Brandy is a distilled spirit made from fermented fruit. Grape-based brandies like cognac and armagnac are well-known, but other famous brandies include calvados (made from apples) and Peruvian pisco (also made from grapes).

Advertisement

Check out our brandy cocktail recipes, including a spiced sidecar and classic sangria. We've also got other brandy-based cocktails, from a creamy brandy alexander to a pisco sour.

Want to really impress fellow cocktail lovers? Recreate your favourite bar at home with our best drinks trolley ideas, and find out what cocktail accessories are a must-buy.


8 brandy cocktail recipes

Singapore sling

For a cocktail with a serious kick, try this Singapore sling featuring brandy, Cointreau and gin.

A pair of tall Singapore sling cocktails garnished with pineapple wedges

Spiced sidecar

A warming, cold-weather cocktail made using homemade spiced brandy. Omit the spices for a classic sidecar cocktail, or try using bourbon if you can’t find cognac.

More like this
Sidecar cocktail in a coupe glass with a bottle of red liquid behind

Rows of roses

Try brandy in this fantastic, refreshing cognac-based cocktail from Hawksmoor Spitalfields. The fruity characteristics of rosé makes it great for cocktails.

rows of roses

Classic sangria

Channel sunny holiday vibes with this classic Spanish tipple. Mix brandy and orange-flavoured liqueur – we used Cointreau.

Sangria in a jug with three glasses of sangria beside it

Brandy alexander

This decadent retro cocktail, made with crème de cacao, cream and brandy, makes the perfect dinner party dessert cocktail. A grating of fresh nutmeg adds a nutty, slightly sweet aromatic spice to this easy and elegant drink.

Brandy Alexander in a coupe glass on a pink background

Pisco sour

Try this classic Peruvian brandy cocktail from Virgilio Martinez, made with pisco, fresh lime juice and egg whites. A few drops of bitters are added to top the egg-white foam.

Two small glasses filled with a green cocktail with a frothy topping

Calvados and apple granité

This surprisingly punchy dessert doubles up as a palate cleanser and a post-dinner pick-me-up after a heavy French meal.

Advertisement
Apple Granita Recipe with Calvados (Calvados and Apple Granite)

Easy iced tea

This refreshing cocktail of apple (and brandy) infused iced tea is easy to make and perfect for a balmy summer evening.

Iced Tea Recipe with Mint

Authors

Hannah Guinness olive magazine portrait
Hannah GuinnessSenior sub editor and drinks writer

Comments, questions and tips

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement