Brandy Highball

The Brandy Highball is a timeless classic renowned for its simplicity and elegance. It consists of a measure of brandy, typically Cognac or Armagnac, served over ice in a tall glass and topped with chilled soda water. This preparation highlights the spirit's complex notes of fruit, oak, and spice, while the carbonation adds a refreshing, effervescent lift. It's a sophisticated yet approachable drink, perfect for those who appreciate the pure taste of a quality spirit.
Brandy Highball

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Brandy Highball is classified as a classic cocktail. It belongs to the "highball" family of drinks, which are characterized by a spirit base topped with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic carbonated mixer and served in a tall glass over ice.

Serving

Served cold in a tall highball glass, this is a relatively low-alcohol, refreshing drink. The preparation is simple, focusing on quality ingredients served over ice.
Serving size
Approximately 150-210 ml / 5-7 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Brandy Highball doesn't have a single, dramatic origin story like some other cocktails. Instead, it evolved from the "highball" style of drink that gained popularity in the late 19th century with the advent of commercially available carbonated water. It was a straightforward and refined way to enjoy brandy, especially during warmer weather, allowing the spirit's character to shine through in a lighter, more refreshing format.
Origin
The specific origin is unknown, but the "highball" style emerged in the late 1800s in Great Britain and the United States. The Brandy Highball would have been a natural extension of this trend, popular from the late 19th to early 20th century.

Brandy Highball

The drink is most commonly known as the Brandy Highball. It is also frequently and simply called a Brandy and Soda, which directly describes its core ingredients.
Original name
Brandy Highball
Alternative name
Brandy and Soda

Characteristics overview

This drink is refreshingly effervescent with a light, crisp texture and a pale amber hue. The flavor is spirit-forward, highlighting the brandy's character, with a clean, short finish.
Flavor
Spirit-forward, oaky, fruity, crisp, dry, bubbly
Aroma
Brandy, grape, subtle oak, citrus (from garnish)
Taste balance
Spirit-forward, slightly sweet, dry
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, short, warming
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly
Color appearance
Pale amber, light gold, clear, sparkling
Texture
Light, thin, effervescent
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is light and dry, with low sweetness and bitterness, but high carbonation. The alcohol strength is moderate, allowing the subtle fruitiness of the brandy to come through.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The recipe requires just two main ingredients: a quality brandy and chilled soda water. Using good ingredients is key as there is nothing to hide behind.
  • Brandy60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality VSOP Cognac is recommended, but other brandies work well.
  • Soda Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Use freshly opened, well-chilled soda water or club soda for best results.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed beyond a bar spoon for a gentle stir. This is a simple drink built directly in the glass.
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring

Instructions

This drink is built directly in the serving glass by adding brandy over ice, topping with soda water, and garnishing with a lemon twist. A gentle stir is all that's needed to combine.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with fresh, clear ice cubes.
2. Pour the brandy over the ice.
3. Top gently with chilled soda water, pouring it down the side of the glass or a bar spoon to preserve carbonation.
4. Give the drink a very gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing fizz.
5. Take a lemon peel, express the oils over the surface of the drink by twisting it, and then drop it into the glass as a garnish.
6. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish, adding bright citrus oils to the aroma. It is expressed over the drink to release the oils before being placed in the glass.
  • Lemon twist, expressed over the drink and dropped in

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten. It is suitable for both 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 is a low-calorie cocktail with minimal carbohydrates and sugar, as its main components are spirits and zero-calorie soda water. Most calories come directly from the alcohol.
Calories
Averagely 140 kcal / 586 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 1 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 1 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile drink is perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif, for casual sipping on a warm afternoon, or as a simple, elegant choice at a dinner party. Its refreshing nature makes it suitable for almost any relaxed social gathering.
  • Aperitif
  • Casual sipping
  • Summer afternoon
  • Dinner party

Pairing suggestions

The Brandy Highball pairs well with light and savory snacks that won't overpower the delicate flavors of the brandy. Consider serving it with mild cheeses, charcuterie, or simple salty snacks like nuts and crackers.
  • Light cheeses
  • Cured meats
  • Salty nuts
  • Plain crackers or breadsticks

The Brandy Highball: Simple, Refined Refreshment

The Brandy Highball is the epitome of simple sophistication. By combining a quality brandy with the crisp effervescence of soda water, it creates a drink that is both incredibly refreshing and spirit-forward. Its clean profile and easy preparation make it a versatile choice, perfect as a refreshing aperitif or for any occasion that calls for an understated yet elegant cocktail. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, the best drinks are the ones with the fewest ingredients.

Variations

Brandy and Ginger

Uses ginger ale instead of soda water, resulting in a sweeter and spicier profile.

Similar cocktails

Horse's Neck

A specific type of Brandy and Ginger, traditionally served with a dash of Angostura bitters and a very long lemon peel garnish that hangs over the rim.

Whiskey Highball

Swaps brandy for whiskey (often Scotch or Japanese whisky), leading to a different flavor profile based on grain rather than grapes.

Gin Rickey

Uses gin and adds fresh lime juice, making it a more tart and botanical highball.

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