5 Brandy Cocktails You Should Know

Brandy is a versatile and elegant spirit that has stood the test of time, offering warmth, depth, and a touch of sophistication to cocktails. For the home bartender, mastering a few classic brandy drinks can elevate any gathering or quiet evening at home. Here are five essential brandy cocktails, complete with recipes, that every home bartender should know.

Brandy Alexander

A creamy, dessert-style cocktail, the Brandy Alexander is perfect for special occasions or after-dinner indulgence.

• 1 oz brandy

• 1 oz dark crème de cacao

• 1 oz heavy cream

• Nutmeg, for garnish

Fill a shaker with ice. Add brandy, crème de cacao, and cream. Shake vigorously until chilled and frothy. Strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. This cocktail balances rich chocolate and cream with the warmth of brandy, making it a timeless favorite.

Sidecar

The Sidecar is a classic citrus-forward cocktail that showcases brandy’s bright, versatile character.

• 2 oz brandy

• 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• Sugar for rim (optional)

Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled cocktail glass and dip in sugar (optional). Combine brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass. This refreshing, tangy cocktail is perfect for home bartenders seeking a balance of sweet and sour.

Classic Brandy Old Fashioned

A spirit-forward favorite, the Brandy Old Fashioned is comforting and flavorful.

• 2 oz brandy

• ½ tsp simple syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Muddle the orange slice, cherry, and simple syrup in an Old Fashioned glass. Add bitters and brandy, then stir gently. Fill the glass with ice and garnish with another orange slice or cherry. This cocktail emphasizes brandy’s depth, perfect for sipping slowly.

Metropolitan

A brandy-based twist on the classic Manhattan, the Metropolitan is sophisticated and smooth.

• 2 oz brandy

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Cherry for garnish

Combine brandy, vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry. Ideal for entertaining or a quiet evening, the Metropolitan highlights brandy’s complexity with a refined profile.

Brandy Crusta

The Brandy Crusta is a 19th-century cocktail with a visually striking sugar rim and tangy flavor.

• 2 oz brandy

• ½ oz orange liqueur

• ½ oz lemon juice

• 1 dash Angostura bitters

• Sugar for the rim

Rim a glass with lemon juice and sugar. Shake brandy, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and bitters with ice. Strain into the prepared glass. This elegant cocktail delivers both visual appeal and a bold, bright flavor.

Mastering these five brandy cocktails will not only expand your home bar repertoire but also deepen your appreciation for this classic spirit. From creamy and decadent to citrusy and spirited, brandy’s versatility shines in every glass.