Fall calls for this uncomplicated Brandy Smash recipe! It is a cocktail that perfectly combines brandy, lemon wedges, simple syrup, and fresh mint.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
144
Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy
- ¼ oz rich sugar syrup
- 8-12 fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Mint sprig - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Fine strainer
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes. Give it a quick stir to chill and set it aside.
- Add Mint: Choose 8-12 fresh mint leaves (green and fresh) and drop them into the shaker.
- Add Sugar: Pour ¼ oz rich sugar syrup into the shaker as well.
- Add Brandy: Measure and add 2 oz Brandy to the mix.
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
- Strain: Take the Old Fashioned glass and use the cocktail strainer to remove any excess water inside. Add more ice if necessary. Then, using the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the shaken drink into the ice filled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a mint sprig and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Brandy: Bourbon makes an excellent substitute if you don't have brandy on hand. It has a similar sweetness and round flavor that will go well in this type of drink.
- Rich Sugar Syrup: You can easily make your own rich syrup at home: simply mix together 2 parts powdered sugar and 1 part water in a pan, stir to dissolve over low heat, and wait for it to cool down to room temperature before using. If you’re running short on time and already have simple syrup on hand, it can be used as a substitute although you may have to adjust the quantity and pour slightly more (start with ¼ ounce, give it a taste, and add some more if necessary).
Making a Pitcher of Brandy Smash:
- Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of brandy, 2 oz of rich sugar syrup, and 6-7 handfuls of mint leaves.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Brandy and sugar syrup. Take the mint leaves in one hand and smack it 2-3 times with the other hand (this will allow the mint to release its aromas). Drop the mint leaves in the pitcher and stir briefly. For a richer flavor, let the mix infuse for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. Then, add ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice and mint leaves, serve immediately into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, and garnish each glass with a mint sprig. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep them in the fridge (make sure no ice cubes are left inside) in an airtight container.
Making it Vegan:
The Brandy Smash cocktail is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including bourbon, are vegan-friendly. If you are strict about your diet, you may want to check your sugar or sugar syrup: some producers use animal-derived products such as bone char in their refining process. In case of doubt, organic brown or unrefined sugar is usually the best way to go for a vegan-friendly option.What is a Brandy Smash?
A Brandy Smash is a classic cocktail made of brandy, mint leaves, and sugar syrup. This drink is relatively easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and simple preparation steps. The Brandy Smash stands out for its refreshing taste that combines the warmth of brandy with the coolness of mint, making it an ideal choice for Brandy amateurs as well as for those looking for a different twist on traditional cocktails.
What is a Brandy Smash made of – The ingredients
Creating a Brandy Smash involves using these ingredients:
- Brandy: The main spirit of the cocktail, providing a rich, warming base.
- Rich Sugar Syrup: Adds sweetness to balance the brandy’s strong flavor.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Infuse the drink with a refreshing, herbal note.
