Brandy and cognac don’t get the love they should. While everyone’s chasing trendy spirits, these old-school staples are out here still delivering smooth, bold flavor like it’s no big deal. They’re cozy, classy, and ridiculously underrated.
You don’t need fancy gear—just a few good ingredients and a reason to pour. Here’s 9 cocktails that prove these spirits still slap, whether it’s date night or just Tuesday.
1. Brandy Alexander
Creamy, chocolatey, and smooth like velvet. The Brandy Alexander is that cozy dessert cocktail that somehow works in both tuxedos and pajamas. Basically a grown-up milkshake with bite.
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2. Sidecar
Zesty, sharp, and balanced just right—the Sidecar’s got that lemon punch, but the brandy keeps it grounded. It’s fancy but doesn’t scream about it. Timeless for a reason.
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3. Stinger
Cool mint, smooth brandy. That’s it. The Stinger’s what you pour when you want low effort and high payoff. After-dinner perfection that feels like it should be sipped in a leather chair.
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4. Brandy Crusta
The rim’s got sugar, the body’s got bite. It’s citrusy, boozy, and full of that old-school charm. The Brandy Crusta doesn’t play—it shows up, dressed to impress.
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5. Brandy Flip
This one’s like a warm hug in a glass—smooth brandy, egg yolk, and a little sweetness. Rich and silky without being heavy. Winter drink? Absolutely. But also kinda perfect anytime.
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6. French Connection
Two ingredients. That’s it. And somehow, it tastes like you spent 20 minutes mixing. Cognac + amaretto = warm, nutty, mellow perfection. Simple but not basic.
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7. Champs-Élysées
Okay, this one’s underrated as hell. Cognac, green Chartreuse, lemon, bitters—it’s herbal, citrusy, kinda mysterious. A bold move that totally pays off.
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8. Brandy Sour
Bright, balanced, a little frothy (if you add egg white). This one’s got that classic sour vibe but smoother. Adjust the sweet/tart ratio depending how your day went.
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9. Brandy Daisy
Bubbly, citrusy, and way more refreshing than you’d expect from a brandy drink. The Daisy is like a fizzy little throwback with major crowd-pleaser energy.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.