{"id":10716,"date":"2025-01-28T10:03:12","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T09:03:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-uk\/?p=10716"},"modified":"2026-02-19T09:48:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T08:48:27","slug":"brandy-cocktails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-uk\/learn\/brandy-cocktails\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Brandy Cocktails: Classic Recipes and Modern Twists"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 flavours. Perfect for dinner parties, casual gatherings, or cosy nights in, these recipes celebrate brandy in its many forms\u2014cognac, Armagnac, and even pisco. And if you\u2019re exploring the cognac side of things, Courvoisier<\/a> is a brilliant place to begin. Get ready to explore a mix of rich heritage and fresh creativity in every sip. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Brandy Alexander<\/h2>\n

\"Top<\/p>\n

First on our list of classic brandy cocktails is the time-honoured Brandy Alexander<\/a>. This glitzy recipe hails from the 1920s Great Gatsby era and became the coolest cocktail of the 1970s when Beatles fans discovered it was rumoured to be John Lennon\u2019s favourite 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Pisco Sour<\/h2>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Fun fact! The Pisco Sour<\/a> cocktail is quite a hot topic between two Latin American neighbours, Chile and Peru. That’s because both countries claim to have invented pisco\u2014the 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\u2014bright, mellow, and completely magical.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Brandy Milk Punch<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Brandy Milk Punch<\/a> 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\u2019s really no overselling it\u2014this tasty nightcap is a must-try.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Spiced Apple Brandy<\/h2>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Made with sugar, spice, and all things nice, this apple brandy cocktail is irresistibly delicious on frosty evenings. Simply mix a pinch of your favourite autumn spices with 60 ml of apple brandy, fresh apple juice, and a squeeze of lemon. Shake it up with a handful of ice and add a dash of sugar syrup if desired. Make it pretty with a sugar and spice rim and apple slice garnish.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also see:<\/span><\/b> 8 Apple Brandy Cocktail Recipes to Get You in the Mood for Autumn<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Singapore Sling<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Looking for brandy drink recipes with a tropical twist? Then the Singapore Sling<\/a> 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\u2019ll understand why this classic clinker has remained one of the most fashionable cocktails of our time.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Snowball Cocktail<\/h2>\n

\"snowball<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for easy brandy cocktails around the holidays, then this retro Snowball cocktail<\/a> is going to be right up your garland-strung alley! It\u2019s 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Vieux Carr\u00e9<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

If <\/span> you adore the charm of New Orleans, you\u2019ll dig this Vieux Carr\u00e9<\/a> recipe. Inspired by the classic Manhattan cocktail, it shares a similar structure, featuring a harmonious blend of whiskey, <\/span>sweet vermouth<\/span><\/a>, and bitters. What sets the Vieux Carr\u00e9 apart is its unique Creole twist, with the addition of cognac and <\/span>Averna Amaro<\/span><\/a>, which sets the scene for a richer, spicier flavour profile.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Make it with:\u00a0<\/strong>Courvoisier<\/a><\/p>\n

8. Sidecar<\/h2>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

The sophisticated Sidecar<\/a> combines cognac, lemon juice, and orange liqueur, creating the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Enjoy this luxurious cocktail with duck p\u00e2t\u00e9 or truffle fries to complement the elegant flavours of the Sidecar.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

9. The Gala<\/h2>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

A bright and delightful blend of cognac, lemon juice, and sparkling water, <\/span>The Gala<\/span><\/a> 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. An exquisite drink for special occasions.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read next:<\/span><\/b> 14 Cocktails with Orange Liqueur That Zest the Best<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Apple Brandy Negroni<\/h2>\n

\"Apple<\/p>\n

The dependable taste of the classic Negroni<\/a> gets a tasty seasonal twist when stirred with apple brandy. Known as a <\/span>Mela d\u2019Alba<\/span><\/i> in Italy, this apple brandy recipe is rich and spicy with all the usual Negroni feels. Classically, a Negroni calls for an equal 30 ml mix of gin, <\/span>Campari<\/span><\/a>, 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 autumn.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Claudine<\/h2>\n

\"Close<\/p>\n

The Claudine cocktail is a refined mix of herbal, citrus, and subtly sweet notes, perfect for those who appreciate well-balanced, layered flavours. To make one, stir 45 ml Armagnac brandy, 10 ml <\/span>dry vermouth<\/span><\/a>, 10 ml sweet vermouth, 10 ml aromatised 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

12. French Maid<\/h2>\n

\"Close<\/p>\n

A delightful spin-off of the popular Kentucky Maid Cocktail, the French Maid Cocktail<\/a> 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\u2013ideal for poolside parties and lazy afternoons on the veranda.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

13. Blackjack<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Blackjack Cocktail<\/a> 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\u2019re only four ingredients away from creating a winning coffee and brandy cocktail to wow your crowd.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

14. French Connection<\/h2>\n

\"Editorial<\/p>\n

After-dinner cocktails are a classy way to round off an evening with friends, and the French Connection<\/a> 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<\/a> and amaretto makes a far more nuanced and intricate drink than its simple assembly suggests.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

15. French Twist<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The <\/span>French Twist<\/span><\/a> combines cognac with a tangy grapefruit twist and a touch of sparkling water, yielding a drink that\u2019s 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 flavours of these dishes will play well with the citrusy bitterness.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for making brandy cocktails<\/h2>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Creating brandy cocktails involves carefully selecting ingredients that accentuate the distinctive character of the spirit. But not all brandies are created equal, and the type you choose can dramatically change the flavour profile of your cocktail.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n