Last Updated on March 19, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Brandy is often imagined alongside sophisticated businessmen in luxury suits. And although this liquor is a more refined drink, it’s not solely limited to the upper class. In fact, its surge in popularity has allowed almost everybody to savor it today!
Have you ever wondered what is the best way to drink brandy? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here are the best ways you can enjoy brandy.
5 Ways to Drink Brandy
1. Drink Brandy Neat
Perhaps one of the best ways to enjoy high-quality brandy is to enjoy it neat, without ice or additional mixers. If you have brandy at room temperature, you’ll fully taste its complex flavors.
You can also familiarize yourself with how good brandy tastes on its own to make more informed decisions regarding personal preferences.
Older brandies, fruit brandies, and French brandies are best for enjoying neat.
2. Make A Brandy Cocktail
Brandy can be paired with many different fruit flavors and mixers to create cocktails. The most popular brandy-based cocktails are the brandy sour (try with brandy de Jerez) and brandy highball (try with a South American Brandy).
With this liquor, you can also make sangria (try it with French apple brandy or regular French brandy).
Note that the best brandy for cocktails and mixed drinks is a bottle that’s under three years old. Here’s how you can make brandy.
3. Drink It Warm
Some people prefer drinking it warm, and some brands have catered to this kind of customer by selling this classic drink as a set, with a candle and snifter.
The best way to have brandy warm is to hold the bowl of the snifter above the flame of a candle for a moment or two — never microwave or heat it on the stovetop.
Be careful, though — overheating brandy puts it at risk of releasing harsher alcohol aromas, which will not make for a pleasant taste.
If you ask us, heating brandy up with the natural warmth of your hands will suffice.
4. Use A Brandy Snifter
Make sure that you’re using the appropriate glass for brandy, such as a snifter glass. Its wide base allows you to swirl the spirit inside to warm it.
The tapered opening of the glass directs the aromas of the brandy to your nose for an enhanced experience as you take small sips. But is cognac an ideal after-dinner drink?
5. Drink It Chilled
Some people prefer drinking their spirits chilled, which cuts back the harsh alcohol flavor. If you’re one of these people, brandy on the rocks is your best option.
We suggest using a large ice cube instead of many small cubes, as the latter will tend to water down the brandy flavor.
A large cube will also chill the brandy to your preferred doneness without melting too quickly [1].
Read:
Can You Have Brandy With Ice?
Yes, you can have a brandy with ice! People who find brandy too harsh for their palate at room temperature can cut it back with ice.
Remember to let it cool for a bit as soon as you add ice, so the brandy has time to acclimate to the coldness of the ice.
Read: Does Brandy Ever Go Bad?
When Is The Best Time To Drink It?
The best time to have brandy is as soon as it’s poured into the snifter glass. It’s not advisable to leave it in the glass to sit at room temperature as you would with, let’s say, wine, as you run the risk of evaporating its high alcohol content, which would alter its flavor profile.
And even though brandy is made from fruit wine, it does not need to breathe. It can be poured and immediately enjoyed once the bottle is opened.
If you want to know when is the best time to have brandy, many would consider it a pleasant after-dinner drink. Its natural soothing and relaxing qualities make it a great sleep aid. But what food goes well with cognac?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it okay to have brandy every day?
Surprisingly, drinking brandy every day is okay and can even be considered healthy. Brandy is known to boost the immune system due to its antibacterial components.
Like wine, brandy also contains antioxidants that can keep our cells in top shape. However, it’s not advisable to consume more than 1.5 ounces of brandy every day as this is quite a strong liquor. Find out more about brandy’s health benefits here.
Can we mix water with brandy?
Yes, it’s okay to mix water with brandy. Like ice, a watered-down brandy will cut back its harsh alcohol flavor.
Furthermore, brandy with a little bit of warm water is also said to support weight loss and aid in alleviating the flu, aside from it being a delicious, warm drink.
Do you drink brandy straight?
Yes, brandy can be enjoyed straight. Many people appreciate the complex flavors and aromas of brandy and prefer to savor it on its own. Drinking brandy straight allows you to fully experience its unique characteristics. However, it’s important to note that the preference for drinking brandy straight or mixed can vary from person to person.
What do you mix brandy with?
Brandy can be mixed with various ingredients to create delicious cocktails. Some popular mixers for brandy include ginger ale, cola, lemon-lime soda, tonic water, fruit juices (such as orange juice or cranberry juice), and vermouth. Brandy is also commonly used in classic cocktails like the Sidecar and the Brandy Alexander. The choice of mixer depends on personal taste preferences and the desired flavor profile.
How is brandy served?
Brandy can be served in different ways, depending on personal preference and the occasion:
Neat: Brandy served neat means it is poured into a glass and enjoyed without any additional ingredients or ice. This allows you to fully appreciate the flavor and aroma of the brandy.
On the rocks: Brandy served on the rocks means it is poured over ice cubes in a glass. This can slightly dilute the brandy and provide a refreshing chill.
Mixed in cocktails: Brandy can be used as an ingredient in various cocktails, such as the Sidecar, Brandy Sour, or Brandy Alexander. In these cases, the brandy is combined with other ingredients to create a balanced and flavorful drink.
Should brandy be refrigerated?
Brandy does not need to be refrigerated. In fact, storing brandy at room temperature is generally recommended, as it allows the flavors and aromas to develop and mature over time. However, if you prefer to drink brandy chilled, you can keep the bottle in the refrigerator and serve it cold. Just be aware that colder temperatures can slightly dull the flavors and aromas of the brandy, so it’s a matter of personal preference.
What are the top 5 brandy brands?
The top 5 brandy brands can vary depending on personal taste preferences and the specific type of brandy (Cognac, Armagnac, etc.). Some well-regarded brandy brands include Remy Martin, Hennessy, Sullivan’s Cove, Martell, and Giffard. These brands are known for their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and exceptional flavor profiles.
Is brandy good with Coke?
Whether brandy is good with Coke is a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy mixing brandy with Coke to create a classic cocktail known as a “Brandy and Coke” or “Brandy and Cola.” The sweetness and carbonation of the Coke can complement the flavors of the brandy, creating a refreshing and enjoyable drink. However, purists may prefer to enjoy brandy on its own or mixed with other ingredients that complement its natural flavors.
What makes brandy taste better?
To enhance the taste of brandy, several factors can be considered. Choosing a high-quality brandy made from premium ingredients is essential. Serving brandy in the appropriate glassware, such as tulip-shaped glasses or snifters, can help concentrate the aromas and enhance the tasting experience. Temperature also plays a role, with brandy being best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed to allow the flavors to develop. Pairing brandy with complementary flavors like dark chocolate, nuts, or dried fruits can also enhance the overall taste experience.
What makes brandy taste good?
The taste of brandy is subjective and can vary from person to person. However, brandy is often appreciated for its complex flavors and aromas. Factors that contribute to the taste of brandy include the quality of the brandy, the production process, the aging period, and personal preference. The selection of high-quality ingredients, careful distillation methods, and proper aging can result in a more enjoyable taste. Additionally, serving brandy in the appropriate glassware, at the right temperature, and pairing it with complementary flavors can further enhance its taste. Ultimately, what makes brandy taste good is a combination of these factors and the individual’s personal preferences.
What are the 4 types of brandy?
There are four common types of brandy: Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, and Brandy de Jerez. Cognac is made from grapes grown in the Cognac region of France and is known for its smoothness and complexity. Armagnac, also from France, has a more rustic flavor profile due to being distilled only once. Calvados is made from apples or a combination of apples and pears, originating from the Normandy region of France. Brandy de Jerez, or Sherry brandy, is produced in the Jerez region of Spain and has a mellow character with nutty and fruity flavors.
How do you store brandy after opening?
After opening, it is important to store brandy in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. The bottle should be tightly sealed to prevent oxidation. Unlike wine, brandy does not continue to age and improve after opening. However, if stored properly, brandy can maintain its quality and flavor for a long time.
How long does brandy last?
Brandy has a virtually indefinite shelf life if stored properly. Unlike wine, brandy does not spoil or go bad. However, over time, the flavors and aromas of brandy may change and mellow. Some brandy enthusiasts believe that brandy can continue to evolve and develop new flavors over many years.
Is brandy a strong drink?
Yes, brandy is generally considered a strong drink due to its higher alcohol content. The alcohol by volume (ABV) of brandy typically ranges from 35% to 60%, depending on the specific brand and style. It is important to consume brandy responsibly and in moderation, as it can have a potent effect. Enjoying brandy in small quantities allows you to appreciate its flavors and aromas without overwhelming your senses.
So, What Is The Best Way To Drink Brandy?
There is more than one way to enjoy the complex liquor brandy: warm, neat, chilled, or in cocktails. Now that you know the many different ways to drink it, it’s time for you to go out and experiment!
Test out the different methods we mentioned above to see which one suits you and your unique palate.
What do you think is the best way to drink brandy? Sound off below!
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