Savor the elegance with our Brandy Crusta Cocktail recipe! A blend of brandy, citrus, and a sugary rim makes this a drink to catch.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
2 minutes
Servings:
1
Calories:
216
Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz Triple Sec
- ¼ oz Maraschino Liqueur
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 dash Angostura aromatic bitters
- Lemon twist - for garnish, long and thin
- Sugar - for rimming the glass
- Ice cubes
Equipment
- Cocktail Glass preferably with a wide rim
- Measuring Jigger
- Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Fine strainer
Instructions
- Prep glass: Place your cocktail glass in the freezer a few hours before to ensure it is chilled.
- Rim the Glass: Wet the rim of your cocktail glass with a lemon slice and dip it into sugar to create a sugary rim, place the glass in the freezer again to kepp it chill.
- Mix Ingredients: In the shaker, combine 1 dash Angostura aromatic bitters, 1 tsp sugar, ½ oz lemon juice, ¼ oz Maraschino Liqueur, ½ oz Triple Sec, and 2 oz Brandy.
- Shake: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake the ingredients until chilled.
- Strain: Fine strain the mixture into your rimmed cocktail glass.
- Garnish: Artfully drape the long, thin lemon twist inside the glass, ensuring it touches the sugary rim and cascades into the drink.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Brandy: I sometimes use cognac or dark rum if I ever run out of brandy. They offer unique flavor profiles but can still give you that rich warmth.
- Triple Sec: If you don't have a triple sec, replace it with another orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Cointreau is a bit sweeter, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
- Maraschino: Try another cherry liqueur, you can opt for cherry brandy even if it will alter the taste and the aspect of your creation.
- Angostura Bitters: if you’re short of Angostura try with any aromatic bitters.
- Lemon juice: try out the recipe with lime juice, the drink will be more tart but will still taste amazing
Making a Pitcher of Brandy Crusta Cocktail:
- Scale: To serve 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of brandy, 4 oz of lemon juice, 2 oz of Maraschino, 8 tsp of sugar, 8 dashes of Angostura Bitters, and 4 oz of triple sec.
- Mix: Combine all the ingredients with ice in a large pitcher. Stir well.
- Serve: Rim each cocktail glass with sugar, pour the mixture into individual glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Brandy Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic brandy substitute or apple juice for a fruity touch.
- Triple Sec Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic orange liqueur or orange juice with a hint of zest.
- Maraschino Liqueur Substitute: opt for a cherry-almond infused sugar syrup.
- Angostura Bitters: check for a non-alcoholic aromatic bitter available in the market.
- Proceed As Usual: Replace the alcoholic ingredients with these non-alcoholic options, follow the original steps, and enjoy a refreshing non-alcoholic Brandy Crusta.
Making it Vegan:
This Brandy Crusta Cocktail is inherently vegan. Ensure that any sugar or other ingredients you use, especially when experimenting with substitutes, come from vegan sources. Some sugars undergo a refining process using bone char, so opt for organic or beet sugar. Cheers to cruelty-free sipping!What is a Brandy Crusta Cocktail?
A Brandy Crusta Cocktail is a drink that combines brandy, Maraschino, citrus, bitters, and a sugary rim for a balanced flavor. Historians trace its origins back to the 19th century, making it one of the earlier cocktails to gain popularity. “Crusta” highlights the drink’s signature sugared rim, setting it apart from other brandy-based cocktails. The cocktail is placed among “The Unforgettables” by the International Bartender Association(IBA).
What is a Brandy Crusta made of – The ingredients
To make your own Brandy Crusta, get these ingredients ready:
- Brandy: The primary spirit of the drink is that it provides warmth and depth to the cocktail.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a tartness that balances the sweetness of other ingredients.
- Triple Sec: An orange-flavored liqueur that introduces a citrusy sweetness.
- Maraschino Liqueurs: Lends a noble hint of cherries
- Angostura Bitters: add a touch of bitterness and overall complexity to the drink.
- Sugar: Enhances the drink’s sweetness and is also used to rim the glass, giving a sweet start to each sip.
- Lemon Twist: Serves as a garnish and adds a burst of lemon aroma with every drink.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the cocktail, ensuring it’s served at an optimal refreshing temperature.
