Brandy Sour Cocktail Drink

Brandy Sour

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Are you looking for an easy-to-make cocktail? Try this Brandy Sour recipe! With simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and refreshing drink.

Brandy Sour Recipe

Enjoy this easy Brandy Sour recipe! Blend brandy, lemon juice, and simple syrup to make a delightful cocktail ideal for any season.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

2 minutes

Servings:

1

Calories:

200 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Brandy
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • 1 egg, optional
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slice or cherry, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Old Fashioned Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes. Give it a stir to chill it and set it aside
  • Add Egg White: crack open 1 egg, separate white from yolk and pour the white into the shaker.
  • Add Bitters: Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the shaker.
  • Add Simple Syrup: Add ½ oz simple syrup to the mix.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Measure and pour 1 oz lemon juice into the shaker.
  • Add Brandy: Pour 2 oz Brandy into the shaker.
  • Dry shake: Seal your shaker and shake for about 15 seconds.
  • Add Ice: Fill your shaker with ice cubes
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture well until chilled.
  • Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into the Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish: Place a lemon slice or cherry into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Brandy: If you don't have brandy, you can use whiskey for a different but still delicious flavor. I've also tried using rum, which adds a unique twist to the drink.
  • Lemon Juice: Lime juice works as an alternative if you're out of lemons. It gives a slightly different tang but still tastes great.
  • Simple Syrup: You can use honey syrup (honey mixed with water) for a richer sweetness. Agave syrup is another good option if you want a different kind of sweetness.
  • Angostura Bitters: If you don't have Angostura bitters, try using orange bitters or even Peychaud's bitters.

Making a Pitcher of Brandy Sour:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 dashes of Angostura Bitters, 16 oz of brandy, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup. Better to avoid the egg white if you are unable to shake the drink.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the brandy, bitters, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a lemon slice or cherry, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Brandy Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic brandy substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic the brandy's flavor profile.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular brandy, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Simple Syrup Substitute: Ensure your simple syrup is vegan by using organic sugar or making your own at home with water and organic sugar.
  • Egg White: Use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute for egg white to create the foam. It works surprisingly well!

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
59
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
 
13
g
4
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
12
g
13
%
Potassium
 
88
mg
3
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Vitamin A
 
2
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
11
mg
13
%
Calcium
 
6
mg
1
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%

 

Brandy Sour Cocktail Drink

Brandy Sour Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Enjoy this easy Brandy Sour recipe! Blend brandy, lemon juice, and simple syrup to make a delightful cocktail ideal for any season.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 200

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Brandy
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • 1 egg - optional
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slice or cherry - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Old Fashioned Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes. Give it a stir to chill it and set it aside
  • Add Egg White: crack open 1 egg, separate white from yolk and pour the white into the shaker.
  • Add Bitters: Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the shaker.
  • Add Simple Syrup: Add ½ oz simple syrup to the mix.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Measure and pour 1 oz lemon juice into the shaker.
  • Add Brandy: Pour 2 oz Brandy into the shaker.
  • Dry shake: Seal your shaker and shake for about 15 seconds.
  • Add Ice: Fill your shaker with ice cubes
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture well until chilled.
  • Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into the Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish: Place a lemon slice or cherry into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Brandy: If you don't have brandy, you can use whiskey for a different but still delicious flavor. I've also tried using rum, which adds a unique twist to the drink.
  • Lemon Juice: Lime juice works as an alternative if you're out of lemons. It gives a slightly different tang but still tastes great.
  • Simple Syrup: You can use honey syrup (honey mixed with water) for a richer sweetness. Agave syrup is another good option if you want a different kind of sweetness.
  • Angostura Bitters: If you don't have Angostura bitters, try using orange bitters or even Peychaud's bitters.

Making a Pitcher of Brandy Sour:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 dashes of Angostura Bitters, 16 oz of brandy, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup. Better to avoid the egg white if you are unable to shake the drink.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the brandy, bitters, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a lemon slice or cherry, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Brandy Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic brandy substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic the brandy's flavor profile.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular brandy, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Simple Syrup Substitute: Ensure your simple syrup is vegan by using organic sugar or making your own at home with water and organic sugar.
  • Egg White: Use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute for egg white to create the foam. It works surprisingly well!

What is a Brandy Sour?

A Brandy Sour is a brandy-based cocktail made of bitters, brandy, lemon juice, egg white, and simple syrup. It’s an easy drink to make because it requires only a few ingredients and straightforward steps. This cocktail offers a balanced blend of sweetness and tartness, making it a refreshing choice for any occasion.

A side shot of a Brandy Sour cocktail in an old fashioned glass on a yellow tray placed on a wooden table surrounded by sugar cubes on a plate, a lemon, a bar spoon, a cocktail shaker and a white cloth

What is a Brandy Sour made of – The ingredients

Use these ingredients to create a Brandy Sour:

  • Brandy: Provides a rich, smooth base for the cocktail.
  • Egg White (optional): Provides a smooth, velvety texture and creates a frothy foam on top of the cocktail, adding a rich mouthfeel.
  • Angostura Bitters: Adds complexity and depth to the overall taste.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a tart, refreshing citrus flavor.
  • Simple Syrup: Sweetens the drink and balances the sourness of the lemon juice.
  • Ice Cubes: Chills the cocktail and dilutes it slightly for a smoother taste.
  • Lemon Slice or Cherry (optional): Used as a garnish to enhance presentation and add a hint of extra flavor.

Brandy, egg, Angostura bitters, lemon juice, simple syrup, sugar cubes and lemon laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Brandy Sour?

Use our guide to make a Brandy Sour step by step:

1
<p>Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes to chill it.</p>

Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes to chill it.

2
<p>Add 1 egg white to your shaker.</p>

Add 1 egg white to your shaker.

3
<p>Add 2 dashes of bitters to the shaker, delivering an aromatic note to the drink.</p>

Add 2 dashes of bitters to the shaker, delivering an aromatic note to the drink.

4
<p>Add ½ oz of simple syrup to the mix, sweetening the drink and balancing the sourness of the lemon juice.</p>

Add ½ oz of simple syrup to the mix, sweetening the drink and balancing the sourness of the lemon juice.

5
<p>Measure and add 1 oz of lemon juice to the shaker, introducing a tart, refreshing citrus flavor.</p>

Measure and add 1 oz of lemon juice to the shaker, introducing a tart, refreshing citrus flavor.

6
<p>Pour 2 oz of brandy into the shaker, providing a rich base for the cocktail.</p>

Pour 2 oz of brandy into the shaker, providing a rich base for the cocktail.

7
<p>Dry shake for about 15 seconds.</p>

Dry shake for about 15 seconds.

8
<p>Fill your shaker with ice cubes to chill the mixture.</p>

Fill your shaker with ice cubes to chill the mixture.

9
<p>Shake the mixture well until it is thoroughly chilled.</p>

Shake the mixture well until it is thoroughly chilled.

10
<p>Strain the mixture into your Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.</p>

Strain the mixture into your Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.

11
<p>Place a lemon slice or cherry into the glass for garnish, enhancing the presentation and adding a hint of extra flavor.</p>

Place a lemon slice or cherry into the glass for garnish, enhancing the presentation and adding a hint of extra flavor.

History and Origin of the Brandy Sour

This cocktail originated in the early 1950s, when King Farouk of Egypt, an avid cocktail lover, embarked on worldwide adventures in search of new flavors. During his travels, he visited the island of Cyprus, where he developed a fondness for the distinctive Cypriot brandy.

Since it was considered inappropriate for a royal to be seen drinking alcohol, the king instructed the bartenders at a renowned hotel in Troodos to create a drink that resembled iced tea, allowing him to enjoy his brandy discreetly. Today, the Brandy Sour remains a popular choice on cocktail menus at high-end bars around the world.

A Brandy Sour cocktail, shot from above, in an old fashioned glass on a beige surface surrounded by Brandy, egg, Angostura bitters, lemon juice, simple syrup, sugar cubes and lemon

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Brandy Sour?
A typical Brandy Sour contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
How strong is a Brandy Sour?
A Brandy Sour usually has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 20-25%, which translates to 40-50 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Brandy Sour?
The primary alcohol used in a Brandy Sour is brandy.
In which glass is a Brandy Sour served?
A Brandy Sour is typically served in an Old Fashioned glass.
What does a Brandy Sour taste like?
A Brandy Sour offers a balanced taste of sweet and sour, with the rich flavor of brandy complemented by the tartness of lemon juice and the sweetness of simple syrup.
What is the ratio for a Brandy Sour?
The standard ratio for a Brandy Sour is a couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters, 1 egg white, 2 parts brandy, 1 part lemon juice, and ½ parts simple syrup.
How is a Brandy Sour served?
Serve a Brandy Sour over ice, ensuring it stays chilled and slightly diluted for optimal flavor.

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