Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a rich, creamy, and sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness from the crème de cacao. It has a velvety texture and a warming, comforting taste that is perfect for sipping on a cold night.
Brandy Sour Cocktail Recipe
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Brandy Sour Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:2g
Carbohydrates:12g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
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
Contents
History
The Brandy Sour is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the 19th century, with its roots in the Mediterranean region. The drink has been popular among royalty and high society, with notable figures such as Winston Churchill and the Duke of Edinburgh enjoying this refreshing concoction.
- Origin: 19th century
- Popularity: High society and royalty
- Notable drinkers: Winston Churchill, Duke of Edinburgh
How Brandy Sour Tastes?
The Brandy Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture. It has a pleasant sweetness, followed by a refreshing sourness from the lemon juice, and a subtle warmth from the brandy. The drink is neither too strong nor too light, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Interesting facts about Brandy Sour
- The Brandy Sour is sometimes referred to as the 'Cyprus Brandy Sour' due to its popularity on the island of Cyprus.
- The cocktail is traditionally made with Cypriot brandy, which has a distinct flavor and aroma.
- The Brandy Sour is often enjoyed as an aperitif, helping to stimulate the appetite before a meal.
Ingredients
- Brandy: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Egg white: 1
- Club soda: 1 oz(30ml)
- Maraschino cherry: 1
- Lemon slice: 1
Brandy
Why 2oz?: It's the cocktail's backbone, providing warmth and depth. Less would make it a lemonade, more and you're asking for a longer nap. Without it, well, it wouldn't be a Brandy Sour.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
Why 1oz?: Citrus balances the sweetness, making for a refreshing sip. More might cause a pucker-fest, less and the sweetness would dominate. No juice, no sour. Simple as that.
Emma Rose
Simple Syrup
Why 0.5oz?: It's the sweet to the sour, the yin to the yang. Helps to smooth over the sharp edges of the lemon. Without it, you might as well call it a 'Brandy Bitter'.
Alex Green
Angostura Bitters
Why 2 dashes?: It's the secret sauce, the little 'what is that?' in every sip. Skimp on it and you lose complexity, overdo it and it's all you taste. Dashes are like love, too little and it's unnoticed, too much and it's overwhelming.
Mary Mitkina
Egg White
Why 1?: Foamy goodness gives a silky texture to the drink. It’s the cocktail's sweater: it might still function without it, but it wouldn't be as cozy or inviting.
Emma Rose
Club Soda
Why 1oz?: It adds the fizz, the life, the party! We're not making a flat earth society drink here, so bubbles are essential. (And only 1oz—this isn't a soda fountain!)
Alex Green
Maraschino Cherry
Why 1?: Because every drink deserves a little bling. It's the edible ornament. No cherry, and it's like a suit without a tie—still good, but missing a pop of color.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Slice
Why 1?: It's the flag on the summit, the 'I'm fresh and ready to drink' signal. Leave it out, and who knows what liquid mysteries await?
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Brandy Sour Drink
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the brandy, lemon juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, and egg white.
- Dry shake (without ice) for about 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for about 20 seconds, or until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon slice.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice can't compare.
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously. This helps to properly mix the ingredients and gives the cocktail its characteristic frothy top.
- Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail into it. This keeps the drink cooler for longer.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Grilled meats: The acidity of the lemon juice and the sweetness of the syrup can cut through the fat of a grilled steak or pork chop beautifully.
- Seafood: A light fish dish or shrimp cocktail complements the citrus notes and effervescence of the Brandy Sour.
- Cheese platters: Especially those featuring aged cheeses like gouda or cheddar, will find a friend in this cocktail's depth and complexity.
- Spicy foods: The refreshing qualities of the Brandy Sour help to soothe the palate after a spicy bite.
Drink Pairings
- Coffee: Enjoy a Brandy Sour as an aperitif, followed by a rich coffee to cleanse the palate and make way for dessert.
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What you could change in Brandy Sour
- If you don't have brandy, you can use bourbon or whiskey as a substitute.
- Lime juice can be used in place of lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
- If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving sugar in equal parts hot water.
Explore all drinks starting with B here
And of course - twists🍹
Brandy Apple Sour
- Substitute half of the brandy with apple brandy for a fruity kick.
- Add a cinnamon stick as a garnish for a spicy aroma.
- The apple adds a crisp dimension, making for a harvest festival in your mouth.
Brandy Sour Royal
- Float a splash of Champagne instead of club soda for a touch of elegance.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel instead of a lemon slice.
- The Champagne brings a noble effervescence and a hint of decadence.
Spicy Brandy Sour
- Muddle a slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding ingredients for a spicy twist.
- Rim the glass with spiced salt for an extra zing.
- The jalapeño infuses the cocktail with a warming heat, perfect for those who like a little fire with their sour.
In case you forgot basics how to make Brandy Sour
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace 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 stirGarnishing 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).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Brandy Sour
Is it safe to consume raw egg in the cocktail?
Yes, it is generally safe, but to ensure maximum safety, it is recommended to use free-range, fresh eggs and wash their shell thoroughly before cracking. However, if you are pregnant, very young, elderly, or have a compromised immune system, you might want to avoid consuming raw eggs.
Are there any non-alcoholic versions of the Brandy Sour?
Yes, for a non-alcoholic version of Brandy Sour, you can replace the brandy with a non-alcoholic spirit or a mix of fruit juices. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Can I replace Angostura bitters with something else?
Yes, if you don't have access to Angostura bitters, you can substitute it with another type of aromatic bitters. Keep in mind, different bitters have different flavor profiles.
What's the best way to store my opened bottle of Brandy?
Once opened, a bottle of Brandy can last up to two years. It should be stored upright in a cool, dark place, out of direct sunlight. Storing it properly can help preserve its flavor.
Is Brandy Sour a good cocktail for large gatherings and parties?
Yes, Brandy Sours are perfect to serve at parties as they can be made in bulk. Just make sure to add the club soda and garnishes right before serving.
Can I use a different type of glass to serve Brandy Sour
While the traditional glass for serving a Brandy Sour is rocks, the cocktail could be served in a variety of other glasses like a highball glass if you prefer.
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