Classic Brandy Cocktails Perfect for Winter Nights

When the wind howls and temperatures dip below freezing, few things reinvigorate the spirit than a drink made with brandy. There is something life sustaining about the spirit that makes it a natural for winter seasonal drinks. With the holidays upon us, stocking up on brandy makes a lot of sense.

There’s nothing blasé about brandy or cognac. When mixed, they contribute an alluring bouquet and exuberant, fruit-induced flavor. Add a modifier or two and you’ve got the makings of something truly spectacular. The following classic recipes are guaranteed to please and provide a creative blueprint for beverage success.

Stinger Cocktail

2 1/2 oz. Cognac or Brandy
1/2 oz. White Créme de Menthe

Pour ingredients into an iced mixing glass. Shake vigorously for a minimum of ten seconds and strain contents into a chilled cocktail glass.

Sidecar

2 oz. Cognac or Brandy
1 1/2 oz. Cointreau
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice

Pour ingredients into an iced mixing glass. Shake vigorously for a minimum of ten seconds and strain contents into a chilled cocktail glass partially rimmed with sugar. Garnish with a long orange twist spiral.

Brandy Sour

2 oz. Cognac or Brandy
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz. simple syrup

Pour ingredients into an iced mixing glass. Shake vigorously and strain contents into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Note: Simple syrup is prepared by combining one cup of sugar with an equal amount of near boiling water. Stir and let cool before use.

Brandy Manhattan

1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
2-3 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
2 oz. Cognac or Brandy

Pour ingredients into an iced mixing glass. Stir gently and strain contents into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Brandy Alexander

1 oz. Cognac or Brandy
1 oz. Crème de Cacao
Splash half & half cream optional
2 scoops vanilla ice cream

Pour ingredients into an empty blender canister. Thoroughly blend ingredients and pour into a chilled house specialty glass. Garnish with a dusting of grated nutmeg.

French Connection

2 oz. Cognac
1 oz. Grand Marnier

Pour the ingredients in the order listed directly into a heated brandy snifter, swirl gently and serve.

Caffé Correcto

2 oz. Cognac
3 oz. freshly brewed espresso
Layer frothed milk (optional)

Pour the Cognac and espresso into a pre-heated coffee cup, stir gently and serve with a lemon twist on the side. As an option, spoon on a layer of frothed milk and garnish with shaved chocolate.

Brandy Old Fashioned

2 1/2 oz. Brandy
1/2 oz. simple syrup
1 orange slice
1 maraschino cherry
2 fresh raspberries (optional)
2-3 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
Sparkling water

Place the orange slice, cherry, simple syrup and bitters into an empty, 12-ounce rocks glass. Muddle contents and add ice. Pour in the brandy and add a splash or two of sparkling water. As a creative option add fresh raspberries to the muddled mix.

French 125

1 1/2 oz. Cognac
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz. simple syrup
4-6 oz. chilled brut Champagne

Pour Cognac, lemon juice and simple syrup into an iced mixing glass. Shake vigorously and strain contents into a chilled Champagne flute. Fill with chilled brut Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist spiral. 

Café Royale

2 oz. Cognac or Brandy
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Fill with hot coffee
Layer frothed milk (optional)

Pour the ingredients into a pre-heated coffee cup, stir gently and serve.