Brandy

N/A (distilled spirit) Alcohol (Spirit)

Brandy Alcohol (Spirit)

At a Glance

  • Category Alcohol (Spirit)

The Forktionary Angle

"Originating from the Dutch word "brandewijn" (burnt wine), brandy's versatility extends from a sophisticated digestif to a flavor enhancer in countless dishes."

Definition

A spirit distilled from fermented fruit juice, typically grape wine, aged in wooden casks, known for its rich, complex flavor and warming properties.

Science - Alcohol Content Typically 35-60% alcohol by volume (ABV), contributing to flavor and preservation.
Storage - Unopened Stores indefinitely. Opened: Maintains quality for years in a cool, dark place.
Usage - Deglazing Pan Often used to deglaze pans, adding depth to sauces.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Brandy are:

Fruity oak caramel vanilla warming sweet (depending on type)

Chef’s Secret

When flambéing with brandy, ensure your pan is off the heat before adding the spirit to prevent accidental flare-ups, then return to heat.

Best Substitutes

Cognac

Ratio 1:1

Sherry

for cooking
Ratio 1:1

Dry White Wine

for cooking, less depth
Ratio 1:1

Apple Brandy/Calvados

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Consider its intended use; cheaper brandies are fine for cooking, while aged varieties are for sipping.

Recipes Using Brandy

Cuisine Cuisine European Main Dish

Beef Stew With Red Wine And Carrots Daube De Boeuf Aux Carottes

Indulge in this rich and hearty Beef Stew with Red Wine & Carrots (Daube de Boeuf aux Carottes), a classic French recipe perfect for a cozy night in! Tender beef, slow-cooked to perfection in a deep red wine sauce with sweet carrots, served over creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe, adapted from Fine Cooking #84, is guaranteed to impress.

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Equipment 60 Minutes Or Less Side Dishes Low In Something

Baked Brandy Carrots

Impress your guests with these elegant Baked Brandy Carrots! This make-ahead side dish requires no last-minute fuss, allowing you to enjoy your dinner party. Sweet, tender carrots are glazed with a rich brandy sauce, creating a delicious and visually stunning side that's perfect for holidays or any special occasion. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Chicken Chicken Meat 30 Minutes Or Less

Apricot Brandy Chicken

This incredibly easy 30-minute recipe delivers a burst of apricot brandy flavor that will tantalize your taste buds! The rich, luscious sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, leaving everyone wanting more. A family favorite, guaranteed to impress!

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Low Protein Low Sodium Apples Occasion

Apple Topping For Pancakes Waffles Such

Elevate your breakfast with this irresistible cinnamon-spiced apple topping! Perfect for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or even ice cream, this recipe from the Black Dog Inn B&B in Estes Park, Colorado, is bursting with autumnal flavor. Mix and match apple varieties for a complex sweetness, and add a touch of festive flair with raisins or dried cranberries. The simple recipe allows for customization – leave it chunky for a rustic feel or blend it smooth for a decadent sauce. Get ready for a taste of Colorado comfort!

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Low Sodium 15 Minutes Or Less Romantic Low Sodium

Strawberries Romanoff Taste Just Like La Madeleine Copycat

Craving La Madeleine's famous Strawberries Romanoff? This incredibly easy recipe lets you recreate the magic at home in minutes! A Houston newspaper favorite, it's so delicious, even an 11-year-old can make it. Get ready for a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion – rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor!

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Number Of Servings Number Of Servings Low Protein 5 Ingredients Or Less

Angel's Wing

A stunning and simple layered cocktail, perfect for impressing guests! This elegant Angel's Wings drink requires minimal effort but delivers maximum visual impact. Learn how to create this beautiful pousse-café masterpiece in just minutes.

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Low In Something Occasion Preparation Easy

Beef In Red Wine Brandy

This Beef in Red Wine Brandy recipe is a timeless favorite, perfected over years of family gatherings. Originally discovered in a dusty library cookbook, this hearty dish boasts tender beef slow-cooked to perfection in a rich red wine and brandy sauce. We've added sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth, but feel free to customize with carrots, potatoes, or your favorite vegetables to create a complete one-pan meal. Prepare to be amazed as this simple recipe delivers complex flavors and consistently earns rave reviews – it's a true keeper! Serve over fluffy rice or egg noodles for a comforting and unforgettable experience.

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Easy Course Preparation 5 Ingredients Or Less

Amaretto Shake

Indulge in this decadent chocolate amaretto milkshake! Rich, creamy, and subtly boozy, it's the perfect after-dinner treat or a sophisticated pick-me-up. This easy 5-minute recipe combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate and amaretto for a truly unforgettable milkshake experience.

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Meat Beef Course Main Dish

Beef In Red Wine

Indulge in this decadent Beef in Red Wine roast, inspired by Charlotte Turgeon's Encyclopedia of Creative Cooking. This recipe delivers a melt-in-your-mouth beef experience, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich red wine sauce. The 12-24 hour marinade ensures maximum flavor penetration, resulting in an unforgettable culinary masterpiece. Learn a simple tomato peeling trick for effortless prep!

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Main Dish Easy Chicken French

Chicken With Blue Cheese

Indulge in this sophisticated French-inspired dish! Our Chicken with Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce features succulent chicken perfectly complemented by a rich, tangy blue cheese sauce. The strong flavor of blue cheese makes this a recipe for adventurous palates – those who love it will adore it! Easy to follow instructions and a reasonable cook time make this a perfect weeknight dinner.

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Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less Dinner Party Pears

Almond Pear Tart

This show-stopping Almond Pear Tart, inspired by Southern Living, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Perfect for Easter dinner or any special occasion, this surprisingly easy recipe boasts a buttery almond filling and perfectly spiced pears. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Course Occasion Preparation 4 Hours Or Less

Apricot And Almond Tart

Indulge in this exquisite Apricot and Almond Tart, a Parisian patisserie classic! This recipe recreates the delicate buttery crust and luscious almond filling I learned during a culinary adventure in Paris. The sweet apricots perfectly complement the rich almond cream, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this elegant dessert.

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Preparation Preparation Low In Something Low Sodium

Berry Licious Cream Cheese Tart Pie

Indulge in the irresistible Berry Licious Cream Cheese Tart Pie! This decadent dessert features a hidden layer of rich chocolate, a creamy cream cheese filling, and a stunning top layer of glazed berries and crunchy pecans. The perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and tart flavors will leave you craving more. Easy to make in a tart or pie pan, this recipe is perfect for impressing friends and family.

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5 Ingredients Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Time To Make Number Of Servings

Adios Amigos

Ignite your next party with the fiery Adios Amigos cocktail! This spicy 5-minute recipe is easy to make, yet delivers a bold and unforgettable flavor that will have your guests saying 'Adios' to boring drinks. Perfect for a fiesta or any celebration.

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Beverages Low Sodium 15 Minutes Or Less Low In Something

Apple Blossom

Unleash the potent and refreshing Apple Blossom cocktail! This classic recipe, straight from the bartender's guide, boasts a surprisingly tart and invigorating apple flavor. Easily customizable, add more apple juice to your liking – it's perfectly balanced without being overly sweet. A sophisticated, yet simple drink perfect for any occasion.

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Main Ingredient Fruit Pork Seasonal

Grilled Pork Tenderloin With Apples And Brandy Cream Sauce

Indulge in the ultimate fall feast! This recipe features a succulent grilled pork tenderloin, perfectly complemented by sweet and tart grilled apples. A rich brandy cream sauce elevates the dish to new heights, while creamy garlic mashed potatoes (recipe not included) complete this unforgettable meal. Prepare for an explosion of autumn flavors!

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Fruit Preparation North American Low Fat

Baked Brandied Cranberries

Indulge in the irresistible sweetness and tang of these baked brandied cranberries! Perfectly plump and bursting with flavor, this easy recipe elevates the classic cranberry sauce to a whole new level. The brandy adds a sophisticated warmth, beautifully balancing the tartness of the cranberries, while the sugar provides the perfect touch of sweetness. A festive and elegant side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering!

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Nuts Occasion Main Ingredient Fruit

Apricot And Raisin Butter Cake

Indulge in this moist and decadent Apricot & Raisin Butter Cake, a delightful twist on traditional fruit cakes. The rich, buttery crumb is perfectly complemented by plump, brandy-soaked apricots and raisins, creating a symphony of flavors. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, this show-stopping cake is ideal for special occasions or a cozy afternoon treat. Easy to halve for smaller gatherings!

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