The perception of any alcoholic drink requires the selection of a suitable snack that complements the taste. By not following this rule, you risk spoiling the impression of even the best alcohol. We will consider what to eat and drink brandy in different situations. The information will be useful for novice tasters who are just getting acquainted with this drink.
1. Light snacks. They are suitable if you plan to drink brandy during a buffet table, after a feast, or try an expensive long-aged drink with an original taste and persistent aroma.
During the buffet, you can limit yourself to cold cuts, for example, ham or low-fat sausage, red fish or caviar sandwiches, high-quality cheeses and vegetables: sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, olives.
For dessert, brandy is served with fruits (white grapes, apples, pears, bananas), unsalted peanuts, walnuts, ice cream and dark chocolate. In many regions of Russia, it is customary to drink brandy with sweet chocolate and lemon, but in most European countries and the United States this combination is considered unacceptable, since lemon and chocolate neutralize the taste of the drink.
During the tasting of expensive brandy, they try not to eat it at all. Elite varieties are drunk from cognac glasses (snifters), adhering to the rule of three Cs: Cafe, Cognac, Cigare. First, they drink a cup of coffee, warm up a glass of brandy with the warmth of their palm, slowly drink 50-80 grams and smoke a cigar. The ritual is repeated several times.
2. Hearty snacks. With a large feast, brandy is eaten with hot meat dishes (preferably low-fat), salads, boiled and fried potatoes. It is not superfluous to put meat and cheese cuts on the table. A good addition will be the traditional cuisine of the area where the brandy is made. The main thing is to avoid fish dishes (except for shrimp and lobster), as they spoil the taste of the drink.
3. How to drink brandy. To reduce the strength, brandy is diluted with non-carbonated mineral water, tonic, orange and grape juices. The optimal proportion is one to one. Grape varieties of brandy can be combined with a cup of coffee or strong black tea.
Due to the fullness and richness of the taste of brandy, it is not customary to mix with other alcoholic beverages, an exception is made only for cocktails.
Brandy Cocktail Recipes
1. “Separator”
Composition:
- brandy – 20 ml;
- cocoa liqueur – 20 ml;
- cream – 30 ml.
Preparation: Place a few large ice cubes in a glass. Add all ingredients and mix.
2. Harakiri
Composition:
- brandy – 45 ml;
- orange liqueur (Triple sec) – 45 ml;
- orange juice – 30 ml.
Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into a glass.
3. “Happy youth”
Composition:
- brandy – 15 ml;
- champagne – 90 ml;
- cherry liqueur – 15 ml;
- sugar – 1 cube.
Preparation: put sugar in a champagne glass, add brandy and liqueur, top up with champagne.