Hey, Reader!

How do you feel about brandy? It has a tendency to get cast as a simple after-dinner drink or a source of holiday spirit, but it's so much more than that!

Brandy offers a deep, sweet complexity that makes it perfect for mixing into cocktails in addition to sipping on its own. It comes from fermented fruit juice — yep, just like wine — so the flavors can vary widely. Pears, plums and grapes are commonly used to create different varieties.

My advice is always to use the best brandy you can afford. In fact, that’s my go-to advice for any cocktail! Brandy has different designations for the age of the brandy used in the bottle. V.S. (which means “very special”) and V.S.O.P. (which means “very superior old pale”) are aged for two and four years, respectively, and both are good choices for cocktail mixing.

If you're ready to explore brandy cocktails, here are some favorites:

brandy manhattan

This twist on a timeless classic gives you an elegant, fruit-forward cocktail with a rich, velvety depth of flavors. It's a bit softer than the traditional whiskey version, but just as delicious!

classic sidecar

With just three ingredients, brandy stars in this sipper with fruit-forward notes and sweet strength. It's elegant and fancy enough for any celebration, but easy to make for all occasions.

brandy old-fashioned

This drink is easy enough for beginning bartenders but delicious enough for every palate. You'll end up with a lighter drink than the traditional whiskey version thanks to the sweeter spirit.

french mule

A spin on the iconic Moscow mule, cognac (a specific type of brandy) meets ginger beer and lime for a sweet, fruity compliment to the spicy and sour flavors. C’est très délicieux!

tiramisu martini

Through the magic of mixology, this after-dinner drink tastes just like the classic Italian dessert, in liquid form. With just four ingredients, it's an easier way to enjoy the classic creamy flavors.

Whether you're already a brandy fan or venturing into new territory, I hope one of these recipes hits all the right notes.

À votre santé! (A French toast meaning 'to your health')

Susannah