Brandy and Soda
The Brandy and Soda is a timeless classic that epitomizes the beauty of simplicity in a mixed drink. It's a two-ingredient highball that allows the character of the base spirit, brandy, to shine through. The addition of chilled soda water lengthens the drink, adding a lively carbonation that lifts the brandy's aromas and creates an incredibly refreshing experience. It's a versatile cocktail, perfect for a casual afternoon or as a light aperitif before a meal.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Brandy and Soda is a classic highball cocktail, a category of simple, tall drinks composed of a spirit and a larger portion of a non-alcoholic mixer. It's celebrated for its simplicity and has been a staple for over a century. Its straightforward nature places it firmly in the classic cocktail canon.
Serving
Served cold over ice in a tall Highball glass, this is a light and refreshing drink with a moderate alcohol content. No special glass treatment is required for this straightforward classic.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The Brandy and Soda rose to popularity in the late 19th century, particularly in Great Britain, alongside the invention of carbonated water and the rise of the "highball" style of drink. It was a favorite of the English upper class and featured in the works of authors like P.G. Wodehouse, cementing its status as a sophisticated and understated choice. It represents a classic way of enjoying spirits before complex, multi-ingredient cocktails became the norm.
Origin
While its exact point of origin is difficult to pinpoint, the drink became widespread in the United Kingdom and the United States during the late 1800s. It was a natural evolution of enjoying brandy with water, with the new technology of soda siphons making sparkling versions readily available. It remains a quintessential example of the Victorian and Edwardian era highball culture.
Brandy and Soda
The drink's name is straightforward and descriptive, simply stating its two primary ingredients. It is a specific type of Brandy Highball, though that term can also encompass brandy mixed with other sodas like ginger ale. The name "Brandy Soda" is sometimes used as a shorthand.
Original name
Brandy and Soda
Alternative name
Brandy Soda
Characteristics overview
This drink offers a crisp, bubbly texture and a refreshing flavor profile dominated by the chosen brandy's fruity and oaky notes. Its aroma is spirit-forward, and it finishes cleanly, making it an excellent palate cleanser.
Flavor
Brandy-forward, fruity, oaky, crisp, effervescent, subtly sweet
Aroma
Vinous, fruity (grape, dried fruit), oak, subtle spice
Taste balance
Spirit-forward, balanced, dry
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, short
Fizziness
Bubbly, sparkling, effervescent
Color appearance
Light amber to deep gold (depending on brandy), clear, sparkling
Texture
Light-bodied, crisp, thin
Seasonality
Refreshing, crisp, suitable for year-round, especially popular in warmer months
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is defined by its strong carbonation and moderate alcohol presence, with subtle fruitiness from the brandy. It is not sweet, sour, salty, or bitter, offering a very clean and spirit-focused taste.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
Only two main ingredients are required for this classic: a good quality brandy of your choice and chilled soda water. The quality of both ingredients will directly impact the final taste of the drink.
- Brandy60 ml / 2 ozA good quality VS or VSOP Cognac or Armagnac is recommended, but any decent brandy will work well.
- Soda Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to topEnsure it is well-chilled to maintain maximum fizziness and keep the drink cold.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed; the drink is built directly in the serving glass. A bar spoon is helpful for a gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
- Highball glass for building the drink
- Bar spoon for gentle stirring
Instructions
The preparation is simple: build the drink directly in an ice-filled highball glass by adding brandy, topping with soda water, and giving it a brief, gentle stir. Garnish with a lemon twist to serve.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with fresh ice cubes.
2. Pour 60 ml (2 oz) of brandy over the ice.
3. Top the glass with chilled soda water.
4. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients, being careful not to dissipate the carbonation.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.
Garnishing
A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish. The citrus oils expressed over the top of the drink add a bright aromatic dimension that complements the brandy beautifully.
- Lemon Twist: Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink and drop it in.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. As it contains no animal products, it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
Being a simple mix of spirit and soda water, this is a low-calorie cocktail with virtually no sugar or carbohydrates, deriving all its calories from the alcohol in the brandy.
Calories
Averagely 130-150 kcal / 544-628 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
0-2 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
0-2 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This is an exceptionally versatile drink suitable for many occasions. It excels as a pre-dinner aperitif, a refreshing afternoon sipper on a warm day, or a simple, no-fuss cocktail for casual social gatherings.
- Aperitif
- Casual Sipping
- Afternoon Drink
- Summer Gatherings
Pairing suggestions
The drink's clean and crisp profile makes it a great companion for savory and salty snacks. It pairs well with light appetizers like a cheese plate, charcuterie, or simple mixed nuts, as it cleanses the palate without overwhelming the food's flavor.
- Light Cheeses
- Charcuterie Board
- Salty Snacks
- Mixed Nuts
Brandy and Soda: Timeless Simplicity
The Brandy and Soda is the epitome of effortless sophistication. As a classic highball, it offers a pure and unadulterated way to enjoy the nuanced flavors of brandy, lifted and lightened by the simple addition of soda water. Its preparation is incredibly simple, making it accessible to everyone, yet it carries an air of classic style. For those who appreciate spirit-forward but refreshing drinks, the Brandy and Soda is a perfect and timeless choice.