Brandy Crusta

Tasting Notes

The Brandy Crusta is a smooth, citrusy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a rich depth from brandy, a hint of cherry from maraschino liqueur, and a bright acidity from lemon juice. The dash of Angostura bitters adds a layer of complexity, while the sugar-rimmed glass provides a balanced sweetness with each sip. The lemon peel garnish enhances the aromatic appeal, making this a refreshing yet elegant drink.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a cocktail shaker for mixing, a strainer for a smooth pour, and a stemmed coupe or wine glass for serving. A jigger ensures precise measurements, and a knife or peeler helps prepare the lemon garnish. A plate with sugar is necessary for rimming the glass.

Pro Tips

• Luxardoigh-quality brandy or Cognac for a smoother, more refined taste.
• For a sweeter cocktail, add a bar spoon (¼ oz) of simple syrup.
• Shake well to ensure a perfectly chilled, well-mixed drink.
• For a traditional presentation, use a deeply sugared rim and a long lemon peel garnish that drapes inside the glass.
• If you prefer a drier version, reduce the maraschino liqueur slightly.

When to Serve

The Brandy Crusta is perfect for sophisticated cocktail nights, classic cocktail enthusiasts, after-dinner drinks, and elegant gatherings. With its refreshing citrus notes and smooth finish, it’s a great alternative to an Old Fashioned or Sidecar.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

For the best results, use a smooth brandy or Cognac like Hennessy VS, Pierre Ferrand 1840, or Courvoisier VS. Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur is a top choice for authenticity, and Angostura bitters provide the perfect balance.

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Brandy Crusta

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

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Course: Brandy

Cuisine: American

Keyword: brandy, brandy crusta, curacao, liqueurs

Servings: 1

Author: Paul Kushner

Brandy, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and bitters with sugar rim.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Brandy
• 1/2 oz Maraschino Liqueur
• 1/4 oz Lemon Juice
• A dash of Angostura Bitters
• Simple syrup optional, for those who like it sweeter
• Lemon peel for garnish
• Sugar for rimming the glass

See also  Pomegranate Lemon Drop Martini

Instructions

• Rim your glass with sugar to start off with a sweet edge.
• In a shaker, combine brandy, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, bitters, and ice.
• Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
• Strain into your sugar-rimmed glass.
• Garnish with a lemon peel for that aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

Note that you can also use whiskey or gin instead of brandy to make a Whiskey Crusta or Gin Crusta, respectively. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of liqueurs and bitters to customize the flavor of your cocktail.

When making a Brandy Crusta, it's important to use quality ingredients and to follow the recipe closely to ensure a perfectly balanced cocktail. Keep in mind that this cocktail is on the sweeter side, so adjust the amount of sugar syrup used to your preference.

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