Sidecar
Legend has it that during WWI an Army captain used to pull up to Harry’s Bar in Paris riding in a motorcycle sidecar whereupon he would order the same drink; brandy, Cointreau and lemon juice.
To make this tasty drink, in a cocktail shaker add: 1 1/2 ounces of Cognac, 1 ounce of Cointreau, 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice and ice. Shake until chilled and serve up in a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist. If you want to be fancy, some people will also rim the glass with superfine sugar. Others will replace the Cointreau with Triple Sec. Personally, I’m not a fan of the sugar rim nor would I ruin this drink with Triple Sec, but go ahead, it’s your drink not mine!
Metropolitan
If the Rob Roy is the Manhattan’s Scottish cousin, meet it’s French uncle; the Metropolitan. A cognac-based variation that predates Prohibition. Cognac lends a rich, velvety depth – making this one feel almost decadent.
Stir with ice, strain into a coupe, garnish with a lemon twist or cherry. response to the Manhattan. In a mixing glass add; 2 ounces of Cognac, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, a 1/4 to 1/2 ounce of simple syrup (adjust to taste), 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and ice. Stir until chilled, strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist.
Brandy Cocktail
Here’s a fancy spin on the classic drink. In a cocktail shaker put; 2 ounces of brandy (cognac), 1/2 ounce of Grand Marnier, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters and ice. Shake well and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon peel or twist.
Brandy Manhattan
Popularized in Wisconsin, where brandy reigns supreme, the Brandy Manhattan is warm, smooth, and just a bit sweeter than the original. It’s the same drink, but instead of rye’s spicy bite, you get brandy’s round, velvety embrace. Think of it as the Manhattan that traded Wall Street for a cozy lakeside supper club.
- 2 oz brandy
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Stir with ice, strain into a coupe, garnish with a cherry.
Pyrate Bar 