The Brandy Daisy is one of those cocktails that always feels like a little celebration in a glass. It’s bright, citrusy, and just sweet enough to keep you sipping. The smooth warmth of brandy pairs beautifully with lemon and a touch of orange liqueur, all topped off with a splash of soda water and just a kiss of grenadine. It’s refreshing, a little fancy, and surprisingly easy to mix up. I’ve made this drink countless times-especially on warm evenings-and it never fails to impress. Let’s walk through how to make it at home.
Brandy Daisy
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Goblet or cocktail glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) brandy (choose a smooth one you like)
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 oz (7 ml) orange liqueur (like Cointreau or triple sec)
– 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) grenadine
– A splash of soda water (plain or flavored, see tips)
– Ice
– Garnish: maraschino cherry or lemon twist
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the brandy, lemon juice, and orange liqueur.
- Shake well-about 15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the drink into your glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with a splash of soda water and gently pour in the grenadine. It’ll settle at the bottom and create a lovely color gradient.
- Garnish with a cherry or twist of lemon, and serve right away.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lemon juice-it makes a big difference. Bottled just doesn’t have the same bright, zesty punch.
– Choose a good brandy. It doesn’t have to be top-shelf, but something smooth and flavorful will really shine in this drink. VS or VSOP cognac works beautifully.
– Don’t overdo the grenadine. Just half a teaspoon adds the right touch of sweetness and color.
– For an extra-refreshing version, use chilled soda water or try a citrus-flavored sparkling water.
– This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the porch-especially when friends drop by unexpectedly. It’s easy to scale up and still feels special.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the brandy, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and grenadine ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just give it a quick shake with ice, pour over fresh ice, and top with soda.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’ve premixed a batch (minus the soda), it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just shake or stir before serving.
Serving Suggestions
The Brandy Daisy plays well with food-especially when you’re snacking or hosting:
– Sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda balance the citrus and brandy warmth.
– Grilled meats-think chicken skewers or pork chops-get a lift from the drink’s brightness.
– Spicy appetizers like jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings are cooled down by the sweet-and-sour notes.
Variations to Try
Sometimes you want to stick with the classic. Other times, it’s fun to shake things up. Here are a few easy ways to make it your own:
New York Daisy
– Swap brandy for rye whiskey.
– Add a dash of raspberry syrup in place of grenadine.
Summer Daisy
– Muddle a few slices of cucumber and a sprig of mint in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
– Strain well and serve over crushed ice for a super refreshing twist.
Tropical Daisy
– Add a splash (about 1 oz / 30 ml) of coconut water and 1 tsp of pineapple juice.
– Serve over crushed ice with a pineapple wedge or mint sprig.
Virgin Brandy Daisy (Mocktail)
– Mix 1/2 oz (15 ml) lemon juice with 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) grenadine.
– Top with chilled soda water and garnish with a cherry or citrus twist.
Ingredient Swaps
– No lemon juice? Lime works for a sharper, more tropical flavor.
– Out of orange liqueur? Try peach schnapps or raspberry liqueur for a fruity variation.
– Soda water options: plain is classic, but citrus- or berry-flavored sparkling waters can add a fun twist.
Common Questions
What makes the Brandy Daisy different from other Daisy cocktails?
It’s the brandy. That smooth, rich base gives this Daisy a cozy warmth that sets it apart from its gin- or whiskey-based cousins.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh is so much better. Bottled juice tends to taste flat. Squeeze a lemon-it’s worth it.
How strong is this drink?
It’s got some kick, thanks to the brandy, but it’s balanced out by the citrus, soda, and sweetness. It’s smooth, not overpowering-just don’t let the easy-sipping vibe fool you.
How do I make it look great?
Presentation matters! A cherry, lemon twist, or even a sprig of mint makes it feel special. And that grenadine layer? It’s a showstopper.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Absolutely. Mix the brandy, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and grenadine in a pitcher. Chill it well. When serving, pour over ice and top each glass with soda and garnish.
Final Thought
The Brandy Daisy is one of those timeless drinks that’s both elegant and easygoing. Whether you’re making one for yourself or a batch for friends, it’s a crowd-pleaser with just enough flair to feel festive. And once you’ve got the basics down, you can play with flavors to suit any mood or season. Cheers!
