Brandy Smash
3.8 22 ratings
Ingredients
How to make
Serve in a old-fashioned glass
Prepare
- 1 Select and pre-chill an OLD-FASHIONED GLASS.
- 2 Prepare garnish of mint sprigs.
Method
- 3 SHAKE all ingredients with ice.
- 4 FINE STRAIN into ice-filled glass (preferably over a large cube or chunk of block ice).
Garnish
- 5 Garnish with mint sprigs bouquet.
Flavour profile
History
Cognac sweetened and flavoured with mint. Elegant simplicity.
The cocktail category known as Smashes, also called "smashers," made its initial appearance in America, especially in the South, during the 1840s, with their popularity peaking in the following decade, the 1850s. Jerry Thomas prominently featured the Brandy Smash, alongside the Gin Smash and Whiskey Smash, within his 1862 publication, The Bar-Tender's Guide. This work stands as the first known book specifically designed for bartenders. In it, he characterized "The Smash" by stating, "This beverage is simply a julep on a small plan." The Brandy Smash recipe reappeared without alteration in the 1876 edition of his Guide, before Thomas revised and modernized it for the 1887 Edition. "Brandy Smash. (Use small bar glass.) ½ table-spoonful of white sugar. 1 do. water. 1 wine-glass of brandy. Fill two-thirds full of shaved ice, use two sprigs of mint, the same as in the recipe for mint julep. Lay two small pieces of orange on top, and ornament with berries in season." "Brandy Smash. (Use small bar-glass.) Take 1 tea-spoonful of white sugar. 2 table-spoonfuls of water. 3 or 4 sprigs of tender mint. 1 wine-glass of brandy. Press the mint in the sugar and water to extract the flavor, add the brandy, and fill the glass two-thirds full of shaved ice. Stir thoroughly, and ornament with a half slice of orange, and a few fresh sprigs of mint. Serve with a straw."
Created by Jerry 'The Professor' Thomas