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Improved Brandy

Classic/vintage · Nightcap/sipping · Spirit-forward

4.2 11 ratings

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Ingredients

1 2/3 oz Cognac (brandy)
1/6 oz Gomme syrup
1/12 oz Maraschino liqueur
2 dash Boker's style bitters
1 dash Absinthe
1 twist Lemon zest oils

How to make

Serve in a nick & nora glass

  1. 1 POUR first 5 ingredients into shaker
  2. 2 Express oils from lemon zest twist into shaker and discard
  3. 3 Add ice, SHAKE and fine strain into chilled glass.

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History

This cocktail is improved by shaking rather than stirring, allowing the brandy to shine with other ingredients. Shake to wake it.

The Brandy Cocktail first appears in Jerry "The Professor" Thomas' 1862 The Bar-Tender's Guide & Bon Vivant's Companion with this "Improved" version debuting in his 1876 The Bar-Tender's Guide 2nd Edition. Improved Brandy Cocktail. (Use ordinary bar glass.) 2 dashes Boker's (or Angostura) Bitters. 3 do. Gum syrup. 2 do. Maraschino. 1 dash Absinthe 1 small piece of the yellow rind of a lemon, twisted to express the oil. 1 small wineglass of brandy. Fill glass one-third full of shaved ice, shake well, and strain into a fancy cocktail glass. The flavour is improved by moistening the edge of the cocktail glass with a piece of lemon.

Created by Jerry 'The Professor' Thomas