Brandy is a common name for a group of strong alcoholic beverages prepared using the same technology, but from different raw materials. The most famous varieties of grape brandy in our country are cognac, armagnac, sherry. These drinks are made from grapes by distillation. The same method can be used to make brandy from apples, plums and other fruits. These types of drink are known under the names of Calvados, plum brandy, tequila, kirsch, bruno and others. The raw materials can be used grape and fruit pomace, as in the production of raki, grappa, chacha. Brandy has a high fortress (36-75 rpm), is considered a male drink, although women often give him preference. This alcohol is relatively affordable, it can be found on the shelves of any wine shop. But with what to serve and how to drink brandy, not everyone knows. In order not to be in an awkward position, it will not hurt to familiarize yourself with the rules of etiquette, the characteristics of brandy use, cocktail recipes from it.
General Recommendations
The supply and use of brandy depends on its variety, but there are general rules.
- They serve brandy in glasses, resembling a tulip. These can be snifters, which have a slightly rounded shape and a short leg, thanks to which it is convenient to warm up the drink with the palm of your hand. Wine glasses, known as “tulips”, have a higher leg and are more suitable for cocktails based on brandy, served chilled. Wobbles - glasses without legs, slightly falling to the side, because of which the drink rolls in them, saturated with oxygen - this allows it to better reveal its aroma.
- It is believed that it is best to serve brandy at room temperature (20-25 degrees), but some connoisseurs prefer their glasses to be filled with a slightly cooler drink (16 degrees), to warm it in their hands or slightly warm it over the candle. The last reception is too risky, because when the beverage overheats, its taste becomes sharp and unpleasant.
- Filling brandy glasses should be only 25%, approximately to the middle of the wide part of the glass. When filling wine glasses seek to create a small whirlpool in them.
- Before drinking brandy, it is recommended to warm it slightly in your hands, roll in a glass, tilting it. This will help to reveal the aroma of the drink. This scent is first inhaled at some distance, then a closer glass is brought. And only after that they take a sip.
- Drink brandy in small and infrequent sips, each time giving the drink the opportunity to slowly roll through the tongue.
- It is considered correct to serve brandy after lunch or dinner, as it is not customary to bite it. Addition to it, if you follow strict etiquette, can only be natural coffee and a good cigar. However, today it is not considered shameful to serve brandy or a cocktail from it as an aperitif, to snack on this drink.
- Meat, cheese, ice cream, chocolate, biscuits, cream desserts are considered as snacks to the brandy. Grape brandy is eaten with fruits, fresh or dried, desserts based on them. A suitable addition to them will be thin slices of lemon. Fruit brandy snack fruit is considered bad form. To any kind of brandy is not recommended to serve fish and seafood: they will spoil the taste of a noble drink.
- For making brandy-based cocktails, you can use cream, coffee, orange juice, and other alcoholic beverages. Serve them chilled, even with ice.
Brandy does not drink nervously, in one gulp to relieve stress or have a good time in a noisy company. The best atmosphere for the use of this drink will create a meeting of close friends, with sincere conversation, unhurried and calm.
Cocktail “Charleston”
Composition:
- cherry brandy - 100 ml;
- orange liqueur - 50 ml;
- lemonade - 50 ml;
- ice - to taste.
Method of preparation:
- Cool drinks.
- Pour brandy and liquor into the shaker, mix them.
- Place ice cubes on the bottom of the glasses.
- Fill them with an alcoholic mixture.
- Pour in lemonade.
Cocktail prepared according to this recipe, served with a strawberry, garnished with a round slice of orange.
Brandy Sauer Cocktail
Composition:
- brandy - 100 ml;
- lemon juice - 50 ml;
- fruits - for decoration;
- icing sugar - to taste;
- ice - to taste.
Method of preparation:
- If you do not have powdered sugar, grind the sugar in a coffee grinder.
- Combine brandy, lemon juice and a small amount of powdered sugar (a pinch or two). Stir them with a shaker.
- Put ice cubes in glasses, fill them with prepared drink.
- Decorate with pieces of fruit, relying on your imagination.
The cocktail has a refreshing taste. If it seemed too sour, next time add more powdered sugar or replace lemon juice with grapefruit.
Brandy Cocktail with Gin
Composition:
- brandy - 30 ml;
- gin - 40 ml;
- soda or tonic water - 50 ml;
- lemon juice - 30 ml;
- icing sugar - 5 g;
- ice - to taste.
Method of preparation:
- Pour gin, brandy, tonic and lemon juice into the blender bowl. Add icing sugar. Beat until smooth.
- The martini glasses are half full with ice cubes.
- Pour the cocktail.
The fresh invigorating taste of the drink will be especially liked by the ladies, but many men will also like it.
Cocktail with Coke
Composition:
- brandy - 30 ml;
- Coca-Cola - 100 ml;
- crushed ice - to taste.
Method of preparation:
- Mix cola with brandy using a mixer or shaker.
- Add ice, whisk again, fill glasses with drink.
The ratio of cola and brandy in this cocktail can be changed to your liking. By the same principle make a cocktail of brandy with apple or orange juice.
Brandy is considered a male drink, as it is a strong alcohol, but women are not indifferent to it. Experts believe that it is better to drink it separately, without eating anything, but it will not be a bad tone to serve meat, cheese, chocolate, coffee or ice cream to the brandy. Ordinary brandy varieties can be used to make cocktails that ladies especially like.