Brandy Sour III

Cyprus Brandy Sour III Recipe with Brandy, Lemon Juice, and Angostura Bitters

Region / culture: Cyprus | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 1

Introduction

The Brandy Sour III is a classic cocktail that combines the rich, warming flavors of brandy with the sharp, refreshing taste of lemon juice, rounded off with a hint of complexity from angostura bitters. This drink is perfect for those who appreciate a cocktail that balances sweetness and acidity, making it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions.

History

The Brandy Sour has a storied history, with variations of the drink dating back to the 19th century. It is believed to have originated as a medicinal tonic before evolving into a popular social beverage. The Brandy Sour III is a modern take on this classic, maintaining the core elements that have made it a timeless choice while adapting it for contemporary palates.

Ingredients

2 parts (50 ml) of brandy (preferably Cyprus cocktail brandy)
1 part (25 ml) of pure lemon juice
2 drops of angostura bitters
top up with soda and add lots of ice cubes, then stir

How to prepare

Take a tall glass and add the ingredients.
Garnish with a slice of fresh lemon and serve immediately.

Variations

For a sweeter version of the Brandy Sour III, you can add a teaspoon of simple syrup. Alternatively, for a spicier twist, a dash of cinnamon can be added before stirring.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor for your Brandy Sour III, use a high-quality brandy and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The freshness of the lemon juice makes a significant difference in the overall taste of the cocktail. Additionally, chilling your glass beforehand can enhance the drinking experience by keeping the drink cooler for longer.

Serving Suggestions

The Brandy Sour III is best served immediately after preparation in a tall glass, garnished with a slice of fresh lemon. It is an excellent choice for a pre-dinner drink or as a refreshing cocktail at any social gathering.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing a Brandy Sour III is in the stirring. Properly stirring the cocktail with ice before serving ensures that it is well-chilled and that the flavors are well-blended.

Ingredient Substitutions

If brandy is not available, whiskey can be used as a substitute, creating a variation known as a Whiskey Sour. Similarly, lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

While the Brandy Sour III is best served fresh, the brandy and lemon juice mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add the angostura bitters and ice just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, garnish the drink with a twist of lemon peel or a maraschino cherry in addition to the lemon slice.

Pairing Recommendations

The Brandy Sour III pairs well with a wide range of appetizers, especially those featuring seafood or cheese. It also complements spicy dishes by providing a refreshing counterbalance to the heat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

As a fresh cocktail, the Brandy Sour III does not require storage or reheating. It should be prepared and enjoyed immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Brandy Sour III contains approximately 120 calories, making it a moderate choice in terms of caloric intake for an alcoholic beverage.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Brandy Sour III contains approximately 7 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the lemon juice and the small amount of sugar present in the angostura bitters.

Fats

This cocktail is virtually fat-free, making it a lighter choice for those monitoring their fat intake.

Proteins

The Brandy Sour III contains negligible amounts of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon juice is a good source of Vitamin C, providing a modest vitamin boost in each serving of the cocktail.

Alergens

The Brandy Sour III is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, gluten, and soy, making it suitable for individuals with these allergies.

Summary

Overall, the Brandy Sour III is a relatively low-calorie cocktail with minimal fats and proteins but offers a small amount of Vitamin C from the lemon juice.

Summary

The Brandy Sour III is a delightful cocktail that offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it a versatile choice for many occasions. With its rich history and simple preparation, it is sure to be a hit with those who appreciate the finer things in life. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail aficionado or new to the world of mixed drinks, the Brandy Sour III is a must-try.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold close to my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first learned how to make the delicious concoction known as Brandy Sour III.

I had always been fascinated by the art of cooking, and I was lucky enough to have a grandmother who enjoyed sharing her knowledge with me. She was a wonderful cook, and she had a vast collection of recipes that she had acquired from various places and people over the years.

One summer, when I was staying with my grandmother at her cottage by the sea, she decided to teach me how to make Brandy Sour III. She told me that it was a popular cocktail that was perfect for sipping on hot summer days, and she promised me that I would love it.

We started by gathering all the ingredients we would need: brandy, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. My grandmother showed me how to measure out the brandy and lemon juice, and she explained the importance of getting the proportions just right. She also taught me how to make a simple syrup by heating sugar and water together until the sugar had dissolved.

As we worked together in the kitchen, my grandmother told me the story of how she had first learned to make Brandy Sour III. She said that she had discovered the recipe while on a trip to Greece many years ago, and that she had fallen in love with the refreshing drink from the first sip.

She had asked the bartender for the recipe, and he had been happy to share it with her. My grandmother had taken notes on a napkin, and she had brought it home with her, where it had become a favorite among her family and friends.

As we mixed the ingredients together and poured the drink into glasses filled with ice, my grandmother told me that the key to a perfect Brandy Sour III was in the balance of flavors. The brandy should be rich and smooth, the lemon juice should be tart and tangy, and the soda water should be sparkling and refreshing.

She handed me a glass and told me to take a sip. I closed my eyes and savored the taste of the drink – the sweet brandy, the sour lemon, and the fizzy soda water all mingling together in perfect harmony. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had discovered a new favorite.

From that day on, Brandy Sour III became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would make it for family gatherings, for dinner parties, and for lazy afternoons spent lounging in the sun. Each time I made it, I would think of my grandmother and the happy memories we had shared together in the kitchen.

Now, as I sit here sipping on a glass of Brandy Sour III, I can't help but smile as I remember that summer long ago when I first learned how to make this delicious drink. It's a recipe that has been passed down through the generations, and one that I will surely continue to share with my own grandchildren one day.

But for now, I will simply enjoy the taste of this perfect cocktail and the memories of a summer spent with my beloved grandmother by the sea. Cheers to good food, good company, and good memories.