Brandy Smash
A refreshing muddled cocktail from the 1800s that combines brandy with fresh mint and seasonal fruit. Served over crushed ice, it bridges the gap between a Julep and a Cobbler, and is the perfect warm-weather brandy drink.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup
- 6 leaves Fresh mint
- 3 slices Seasonal fruit (orange, lemon, or berries)
- mint bouquet (garnish) garnish
- seasonal berries (garnish) garnish
- powdered sugar dusting (garnish) garnish
Pairs With
Pair with fresh fruit tarts, berry-forward desserts, or a summer charcuterie board with fresh berries and soft cheese. The mint and muddled fruit make it ideal for warm-weather entertaining.
Instructions
Place mint leaves, seasonal fruit slices, and simple syrup in a shaker
Muddle gently to release mint oils and fruit juice without shredding
Add brandy and ice, then shake briefly for 8 seconds
Strain into a rocks glass packed with crushed ice
Garnish with a generous bouquet of mint, a few berries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar
Tips
Muddle with a gentle pressing motion; the goal is to release oils and juice, not to pulverize the leaves into bitter green bits Switch up the seasonal fruit throughout the year: berries in summer, stone fruit in late summer, citrus in winter Slap the mint bouquet between your palms before placing it in the drink to release its aroma right under the drinker's nose