Brandy and Soda (2024)

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Ingredients

  • 2 or 3 ounces brandy -- brandy
  • club soda

Collins glass

Instructions:

Pour brandy into a Collins glass holding 2 or 3 ice cubes and top up with soda. That's all there is to it. Use a well-grade French brandy, one of the cheaper cognacs, or just about any Spanish brandy, but save the pricey stuff for your after-dinner snifter.

The Wondrich Take:

"I say, Jeeves," I said.

"Sir?"

"Mix me a stiffish brandy and soda."

"Yes, sir."

"Stiffish, Jeeves. Not too much soda, but splash the brandy about a bit."

--P.G. Wodehouse, The Inimitable Jeeves

Bertie Wooster -- Jeeves's employer, for those not conversant with the doings of the Drones Club -- may have possessed, as he readily admitted, about "half the amount of brain a normal bloke ought to possess," but he was no dummy. Not when it came to getting outside something alcoholic, anyway. Formerly much-imbibed, the old "b. and s." was -- along with the Pink Gin, which nobody drinks anymore, either -- one of the props that kept the British upper classes from tottering into oblivion, where for all intents and purposes they may now be found. There's a lesson in there somewhere.

However you pronounce your "aitches," this is a fine, mellow alternative to the Scotch and Soda, not entirely without affectation but well short of the riding crop and the small, carefully hedged mustache. (For some reason, the b. and s. is particularly topping when consumed on an airplane.)

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Brandy and Soda (1)

Brandy and Soda (2024)

FAQs

What soda to mix with brandy? ›

Club soda or soda water. Cola. Cream soda. Lemon-lime soda.

Is brandy good for blocked nose? ›

Brandy helps is cold and flu because of its strong anti-inflammatory properties which reduce pain in sore throat and also helps in clearing mucus.

How much brandy should I drink for a cold? ›

A hot toddy for a cold or cough is made from brandy, honey, hot water, lemon and optional spices like cloves or cinnamon. A shot of brandy, a large teaspoon of honey, juice of half a lemon and then fill your mug with hot water to dissolve the honey. Sip away.

How does brandy help a cough? ›

Brandy has antibacterial components and its high proportion of alcohol helps to get rid of the cold, throat pain and coughing in no time. The perfect pairing of its warming nature and relaxing quality made it a trusted source to boost the immune system for hundreds of years.

Is brandy and soda healthy? ›

08 Nov 11 points to consider before drinking brandy and co*ke

co*ke and alcohol can both affect your gut health, your mood, make you more susceptible to anxiety, stress, and depression, can cause inflammation, lead to weight gain, liver damage, diabetes, raised blood pressure, heart disease and more.

Is brandy and soda good? ›

So when we want to best experience those subtle flavors, we turn to the Brandy & Soda. Soda lengthens the drink and makes it refreshing, while its bubbles carry scent compounds upward, helping to reveal the woody vanilla notes of a good brandy (or cognac).

Who should not drink brandy? ›

Like other types of alcohol, brandy can cause inflammation in the blood vessels, increase cholesterol levels, and affect your heart health directly. Long-term effects of alcohol on the cardiovascular system include: high blood pressure. heart disease.

What is the best alcohol for sleep? ›

The Best Nightcaps To Mix Before Bed
  • 01 of 07. Lavender Honey Cream. Courtesy of Liquor.com. ...
  • 02 of 07. Manhattan. Courtesy of Liquor.com. ...
  • 03 of 07. Scotch and Soda. Courtesy of Liquor.com. ...
  • 04 of 07. Brady's Milk Punch co*cktail. Courtesy of Liquor.com. ...
  • 05 of 07. Hot Toddy. ...
  • 06 of 07. New York Sour. ...
  • 07 of 07. French Connection.
22 Jun 2017

Can I drink brandy if I have cough? ›

You should not drink alcohol when you have a cold,” says Dr. Robert Segal, Co-Founder of LabFinder. “Your immune system is already weakened when you are sick. Adding alcohol to that equation can only prolong the process of getting better.”

Does brandy help you sleep? ›

Brandy Helps in Inducing Sleep

Similar to any other alcoholic drink, brandy has calming and tranquilizing properties, which can help induce sleep. As a result, brandy is often recommended, and is very popular as an after-dinner drink.

Is brandy good for the kidneys? ›

Alcohol causes changes in the function of the kidneys and makes them less able to filter the blood. Alcohol also affects the ability to regulate fluid and electrolytes in the body.

Is a shot of brandy a day good for you? ›

Emotional Effects of Brandy

But, drinking brandy in moderation can offer you heart-healthy antioxidants and higher HDLs, so keep it down to not more than one or two 4-ounce servings per day.

What alcohol stops a cough? ›

Whiskey is a great decongestant, and it helps soothe any pain associated with your head cold. Hot liquids of any kind are a good way to soothe a sore throat. Honey and lemon help soothe a cough and any congestion.

Which brand of brandy is best? ›

Best Brandies
  • Hennessy.
  • Asbach.
  • Germain Robin.
  • Bertoux.
  • Martell.
  • Camus.
  • Giffard.
  • Courvoisier.
15 Jul 2022

Can diabetics drink brandy? ›

Therefore, to sum it up, we can conclude that although brandy may have its list of benefits, it is not a suitable drink for individuals with diabetes. In addition, people with higher blood sugar levels have some jotted-down rules that state alcohol consumption is to be avoided.

Is brandy good for heart? ›

Depending on how it's distilled, brandy may share some of the health benefits of red wine, which contains antioxidants believed to aid cardiovascular health. However, these benefits are probably offset by the health risks and damage caused by alcohol use.

What does brandy do to your stomach? ›

Alcohol can increase the amount of acid in your stomach. This can irritate the lining of your stomach. Drinking too much alcohol can cause: gastritis.

Can I drink brandy on an empty stomach? ›

Drinking with an empty or full stomach

If you drink alcohol with an empty stomach, the alcohol passes directly into your bloodstream. If you've eaten before drinking, the rate of alcohol absorption slows down but doesn't stop.

Is brandy better than whiskey? ›

In conclusion, the main difference between brandy and whiskey is that brandy is produced from fermented wine while whisky is distilled from brewed malted cereals. Furthermore, brandy has a fruity and flowery taste to it, while whiskey has a malty and complex flavor and is stronger than brandy.

Which alcohol is good for high blood pressure? ›

American Heart Association: “Drink Wine to Reduce HighBlood Pressure -- JustLeave OuttheAlcohol.”

How much soda do I mix with brandy? ›

Use 1 oz of a brandy. Add in 1 oz of your favorite gold rum. Top it off with around 4 oz or so of Cherry co*ke. Use a lime wedge for a garnish.

Does brandy speed up your heart? ›

The cardiovascular system is affected by alcohol. At the time of drinking, alcohol can cause a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure. In the long-term, drinking above the guidelines can lead to on-going increased heart rate, high blood pressure, weakened heart muscle and irregular heartbeat.

Does brandy increase blood pressure? ›

Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily raises blood pressure. Repeated binge drinking can lead to long-term increases in blood pressure.

What happens if we drink brandy daily? ›

The arteries are de-sludged by its consumption in addition to it contributing towards preventing strokes and certain types of dementia. The copper from brandy's distilling process results in the antioxidants being produced, with a better health effect from superior quality brandy.

What not to drink before bed? ›

before bedtime: Avoid drinks and hot beverages which contain caffeine. These drinks can make us feel more awake and can disrupt our sleep. Some drinks which include caffeine and should be avoided close to bed are; tea, coffee, energy drinks and fizzy juice.

What drink makes you sleepy? ›

Chamomile tea, like warm milk, is another more traditional option in the world of natural sleeping solutions. Experts have recommended the use of chamomile for years as an aid for those who suffer from insomnia. Often, this tea is very calming and soothing — as well as being caffeine-free.

Which brandy is best for cold? ›

  • FutyulosKecskemeti Apricot Brandy 500mL. ...
  • Marie BrizardCherry Brandy 500mL. ...
  • JamesonCold Brew Coffee & Whiskey 700mL. ...
  • Mr BlackCold Brew Coffee Liqueur 700mL. ...
  • Member Offer. ...
  • Member Offer. Mr BlackCold Brew Coffee Liqueur 1L. ...
  • St RemyBrandy 1L. (59 REVIEWS ) ...
  • JP ChenetGrande Noble Brandy 500mL. (32 REVIEWS )

What alcohol is good when sick? ›

Whiskey is an effective decongestant. The alcohol dilates the blood vessels. The steam from the hot beverages works with the decongestant benefits of the alcohol and makes it easier for the mucus membranes to deal with nasal congestion. Whiskey can also relieve aching muscles and soothe a sore throat.

How long does alcohol stay in the body? ›

Alcohol detection tests can measure alcohol in the blood for up to 6 hours, on the breath for 12 to 24 hours, urine for 12 to 24 hours (72 or more hours with more advanced detection methods), saliva for 12 to 24 hours, and hair for up to 90 days. The half-life of alcohol is between 4-5 hours.

Is brandy good for fatty liver? ›

Avoiding Alcohol

Moderate or heavy alcohol use can cause additional damage and fat accumulation in the liver in people with NAFLD. Therefore, patients with NAFLD should avoid alcohol entirely if possible.

Does brandy have any health benefits? ›

Like red wine, brandy may be able to help. Another benefit of those antioxidant compounds brandy contains is they can promote good cholesterol levels. Brandy also contains anti-inflammatory properties which are good for the cardiovascular system. So a little bit of moderation has the ability to improve heart health.

When should you drink brandy? ›

Brandy has traditionally been considered a digestif. That's a fancy French term that just means it's a drink to be consumed after dinner, and generally neat. At one time, the category of digestifs was thought to aid in digestion, and while some in fact do, brandy does not.

Is brandy high in sugar? ›

There are no carbs in a shot of brandy, no sugar, and no fiber.

What drinks damage the kidney? ›

According to the American Kidney Fund, a recent study suggests that drinking two or more carbonated sodas, diet or regular, each day may increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Carbonated and energy drinks have both been linked to the formation of kidney stones.

What is the least harmful alcohol to drink? ›

Take a look at this list of the least-damaging alcoholic drinks from Legends at White Oak to help you drink consciously.
  • Red Wine. ...
  • Light Beer. ...
  • Tequila. ...
  • Gin & Rum & Vodka & Whiskey.
7 Mar 2021

Which alcohol is easiest on your liver? ›

So, now on to the all-important question, which alcohol is easiest on the liver? The quick answer is, none of them. The reason is that the main liver-damaging ingredient in all types of alcohol is ethanol. It doesn't matter which alcohol you chose, be it weak beer or grain alcohol.

How many shots of brandy can I have? ›

For an average adult make, it would take around 4-5 standard shots of brandy to get drunk, while females will start feeling tipsy on 2-3 shots. If your body composition is on the heavier side, then it may even take more than 5 brandy shots for you to get drunk.

Is brandy stronger than vodka? ›

According to Liquor.com, most brandies range from 70-120 proof. This means that anywhere from 35% to 60% of the drink is alcohol. Compared to a basic beer or wine, brandy is very strong. Vodka is normally around 90-100 proof meaning 45%-50% is alcohol, so brandy can be about the same or even stronger.

What alcohol soothes a sore throat? ›

The folklore goes that a hot toddy – the alcoholic drink composed of hot water, lemon juice, honey and whiskey or rum or brandy – can soothe your sore throat or clear your winter cold-induced congestion.

What can I drink for a cough that won't go away? ›

Natural Cough Remedies
  • Honey. 1/12. A teaspoon or two of honey may cut mucus production. ...
  • Hot Drinks. 2/12. Hot drinks won't ease a stuffy head, but they can soothe a cough much better than room temperature drinks. ...
  • Ginger. 3/12. ...
  • Water. 4/12. ...
  • Steam. 5/12. ...
  • Neti Pot. 6/12. ...
  • Elderberry. 7/12. ...
  • Menthol. 8/12.
16 Aug 2021

What can I drink for a sore throat? ›

Drink water, tea (herbal or decaf), broth, soup, and non-caffeinated sports drinks e.g. Gatorade. Hot tea with lemon and honey can help. Gargle with warm salt-water. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of regular table salt in 8 ounces (240 ml) of warm water, gargle for a few seconds, spit it out, then repeat a few times.

What is the number 1 brandy in the world? ›

The 11 best Brandy and Cognacs of the year
RankBrandCategory
1Rémy Martin XOBest overall
2Hine Antique XOBest premium
3Asbach 8 YearBest value
4Louis XIIIMost expensive
7 more rows
30 Nov 2022

Is brandy better cold or warm? ›

In general, brandy is best when served at room temperature. If you prefer co*cktails to drinking spirits neat, brandy is a key ingredient in several delicious mixed drinks. The drinks below will bring out the best in less aged brandies but can be made with whichever type you prefer.

Can brandy reduce blood sugar? ›

Alcohol can cause hypoglycemia

Within a few minutes of drinking alcohol, and for up to 12 hours afterward, alcohol can cause your blood glucose level to drop.

What is the best alcohol if you have diabetes? ›

Best alcoholic drinks for diabetics
  • Red wine, which provides antioxidants that may help lower the risk of heart disease.
  • White wine.
  • Dry sparkling wines, such as Champagne, prosecco, or cava.
18 Jan 2022

Which alcohol can lower blood sugar? ›

Wine. Some research says wine (red or white) may help your body use insulin better and may even make you less likely to get type 2 diabetes in the first place. It may also have heart benefits, to boot! Moderation is the key as too much alcohol can cause hypoglycemia.

Can I take brandy with soda? ›

Instructions: Pour brandy into a Collins glass holding 2 or 3 ice cubes and top up with soda. That's all there is to it. Use a well-grade French brandy, one of the cheaper cognacs, or just about any Spanish brandy, but save the pricey stuff for your after-dinner snifter.

What is the best way to drink brandy? ›

Brandy should be served in brandy snifters (also known as a brandy inhaler) to provide the optimal drinking experience. The wide bowl allows the customer to swirl and warm the liquid in the glass, while the tapered opening directs the aromas to the customer's nose and intensifies the flavors in the brandy.

Does brandy go well with Sprite? ›

Brandy Old-Fashioned

You'll make it with Angostura bitters, orange slices, maraschino cherries, a sugar cube, brandy, and Sprite. Add more cherries and orange slices for garnishes. It's a sweet, fruit-filled, amber-colored drink that everyone will love.

How much brandy is good for health daily? ›

If you decide to drink brandy every day, health experts recommend you limit yourself to 2 standard drinks (for men) or 1 standard drink (for women) per day. A standard drink is a measure of moderate drinking. 1.5 ounces of a distilled spirit like brandy meets the requirement for one standard drink.

What is a brandy and soda? ›

noun. : a drink of brandy diluted with soda water.

What time should I drink brandy? ›

Similar to any other alcoholic drink, brandy has calming and tranquilizing properties, which can help induce sleep. As a result, brandy is often recommended, and is very popular as an after-dinner drink.

Is a glass of brandy a day good for you? ›

Brandy is good for your health because it is known to help you aid weight problems as the alcohol does not contain carbs. If you want to keep your body weight in control, drinking a shot or two of brandy removes bad cholesterol and will help you stimulate your appetites over time.

Does brandy get you drunk? ›

For an average adult make, it would take around 4-5 standard shots of brandy to get drunk, while females will start feeling tipsy on 2-3 shots. If your body composition is on the heavier side, then it may even take more than 5 brandy shots for you to get drunk.

What is the ratio of soda to alcohol? ›

This is a classic drink that is usually 1 part vodka to 2-4 parts of club soda. It depends on how strong you like your drink how much club soda you use. It is often garnished with a lime wedge. I like to order and extra lime to squeeze in just a little bit more flavor.

Does mixing alcohol with soda make it less effective? ›

Mixing Alcohol With Diet Soda May Make You Drunker : The Salt Turns out, the sugar in regular soda helps slow down your body's absorption of the alcohol in co*cktails. So switching to diet in your rum and cola will save you calories but may leave you spinning.

How much alcohol is in a brandy? ›

Brandy is distilled wine. The concentration of alcohol in brandy ranges from 35% to 60%. For example, one famous brandy, Cognac, has 40% ABV.

Which juice is best with brandy? ›

If you have a good-quality brandy on hand, you might like to keep it simple and add a small splash of lemon or lime juice, and a splash of soda – to make the brandy the star of the show. Citrus is a great pairing for brandy – simply adjust to your taste preferences.

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