Types of Brandy
Brandy comes from the Dutch word brandewijn, meaning "burned wine." It is a type of liquor made from fermented fruit juice, typically grape juice, but can also be made from apricots, apples, and cherries.
Most Popular Brandy Brands in the U.S.
Leading brandy & cognac brands in the U.S. 2020, based on volume sales. Hennessy was the leading brandy and cognac brand in the United States in 2020 with about 4.41 million 9 liter cases sold.
How to Enjoy Brandy
- Neat: Drinking brandy neat means enjoying it straight, without ice or mixers.
- On the Rocks: Brandy served with ice.
- In Cocktails: Brandy can be mixed with other ingredients to create a variety of cocktails.
Mixing Brandy
- Coke: A classic mix that complements each other well.
- Lemonade: Citrus enhances fruity notes and makes a refreshing summer sipper.
- Champagne, Sweet Tea, Amaretto: Other mixers that pair nicely with brandy.
About Brandy and Coffee
Brandy is popular for mixing with coffee. Adding a shot of brandy or cognac to freshly-brewed coffee can create a delightful after-dinner drink.
Shelf Life of Brandy
Unopened brandy does not go bad if stored properly away from heat and light. Once opened, it typically has about 1 to 2 years before noticeable degradation in flavor and quality.