Brandy Fix
A historical gem from the Jerry Thomas era, the Brandy Fix is a sophisticated yet approachable sour-style cocktail. It beautifully marries the warmth of brandy with the zesty kick of fresh lemon juice and the complex sweetness of a liqueur like Bénédictine or Curaçao. Served over a mound of crushed ice and garnished with fresh fruit, it's a delightful and visually appealing drink that predates many of today's cocktail staples. The 'Fix' was a popular category of drinks in the 1800s, known for being a simple, spirit-forward and refreshing preparation.
Preparation
Preparation time: 4 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Brandy Fix is a classic cocktail, belonging to the "Fix" family of drinks that were popular in the 19th century. It is considered a foundational recipe in the sour category of cocktails, predating many more famous relatives.
Serving
Served cold in a chilled goblet or Old Fashioned glass filled with crushed ice, this is a moderately strong and refreshing short drink.
Serving size
Approximately 150 ml / 5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Goblet or Old Fashioned Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The Brandy Fix was first codified by the legendary "Professor" Jerry Thomas in his seminal 1862 book, "How to Mix Drinks or The Bon Vivant's Companion." It represents a foundational style of American cocktail, a simple and elegant "fix" of spirit, citrus, sugar, and liqueur. This drink was a popular way to enjoy spirits in the 19th century, offering a refreshing and sophisticated experience. Its legacy continues in the sour cocktails we enjoy today.
Origin
United States, circa the mid-19th century. The recipe was famously published by Jerry Thomas in 1862, solidifying its place in American cocktail history.
Brandy Fix
The name "Brandy Fix" is the most common and historically accurate term for this cocktail. It is sometimes referred to as a "Cognac Fix" when specifically made with that type of brandy. The name itself comes from the 19th-century "Fix" category of drinks, which were simple, spirit-forward sours.
Original name
Brandy Fix
Alternative name
Cognac Fix
Characteristics overview
The Brandy Fix offers a balanced sweet and sour profile with a warming brandy backbone, a crisp texture from the crushed ice, and a refreshing citrus aroma.
Flavor
Brandy, citrus, sweet, herbal, fruity
Aroma
Lemon zest, rich grape, subtle spice, herbal notes
Taste balance
Balanced, sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, warming
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Golden, amber, served over crushed ice
Texture
Light, crisp, chilled from crushed ice
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, all-season
Flavor intensity & Experience
This cocktail presents a prominent sourness balanced by moderate sweetness and the distinct character of brandy, resulting in a flavor-forward but not overpowering experience.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires a quality brandy as its base, complemented by fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a small amount of a complex herbal or orange liqueur.
- Brandy (Cognac recommended)60 ml / 2 ozA quality VSOP Cognac works beautifully, but any good brandy is suitable.
- Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ozMust be freshly squeezed for best results.
- Simple Syrup (1:1)15 ml / 0.5 ozAdjust to taste depending on sweetness preference and the liqueur used.
- Bénédictine D.O.M.7.5 ml / 0.25 ozYellow Chartreuse, Grand Marnier or a quality Curaçao can be used as alternatives.
Ice type
- Crushed ice for serving, cubed ice for shaking
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaker set to mix and chill the ingredients, along with a way to make or procure crushed ice for serving.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours
- Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh) for straining
- Ice crusher or Lewis bag and mallet to make crushed ice
Instructions
The process involves shaking the liquid ingredients with cubed ice, then straining the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice before garnishing.
1. Chill your serving glass (goblet or Old Fashioned) by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add all ingredients (brandy, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Bénédictine) to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Empty the chilling ice from your serving glass and fill it with fresh crushed ice.
5. Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass over the crushed ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a few seasonal berries. Serve with a short straw.
Garnishing
Garnish generously with a lemon wedge or wheel and a few seasonal berries to add visual appeal and complementary aromas.
- Lemon wedge or wheel placed on the rim or in the glass
- Seasonal berries (e.g., raspberries, blackberries) placed on top of the ice
Dietary Information
This drink is typically free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail is moderately caloric, with most of its carbohydrates and sugars coming from the syrup and liqueur.
Calories
Averagely 200-240 kcal / 837-1004 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14-18 g
Sugar level
Occasions
The Brandy Fix is perfect for a warm summer afternoon, serving as a refreshing aperitif before a meal, or for any occasion celebrating classic mixology.
- Summer Afternoon
- Pre-dinner Drink
- Classic Cocktail Night
Pairing suggestions
The Brandy Fix pairs well with light appetizers or a cheese board, as its balanced profile complements savory flavors. Its fruity notes also make it a suitable companion for fruit-based desserts.
- Light appetizers
- Cheese board with aged cheeses
- Fruit tarts or desserts
Brandy Fix: A Refreshing Taste of Cocktail History
The Brandy Fix is a quintessential 19th-century classic that showcases the simple elegance of early American mixology. It's a refreshing, spirit-forward sour that balances the rich depth of brandy with the bright acidity of lemon and the complex sweetness of a chosen liqueur. Served over a mound of crushed ice, it's not just a drink but an experience, connecting the drinker to the historical roots of the cocktail. Perfect for any season, it's a testament to the timeless appeal of a well-made drink.
Similar Cocktails
Gin Fix
Uses gin as the base spirit instead of brandy.
Brandy Crusta
A close relative that is more elaborate, served in a sugar-rimmed glass with a large lemon peel garnish and typically uses maraschino liqueur and bitters.
Japanese Cocktail
Another classic brandy sour, but it uses orgeat syrup and bitters, giving it a distinct nutty and spiced flavor.
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