This mixed drink cocktail recipe is a heady reminder of long hot days in the Mediterranean sun with its unique combination of Cyprus brandy, lemon and bitters. Similar recipes can be found in other countries, but an authentic Brandy Sour should be made with Cypriot liquor and the distinctive yellow-green bitter lemons found all over the island.
Origins of the Brandy Sour
A "soft" drink fit for a king is essentially how the Brandy Sour came to be introduced. Back in the 1930’s, King Farouk of Egypt, who reigned from 1936 – 1952, spent much of his time in the Troodos mountain area of Cyprus staying at the Forest Park Hotel in the mountain resort of Platres.
Despite being a Muslim, the young king had a strong liking for Western cocktails so the hotel management devised the cocktail as a substitute for iced tea. Once the drink became known in other hotels in the resort, it quickly spread to other towns on the island. Today the Brandy Sour is internationally recognized as "the" Cyprus cocktail.
Ingredients for a Brandy Sour
- 2 measures Cypriot brandy (usually KEO VSOP or Haggipavlu Anglias brands)
- 1 measure Cypriot lemon squash
- 2-4 drops of bitters (Angostura is the most commonly used)
- Top up with soda or lemonade
- Ice
How to Make a Brandy Sour Cocktail
- Put ice in a tall glass and add a few drops of Angostura bitters.
- Add brandy and the lemon squash.
- Stir to mix then top up with soda water for a stronger taste or lemonade for a slightly sweeter cocktail.
About Cypriot Brandy and Cypriot Lemon Squash
Brandy, in particular the Haggipavlu Anglias and Keo brands recommended for this cocktail, is one of Cyprus’s main exports and has a distinctive caramel aftertaste. As the flavor is less strong and the price very cheap compared to cognac and Armagnac, it is perfect for cocktail making.
The lemon squash used in an authentic Brandy Sour is made from the bitter lemons found locally which are mixed with a small amount of sugar to produce a strong lemon cordial. In practice, most people use undiluted, shop-bought lemon squash instead.
A well-made Brandy Sour should have a distinctive, fresh, slightly sweet yet sour taste without an overpowering taste of brandy. The color should be amber/pale orange. If it is too dark, the bartender has been too heavy with the brandy or the Angostura bitters.
Tips on Making Brandy Sour at Home
- Experiment with adding a few more or less drops of Angostura bitters according to personal taste.
- Make an economical punch for a summer party or BBQ using cheap, preferably Cypriot, brandy.
- Serve a mixture of iced tea with Brandy Sours as a non-alcoholic alternative at a cocktail party. Just be sure to label each one appropriately.
Brandy Sour Cocktail, Memories of Cyprus
There’s nothing quite like a Brandy Sour on a hot summer’s night in Cyprus. Take a little of the island home by using this easy cocktail recipe, not forgetting a bottle of cheap Cyprus brandy at the airport on the way home.
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Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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