How to Make a Delicious Brandy Old Fashioned

If you’re looking for a classic and flavorful cocktail that packs a punch, a brandy old fashioned might be just what you need. This drink has been around for decades and is beloved by cocktail enthusiasts across the world. Unlike the traditional old fashioned, this version uses brandy instead of whiskey for a twist on the classic recipe. Here’s how to make this delicious drink at home.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need brandy, bitters, sugar, an orange slice, and soda water. You can also choose to add a cherry or some other fruit garnish if you like. In a glass, muddle the sugar, bitters, and orange slice together until the sugar is dissolved and the orange oils have been released. Then, add a splash of soda water and a generous portion of brandy to the glass and fill with ice. Give the mixture a stir and add your garnish if desired. Sip and enjoy!

Brandy Old Fashioned: A Classic Cocktail

Are you looking for a classic cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than the Brandy Old Fashioned. This timeless drink is a favorite of cocktail enthusiasts and everyday drinkers alike. The sweetness of the fruit complements the warm, rich flavor of the brandy perfectly.

Here’s how to make a Brandy Old Fashioned that will make your taste buds sing.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make a Brandy Old Fashioned, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Gather the following:

-Brandy
-Angostura bitters
-Sugar cube (or simple syrup)
-Orange slice and maraschino cherry
-Soda water (optional)

Prepare Your Glass

Start by placing a sugar cube (or a splash of simple syrup) at the bottom of your glass. Add several dashes of Angostura bitters. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, crush the sugar and bitters together to create a paste.

Fill the glass with ice and add a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry.

Add the Brandy

Next, add two ounces of brandy to your glass. If you want a sweeter cocktail, you can add a splash of soda water to cut the potency of the brandy.

Stir and Garnish

Use a spoon to stir your cocktail thoroughly, making sure the sugar and bitters are evenly distributed. Garnish with another orange slice and cherry.

Variations

While the classic Brandy Old Fashioned is delicious in its own right, there are a few twists you can try to make your cocktail unique.

-Use different types of brandy. A sweeter brandy like a Cognac can make a Brandy Old Fashioned that’s perfect for sipping.
-Experiment with different bitters. Orange bitters can add a hint of citrus while a smoky bitters like a Creole bitters can give your drink a complex flavor.
-Substitute the fruit. Try using a lemon twist instead of an orange slice or add a muddled fruit like blackberries or raspberries to your cocktail.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a brandy aficionado or just looking for a classic cocktail to impress your friends, a Brandy Old Fashioned is the perfect drink to add to your repertoire. With just a few simple ingredients and a little know-how, you’ll have a delicious cocktail that will make your taste buds sing.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start making your brandy old fashioned, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. The ingredients you need will depend on your personal preference and the type of brandy you’re using, but here are the basics:

1. Brandy – Choose a brandy that you enjoy drinking on its own, as it will be the base of your cocktail.
2. Bitters – Angostura bitters are traditional, but you can experiment with different types to find your perfect blend.
3. Sugar – Use granulated white sugar or a sugar cube to sweeten your drink.
4. Water or Soda Water – You’ll need a splash of water or soda water to mellow out the brandy and bitters.
5. Garnish – A slice of orange and a cherry are traditional garnishes.

Preparation

Once you have all your ingredients, it’s time to start preparing your brandy old fashioned!

1. Start by filling a rocks glass with ice to chill it.
2. In a separate mixing glass, add a sugar cube or 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar.
3. Add a dash or two of bitters to the sugar and muddle them together until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Add a splash of water or soda water and continue to muddle until the mixture is well combined.
5. Add 2 ounces of brandy to the mixing glass and stir until the ingredients are well combined.
6. Remove the ice from your rocks glass and strain the brandy mixture into the glass.
7. Garnish your drink with a slice of orange and a cherry.

Variations

While the classic brandy old fashioned recipe is delicious, there are many variations you can try to mix things up!

1. Orange Twist – Swap out the slice of orange garnish for an orange twist.
2. Peach Old Fashioned – Use peach bitters and peach brandy for a summery twist.
3. Cherry Cola Old Fashioned – Use cherry bitters and top the drink with cola for a sweet and fizzy beverage.
4. Spicy Old Fashioned – Add a dash of hot sauce or jalapeño bitters for a spicy kick.
5. Smoky Old Fashioned – Use a smoky brandy, like a peated brandy, for a unique twist on the classic cocktail.
6. Chocolate Orange Old Fashioned – Add a dash of chocolate bitters to your orange garnish for a sweet treat.
7. Tropical Old Fashioned – Use pineapple or coconut bitters and garnish with a pineapple slice or coconut shavings.
8. Lemon Old Fashioned – Use lemon bitters and garnish with a lemon twist for a bright and refreshing cocktail.
9. Vanilla Old Fashioned – Use vanilla bitters and garnish with a vanilla bean for a sweet and creamy beverage.
10. Cider Old Fashioned – Use apple cider instead of water or soda water for a fall-inspired drink.

Mastering the Art of Making a Brandy Old Fashioned

Making the perfect Brandy Old Fashioned may seem like a daunting task, but once you have the right ingredients and tools, it’s surprisingly easy. Below are a few tips to help you master the Art of Making a Brandy Old Fashioned.

Choosing the right brandy

The first step in making a good brandy old fashioned is choosing the right brandy. Most bartenders suggest using a VS or VSOP grade brandy with a smooth vanilla, caramel, and oak flavor.

VS and VSOP

Very Special (VS) and Very Special Old Pale (VSOP) are two well-known grades of brandy. VS is the youngest sort of brandy, aged in oak for two years at most before bottling. VSOP is aged in oak for four years in minimum before bottling. Any brandy that is aged between two and ten years in oak barrels is generally considered a VS or VSOP.

Flavor Profile

Your chosen brandy should be smooth and full-bodied with a long, slightly sweet finish. It should have subtle vanilla, caramel, and oak flavors without being too overpowering.

Price

Price is not always the best indicator of quality, but when it comes to brandy, higher prices usually mean better quality. Be prepared to spend a little extra for a premium brandy, but don’t overspend unnecessarily.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Once you’ve chosen your brandy, it’s time to gather your ingredients. The classic Brandy Old Fashioned recipe calls for:

The Process of Making the Brandy Old Fashioned

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s important to know the proper steps to making your Brandy Old Fashioned. Follow these instructions for a perfect cocktail every time.

Muddle the Orange and Cherries

First things first, muddle the orange wedge and cherry in the bottom of your glass. You want to make sure to muddle them just enough to release the flavors, but not too much that they become mushy.

Add the Sugar and Bitters

Next, add 1 teaspoon of sugar and 2 dashes of bitters. We recommend using Angostura bitters for the best flavor.

Add Ice and Brandy

Add ice to the glass and pour in 2 ounces of your chosen brandy.

Top with Club Soda

Finish off your Brandy Old Fashioned with a splash of club soda, garnish with an orange slice and a cherry, and voila!

Stirring vs. Shaking

Some people prefer to shake their Brandy Old Fashioned, while others prefer to stir it. Generally, it’s best to stir the cocktail as shaking it can dilute the flavors and create a bit of a frothy texture.

The Final Thought

In conclusion, making the perfect Brandy Old Fashioned takes a little bit of time and effort, but it’s well worth it. Choosing the right brandy, gathering the proper ingredients, and following the proper process are key to creating a delicious and classic cocktail. So why not whip yourself up a Brandy Old Fashioned today, sit back, and enjoy!

Time to Sip and Relax

Now that you know the steps on how to make a brandy old fashioned, it’s time to sit back and savor your creation. Cheers to a well-made cocktail that will surely help you unwind after a long day. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to visit again for more fun and easy-to-follow recipes that you can try at home. Until next time, keep mixing, shaking, and enjoying your drink of choice!