Calories:210
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:5g
Alcohol:14%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Brandy Smash is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 19th century. It is a variation of the popular Mint Julep, which was originally made with bourbon. The Brandy Smash became popular among the upper class and was often enjoyed at social gatherings and horse races.
The Brandy Smash is a refreshing, well-balanced cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of brandy, mint, and sugar creates a smooth, rich flavor profile, while the crushed ice adds a cooling effect. The drink is strong, yet easy to sip, making it perfect for warm summer evenings.
Brandy is the star of the show, lending its oak-aged warmth to the cocktail. Using 2 oz keeps it strong but not overwhelming. Too much and you might feel the spirit is running the show solo; too little and it's a mint parade with no depth.
Mint brings a fresh, vibrant kick. 6-8 leaves are enough to whisper 'I'm here' without shouting. No mint, no smash—just a lonely brandy on ice. It's like Batman without Robin—still good, but missing that extra zing.
Sweetness plays cupid here, marrying the brandy and mint. 1 tsp softly sweetens the deal. More would be too forward, less too shy; it's the Goldilocks of sugar quantities. Skimp on sugar and you'll have a standoffish beverage that might ghost you after one date.
A humble 0.5 oz tames the fire of the brandy and helps dissolve the sugar, uniting all ingredients in harmony. No water might leave you with a grainy, hot-tempered concoction. It's the peacemaker of the drink.
1 cup cools the passion, chilling the mixture to perfection. Crushed ice melts quicker, mellowing the drink and smoothing out any harshness. A cocktail without ice is like a beach without sand; it lacks that chill factor you want for relaxing vibes.
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Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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Given its refreshing quality, the Brandy Smash pairs well with spicy dishes or grilled meats.
While it can be enjoyed on any occasion, it is particularly popular for garden parties, summer barbecues, or racetrack events.
Different types of brandy, such as Cognac or Armagnac, can subtly vary the flavor profile of the cocktail, although the overall experience should be quite similar.
With 2 oz of brandy, the Brandy Smash is quite potent. It's important to drink responsibly and be aware of your limits.
Yes, for a mocktail version, you can substitute the brandy with non-alcoholic brandy or a simple sugar syrup.
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