Some cocktails just know how to walk the line between elegance and fun—and the Brandy Daisy is one of them. It’s citrusy, lightly sweet, and carries a refreshing fizz that makes it feel just as at home on a patio in July as it does at a winter dinner party.
A vintage drink with staying power, this one’s all about clean balance and simple charm, with a structure that begs for a little creative riffing.
If you’re new to daisies or just want something less heavy than your usual brandy pour, this is the one to try.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
This recipe is ideal for those who enjoy a cocktail that is both refreshing and complex. The combination of brandy and rum adds depth, while the citrus notes provide a bright contrast.
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The addition of soda water creates a crisp, effervescent finish, making it a great choice for any season.
The Brandy Daisy is also highly adaptable. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can adjust the simple syrup or swap in different liqueurs to customize the flavor.
With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a bar-quality cocktail at home with minimal effort.
Tips for the Perfect Brandy Daisy
To get the best results from this recipe, consider the following tips:
- Use quality ingredients: A good-quality brandy and fresh-squeezed lemon juice will elevate the drink’s flavor.
- Chill your glass: A chilled cocktail glass enhances the experience by keeping the drink colder for longer.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a slightly less sweet cocktail, reduce the simple syrup or add an extra splash of lemon juice.
- Shake well: Mixing the ingredients thoroughly ensures a smooth, well-balanced drink.
- Garnish properly: A lemon twist not only adds a beautiful finishing touch but also enhances the aroma and taste of the cocktail.
By paying attention to these small details, you’ll be able to enjoy a perfectly balanced Brandy Daisy every time.
Best Occasions to Serve a Brandy Daisy
The Brandy Daisy is a versatile cocktail that works well for various occasions. Its refreshing and citrus-forward profile makes it perfect for warm-weather gatherings, but it’s just as enjoyable during the cooler months when you want something light yet flavorful.
This cocktail is excellent for:
- Cocktail parties: Serve it as a signature drink at your next gathering.
- Dinner pairings: It pairs beautifully with light appetizers, seafood, or Mediterranean dishes.
- Casual nights in: A Brandy Daisy is easy to make, making it a great choice for a relaxing evening at home.
- Holiday celebrations: The citrus and bubbly elements make it festive and fun for special occasions.
Pairing Suggestions
A well-made Brandy Daisy pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. The bright acidity from the lemon juice and the sweetness from the simple syrup and liqueur makes it a great complement to both savory and slightly sweet dishes.
Consider serving this cocktail with:
- Cheese and charcuterie boards featuring brie, gouda, or blue cheese.
- Grilled seafood like shrimp or scallops with a lemon butter sauce.
- Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as hummus, olives, or roasted vegetables.
- Light desserts like shortbread cookies or citrus tarts.
The Brandy Daisy is a classic cocktail recipe that deserves a spot in your home bar rotation. Its combination of rich brandy, tart citrus, and fizzy soda water makes it both refreshing and satisfying.
Brandy Daisy Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- strainer
- Chilled cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounces brandy
- ½ ounce rum
- ½ ounce orange liqueur
- ¾ ounce lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce soda water
- Garnish: Lemon twist
Honey Brandy Daisy Variation:
- Replace the simple syrup with honey
Raspberry Brandy Daisy Variation:
- Replace the orange liqueur with raspberry liqueur
- Garnish: Fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients: Combine the brandy, rum, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain and serve: Pour the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top and garnish: Add the soda water and gently stir. Garnish with a lemon twist before serving.
Notes
- The honey variation adds a rich, smooth sweetness to the cocktail.
- The raspberry variation introduces a fruity tartness, making it a great summer option.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of syrup or honey to taste.
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.