Lennon’s favorite drink. Romantic and sweet, the Brandy Alexander cocktail brings a delicious mix of brandy and chocolate liqueur to the party, with the indulgent addition of cream for an extra smooth and silky texture.
2. Pisco Sour
Fun fact! The Pisco Sour cocktail is quite a hot topic between two Latin American neighbors, Chile and Peru. That’s because both countries claim to have invented pisco—the hero ingredient in this drink. So, it’s no wonder that this brandy sour cocktail is the national drink of both countries. It also happens to be a completely gorgeous drink – bright, mellow, and completely magical.
3. Brandy Milk Punch
Brandy Milk Punch is one of the true stalwarts of the cocktail world. It dates back to the 1800s when glamorous cocktails with brandy were all the rage. It evokes images of languid conversations on velvet couches and lazy evenings under star-spangled skies. There’s really no overselling it—this tasty nightcap is a must-try.
4. Spiced Apple Brandy
Made with sugar, spice, and all things nice, this apple brandy cocktail is irresistibly delicious on frosty evenings. Simply mix a pinch of your favorite fall spices with 2 oz of apple brandy, fresh apple juice, and a squeeze of lemon. Shake it up with a handful of ice and add a dash of simple syrup if desired. Make it pretty with a sugar and spice rim and apple slice garnish.
Also see: 8 Apple Brandy Cocktail Recipes to Get You in the Mood for Fall
5. Singapore Sling
Looking for brandy drink recipes with a tropical twist? Then the Singapore Sling has your name on it! This gin-based cocktail has an eye-watering number of variations, but we love the original, which is made with a touch of brandy. The Singapore Sling recipe was invented by Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915 and when you taste one, you’ll understand why this classic clinker has remained one of the most fashionable cocktails of our time.
6. Snowball Cocktail
If you’re looking for easy brandy cocktails around the holidays, then this retro Snowball cocktail is going to be right up your garland-strung alley! It’s a simple recipe made with advocaat (a creamy brandy liqueur) and sparkling lemonade. Dress it up with a cocktail cherry and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon, and pair it with gingerbread cookies for some added festive flair.
7. Vieux Carré
If you adore the charm of New Orleans, you’ll dig this Vieux Carré recipe. Inspired by the classic Manhattan cocktail, it shares a similar structure, featuring a harmonious blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. What sets the Vieux Carré apart is its unique Creole twist, with the addition of cognac and Averna Amaro, which sets the scene for a richer, spicier flavor profile.
8. Sidecar
The sophisticated Sidecar combines cognac, lemon juice, and orange liqueur, creating the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Enjoy this luxurious cocktail with duck pâté or truffle fries to complement the elegant flavors of the Sidecar.
9. The Gala
A bright and delightful blend of cognac, lemon juice, and sparkling water, The Gala is the perfect cocktail for those who love a light, citrus-forward drink. The smoothness of the cognac shines through, balanced by the tartness of lemon and the fizz of soda. It is an exquisite drink for special occasions.
Read next: 14 Cocktails with Orange Liqueur That Zest the Best
10. Apple Brandy Negroni
The dependable taste of the classic Negroni gets a tasty seasonal twist when stirred with apple brandy. Known as a Mela d’Alba in Italy, this apple brandy recipe is rich and spicy with all the usual Negroni feels. Classically, a Negroni calls for an equal 1 oz mix of gin, Campari, and vermouth, but to make an Apple Brandy Negroni, simply swap out the gin for a double shot of apple brandy for all the warmth and richness of fall.
11. Claudine
The Claudine cocktail is a refined mix of herbal, citrus, and subtly sweet notes, perfect for those who appreciate well-balanced, layered flavors. To make one, stir 1.5 oz Armagnac brandy, 0.25 oz dry vermouth, 0.25 oz sweet vermouth, 0.25 oz aromatized wine, and a dash of orange bitters with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, and garnish with a twist of orange zest for a citrusy finish.
12. French Maid
A delightful spin-off of the popular Kentucky Maid Cocktail, the French Maid Cocktail recipe is the perfect choice on warm summer days when nothing will do except a tall, ice-cold cocktail that looks as delicious as it tastes. This herbal, slightly sweet, spiced sipper is zesty and cool to the core–ideal for poolside parties and lazy afternoons on the veranda.
13. Blackjack
The Blackjack Cocktail is an updated version of the Classic Coffee Cocktail, which was created back in the 1900s. Make this popular brandy drink to end off a special evening or as the star of your casino-themed evening or poker night. You’re only four ingredients away from creating a winning coffee and brandy cocktail to wow your crowd.
14. French Connection
After-dinner cocktails are a classy way to round off an evening with friends, and the French Connection cocktail is one of the easiest drinks you could make. The truly awesome thing about this two-ingredient cocktail is that the combination of cognac and amaretto makes a far more nuanced and intricate drink than its simple assembly suggests.
15. French Twist
The French Twist combines cognac with a tangy grapefruit twist and a touch of sparkling water, yielding a drink that’s crisp and uplifting. The complex notes of cognac blend seamlessly with the subtle bitterness of grapefruit for a refreshing cocktail. We love serving it with grilled shrimp or avocado crostini; the flavors of these dishes will play well with the citrusy bitterness.
Tips for making brandy cocktails
Creating brandy cocktails involves carefully selecting ingredients that accentuate the distinctive character of the liquor. However, not all brandies are created equal, and the type you choose can dramatically change the flavor profile of your cocktail.
- VS (Very Special) brandies are bold and youthful, making them a great base for classic drinks like the Brandy Alexander or Pisco Sour.
- VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) has a richer, smoother profile, perfect for bold drinks like the Sidecar or even a French Twist.
- XO (Extra Old) brandies are aged to perfection, with deep, complex flavors that shine in liquor-forward drinks like the Vieux Carré or French Connection.
- Don’t forget about regional expressions! Cognac and Armagnac offer French sophistication, while Pisco brings a bright, Latin American twist to the party.
Next up, think about mixers. Brandy’s versatility means you can pair it with a wide range of flavors:
- Citrus juices like lemon, lime, or orange add a bright, zesty note that balances brandy’s richness.
- Ginger ale or ginger beer brings a spicy kick that complements brandy’s depth.
- Club soda and tonic water are simple, fizzy options to let the spirit take center stage.
- Feeling adventurous? Try iced tea, apple cider, or coffee.
Finally, let’s talk about garnishes. A well-chosen garnish can make your cocktail not just delicious, but also visually stunning:
- Cherries are a classic choice, perfect for drinks like the French Connection.
- Lemon or orange twists add a citrusy aroma and an elegant touch.
- Sugar or spiced sugar rims bring extra flair and flavor to festive drinks.
- Want to impress? Try edible flowers, a cinnamon stick, or even a slice of fresh pear for something unique.
There you have it, folks! Now you know how to how to make a brandy cocktail that will always make a splash. Tag us when you share your creations on Instagram and remember to sign up for our newsletter to get some fresh drinkspiration each month. In the meantime, visit the Courvoisier website to stock up on cognac if you want to give your brandy cocktails a truly regal backbone.
