Enjoy fall with this easy Brandy Julep recipe! You'll love this cocktail made from brandy, sugar, Angostura Bitters and fresh mint.
Prep time:
1 minute minute
Mixing time:
2 minutes minutes
Servings:
1
Calories:
174
Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 1 sugar cube
- 1 dash soda water
- 5 dashes Angostura bitters
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig & icing sugar - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Julep Cup or Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Muddler
- Bar spoon or long stirrer
Instructions
- Add Sugar Cube: Place 1 sugar cube in your Julep cup or Old Fashioned glass.
- Add Angostura Bitters: Pour 5 dashes Angostura bitters over the sugar cube.
- Add Soda Water: Measure and pour 1 dash soda water on the sugar cube as well.
- Muddle: Muddle the sugar cube to reduce it to powder and make sure it will fully dissolve later on.
- Add Mint: Place 6-8 fresh mint leaves in one hand and gently smack it with the other, to release its aromas. Add the mint to the Julep cup or Old Fashioned glass.
- Add Brandy: Measure and pour 2 oz Brandy into the glass.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass three-quarters full with crushed ice.
- Stir: Using a bar spoon or long stirrer, churn well to combine the ingredients.
- Add Ice: Add a straw and top up with more crushed ice.
- Garnish: Place a mint sprig into the glass and sprinkle some icing sugar on top for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Brandy: You can use any type of Brandy you like to prepare this cocktail: Cognac, Applejack, Calvados, or Grappa for example are all valid options.
- Sugar Cube: If you don’t have sugar cubes, you can use simple syrup instead (approx. ¾ oz/22 ml, feel free to adjust to taste).
- Angostura Bitters: If you don’t have Angostura bitters on hand or if you want to experiment with a different twist, you can use other types of old-fashioned aromatic bitters. For a result that’s close to the original cocktail, try to choose bitters that are heavy on spices (such as clove and cinnamon) and low on sugar.
- Mint Leaves: If fresh mint isn't available, you can use a few drops of mint extract. Be careful, though; it's potent stuff!
Making it Vegan:
The Brandy Julep cocktail is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including brandies such as Cognac or applejack, are vegan-friendly. However, some brands may use animal products in their production process, especially if a filtration process is involved. Always check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their products are vegan.What is a Brandy Julep?
A Brandy Julep is a classic cocktail made of sugar, brandy, Angostura bitters, and fresh mint. This drink is relatively easy to make as it only requires a few ingredients and simple preparation methods. The Brandy Julep is a variant of the well-known Mint Julep, which traditionally uses bourbon instead of brandy.
What is a Brandy Julep made of – The ingredients
If you’re making a Brandy Julep, here’s what you’ll need:
- Brandy: The main alcoholic component of the cocktail, providing a rich, warming base.
- Mint leaves: Adds a refreshing, herbal note to balance the sweetness and alcohol.
- Sugar Cube: Balances the brandy’s strength with sweetness and gives the cocktail a round, smooth finish.
- Club Soda: Used to muddle and dissolve the sugar.
- Angostura Bitters: Adds complexity with its blend of spices and herbs, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cocktail.
- Crushed ice: Chills the drink quickly and dilutes the mixture slightly for a smoother taste.
- Mint sprig sprinkled with icing sugar (for garnish): Enhances presentation and adds a hint of mint aroma when sipped.