Category: Cointreau

Strawberry Margarita

This strawberry margarita recipe is frosty, fruity and refreshing! It’s easy to make with frozen berries and a blender, a…

This strawberry margarita recipe is frosty, fruity and refreshing! It’s easy to make with frozen berries and a blender, a delightful balance of sweet and tart that’s perfect for parties.

Strawberry Margarita in rocks glass with salt rim and strawberry garnish

Love margaritas but want a fruity spin? Try this tasty and refreshing Strawberry Margarita recipe! This one is frosty and fruity, full of sweet berry flavor and perfectly complimented with the zing of lime and tequila.

Why we love this recipe: The margarita pairs perfectly with fruit, and we’ve already got several fruity margarita recipes under our belt, like watermelon, mango and peach. But the strawberry margarita is our favorite! We’re 100% in love with its vibrant red color and sweet tart flavor.

Ingredients in a strawberry margarita

The margarita is one of the most popular cocktails of all time, and the classic definition has just three ingredients: lime juice, Cointreau, and tequila. That’s what’s in our classic margarita recipe, our very favorite of them all. This strawberry margarita is like a combination between the classic and a frozen margarita! It’s made in a blender, and comes out with a frosty texture. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Frozen strawberries

How to make a strawberry margarita

The strawberry margarita is made in a blender, so it’s not the standard way to make a classic margarita. It’s actually even easier, since you don’t need a cocktail shaker! This strawberry margarita recipe makes two drinks, so you can drink with a friend or partner, or increase the amounts of a larger size. Here’s what to do (or go to the full recipe below):

  1. Step 1: A salted rim is a must: the salt enhances the sweet and sour flavors in the drink.
  2. Blend! Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until it’s full combined and creamy.

For a more liquid texture, keep on blending

The texture of this strawberry margarita is icy, but you can also make it more of a room temperature fruity margarita. Just keep blending it! If you blend for a few minutes, it will become less icy and have more of a blended, juice like texture.

  • Icy texture: Keep it frozen for a smoothie-like texture by blending just until it’s fully integrated and icy.
  • Juicy texture: If you keep blending for a few minutes, you can get to a texture that’s more like juice. It’s still cold, but you can taste the flavors even more when it’s not as icy.

Which texture do we prefer? Well, we like it both ways! Personally I like it a little warmer so I can taste the sweet berries and edge of the tequila. But keep it icy and it’s a perfect summer cocktail for a hot afternoon on the patio.

How to make a strawberry margarita: margarita glass with strawberry garnish

What tequila for strawberry margaritas?

You can use any type of tequila for this strawberry margarita, but keep the following in mind:

  • Buy at least mid-range tequila. This cocktail tastes only as good as the quality of alcohol. Look for 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35.
  • Tequila blanco or reposado works, but fruity margaritas are best with tequila blanco. We love the nuance that comes with using tequila reposado (aged) in margaritas. But for this fruity margarita with an icy texture, you can use tequila blanco! Some brands we recommend are Espolon Blanco, El Tesoro Blanco, Patrón Silver, and Casamigos.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

You can use either ripe fresh strawberries or frozen strawberries in this strawberry margarita recipe! Using fresh berries, the texture will come out with the juicy texture mentioned above.

The advantage of using frozen berries is the icy texture, kind of like a strawberry daiquiri but not as thick. Frozen berries are also very easy to store, making it simple to whip up strawberry margaritas on demand!

🍓 Want more with strawberries? Try our Best Strawberry Cocktails.

Ideas for the salt rim

To take the drink presentation over the top, try our homemade margarita salt for the salt rim! You can even skip the orange zest and simply use lime (as shown). Tajín is another great option for the rim, a Mexican seasoning blend that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor.

Strawberry margarita recipe

More margarita recipes

We have lots of margarita recipes! We’ve got one for just about any occasion! Let us know if you find a favorite:

Margarita recipeClassic MargaritaFrozen margaritaFrozen MargaritaCadillac MargaritaCadillac MargaritaPineapple Margarita in rocks glass with pineapple garnish.Pineapple Margaritavirgin margarita with lime garnishes and salt rim.Virgin MargaritaItalian Margarita in glass with salt rim and Amaretto.Italian MargaritaJalapeno margaritaJalapeno MargaritaBeer MargaritaBeer MargaritaPatron margaritaPatron MargaritaBlue margaritaBlue Margarita

Frequently asked questions

What kind of strawberries are best for a margarita?

Frozen strawberries are ideal for this strawberry margarita recipe. Fresh strawberries can be used too, and they make for more of a juicy texture.

Do I need to muddle the strawberries?

This is a blender margarita recipe, so muddling is not needed!

What type of tequila should I use?

A silver or blanco tequila is the most common choice for margaritas, including the strawberry version. It offers a clean and crisp base that allows the strawberry flavor to shine.

Can I use a different type of sweetener?

Yes! Simple syrup, agave nectar, or even honey can be used to sweeten your margarita to taste.

What can I add for a spicy kick?

Add the slices of ¼ jalapeno pepper, deseeded, and blend to combine.

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Strawberry Margarita

Perfect Strawberry Margarita

★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

No reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 drinks
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Description

This strawberry margarita recipe is frosty, fruity and refreshing! It’s easy to make with frozen berries and a blender, a delightful balance of sweet and tart that’s perfect for parties.

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) tequila*
  • 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) Cointreau
  • 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
  • 10 ounces (1 ½ cups) frozen whole strawberries (fresh work too!)
  • 1 tablespoon simple syrup, agave syrup, or maple syrup
  • 1 cup ice

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of two glasses. Dip the edge of each rim into a plate of salt (or for a festive look, use margarita salt).
  2. Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until fully combined: you can blend until it’s an icy texture, or keep blending for a minute or so until it’s more liquid. Taste and add additional sweetener if desired. Pour into the glasses and serve.

Notes

*Easily doubles for 4 drinks or triples for 6 drinks, based on the size of your blender (use the 2x and 3x button). 

For a sweet margarita: Add make it with double the simple syrup or maple syrup, and add more to taste if desired.

For other fruit variations: Replace half of the frozen strawberries with frozen mangoes, peaches, or pineapple for different flavor combinations. Adjust the sweetener to taste.

For a spicy margarita: Remove the seeds from ¼ jalapeño pepper and roughly chop it. Add it to the blender and blend.

Rim variations: Try margarita salt or a Tajín rim, a Mexican seasoning blend of chili peppers, lime, and salt that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Strawberry margarita recipe, strawberry margarita

Cadillac Margarita

Step up your margarita game with the Cadillac Margarita! It uses top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier liqueur for a smooth,…

Step up your margarita game with the Cadillac Margarita! It uses top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier liqueur for a smooth, sophisticated twist.

Cadillac margarita in margarita glass with salt rim.

Want a sophisticated spin on the margarita? When we have friends over and want to step it up a notch, we pull out the Cadillac! It’s of our favorite spins on this classic tequila cocktail using top quality tequila and Grand Marnier. It has a smooth, nuanced flavor that makes everyone say, “Wow! What’s in this?”

Why we love a Cadillac margarita: As two cocktail experts with over 300 cocktail recipes in our library and 25+ margarita recipes under our belt, the Cadillac is a tried and true favorite! The pop of citrus against the bitter orange, vanilla and oak notes in the Grand Marnier gets us every time. It’s a great way to step up your cocktail game with very little effort.

Ingredients in a Cadillac margarita

A Cadillac margarita is a version of the classic margarita using premium ingredients: best quality tequila and orange liqueur, with Grand Marnier floated onto the top of the drink. This luxurious spin on the classic is believed to have gained mainstream popularity in the 1980s in Southern California restaurant chains. Adding the nuanced, sophisticated Grand Marnier flavor takes this drink over the top. Here are the ingredients you’ll use:

  • Grand Marnier
  • Best quality tequila, reposado if possible
  • Cointreau
  • Lime juice

You’ll pour the Grand Marnier right onto the other ingredients so that it floats on top (though it gradually sinks to the bottom over time). If you prefer a margarita on the sweeter side, you can add a hint of simple syrup or agave nectar. But we like it without added sweetener: the drink comes out perfectly balanced and the smooth, citrusy flavor makes it irresistible.

What’s Grand Marnier?

Grand Marnier is a French brandy liqueur made with Cognac, bitter orange, and sugar. The bottle you’ll most often see is called Cordon Rouge, the Grand Marnier brand’s most popular product. What does Grand Marnier taste like? You’ll taste bitter orange and brandy first, then the sip finishes with notes of vanilla and oak.

Grand Marnier bottle with Cadillac margarita.

Best tequila for a Cadillac margarita

Many margarita recipes use tequila blanco (unaged or “new” tequila). For the Cadillac margarita, we like it best with a tequila reposado (aged). We like how it gives the drink even more layers of flavor with notes of caramel, honey and vanilla.

  • Look for a mid-priced tequila. Try 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35.
  • Tequila reposado (aged) makes a smooth, sophisticated margarita. It’s aged 2 to 12 months in oak barrels and has notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. Some brands we like are Casamigos, Milagro Reposado, and Suerte Reposado.
  • Tequila blanco also works. It has a straightforward agave-centric flavor and spicy finish. Some brands we like are Espolon Blanco, El Tesoro Blanco, Patrón Silver, and Casamigos.

How to make a Cadillac margarita: step by step

The Cadillac Margarita is comes together simply by shaking up a few ingredients, then floating the Grand Marnier over the top.

  • Step 1: Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt (or margarita salt).
  • Step 2: Place 1 ½ oz tequila, 1 oz Cointreau and 1 oz lime juice in a cocktail shaker, add 4 ice cubes, and shake until cold.
  • Step: Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Then carefully pour 1 oz Grand Marnier onto the top of the drink over an inverted spoon. Serve immediately, straight up in a margarita glass or on the rocks in a lowball glass with clear ice.
Cadillac Margarita with Grand Marnier bottle.

Rim variations: salt, Tajín, and more!

🌶 You can use simple kosher salt for the rim or step it up with colorful margarita salt with lime and orange zest. Or, try a Tajín rim: it’s a Mexican seasoning blend of chili peppers, lime, and salt that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor.

A few more great cocktails

This Cadillac Margarita is a hands-down classic! Here are a few more of our refreshing cocktail recipes you might also enjoy:

  • A Classic Mojito is perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint! This iconic Cuban cocktail is refreshing and just sweet enough.
  • The Paloma is relative of the classic margarita, this easy Mexican cocktail starring grapefruit instead of lime.
  • Here are the keys to the very best Gin and Tonic, the most refreshing 2-ingredient cocktail!

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a regular margarita and a Cadillac margarita?

A classic margarita uses tequila, lime juice, and sweetener, while a Cadillac margarita adds a splash of luxury with Grand Marnier, a French orange liqueur. This gives the Cadillac margarita a smoother, more complex flavor profile. Some Cadillac margaritas also use a premium tequila or a tequila reposado.

What type of tequila should I use for a Cadillac margarita?

For the best results, use a premium reposado tequila. This aged tequila has a smoother flavor that complements the Grand Marnier without overpowering it.

My Cadillac margarita is not sweet enough! How can I adjust it?

You can add a hint of simple syrup or agave nectar, to taste.

What’s the best way to rim a glass for a Cadillac margarita?

Simple kosher salt works well, or try mixing it up with margarita salt, a chili lime salt rim for a spicy kick, or a Tajín rim.

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Cadillac margarita

Cadillac Margarita

★★★★

3.4 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1
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Description

Step up your margarita game with the Cadillac Margarita: it uses top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier liqueur to add sophistication and style!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces best quality tequila reposado
  • 1 ounce Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce Grand Marnier
  • Kosher salt or flaky sea salt, for the rim
  • For the garnish: lime wedge

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt (or for a festive look, use our Margarita Salt).
  2. Place tequila, Cointreau and lime juice in a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir until cold.
  3. Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Then carefully pour the Grand Marnier onto the top of the drink over an inverted spoon (it will float on top, then gradually sinks to the bottom over time). Serve straight up in a margarita glass or on the rocks in a lowball glass with clear ice, garnished with a lime wedge.

Notes

To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

Sweet variation: If you prefer a margarita on the sweeter side, add a hint of simple syrup or agave nectar, to taste (start with 1 teaspoon).

Rim variations: Try margarita salt, a chili lime salt rim for a spicy kick, or a Tajín rim.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Cocktail

Keywords: Cadillac Margarita, Cadillac margarita recipe

Mai Tai

Here’s how to make the original Mai Tai recipe! Gather the ingredients for this tropical rum drink that’s as complex…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Here’s how to make the original Mai Tai recipe! Gather the ingredients for this tropical rum drink that’s as complex as it is fruity.

Mai Tai Recipe

The Mai Tai might sound like a simple fruity resort drink, but it’s anything but! No, this drink is a classic cocktail from the 1940’s that’s been (cough) ruined by saccharine sweet versions. How to make a real Mai Tai? The rum cocktail is breathtakingly complex, featuring aged rum, orange liqueur, and almond syrup for nutty and vanilla notes against sharp citrus. Float a little dark rum on top, and you get to the core of a Mai Tai: it’s sophisticated, nuanced, and might we say…extraordinarily special.

What’s a Mai Tai?

The most widely accepted origin story of the Mai Tai is that the cocktail was invented in 1944 at Trader Vic’s restaurant in Oakland, California. It became very popular in the 1950’s and 60’s, especially at tiki restaurants. (And since Tiki culture is built on appropriation, we won’t exalt the virtues of that phenomenon.)

Full disclosure: we weren’t fans of this drink until we tasted the classic version! The Mai Tai cocktail in its original form just makes sense. It’s tropical, nutty, boozy and zingy: and it’s nothing like the adult fruit juice you might be expecting. (I ordered a Mai tai at a bar recently and it tasted like a Hawaiian punch juice box.)

Mai tai ingredients

Mai Tai ingredients

What’s in the original Mai Tai? Despite what you might think, there’s no pineapple juice! There’s actually no fruit juice, other than lime juice. The classic Mai Tai cocktail is on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, meaning that it has an “official” definition. The ingredients in a Mai Tai drink are:

  • Aged rum (also called golden, amber or anejo)
  • Orange liqueur: either curaçao, Cointreau or Grand Marnier
  • Lime juice
  • Orgeat syrup
  • Simple syrup (optional)
  • Dark rum

The classic Mai Tai ingredients also often include simple syrup. Using a hint of simple syrup accentuates the flavor for a fruity, sweet tart Mai Tai. Omit the simple syrup and it makes a more boozy, spirit-forward drink. I prefer adding simple syrup for the flavor of that classic tropical drink, but Alex prefers the boozier version. Try it both ways and find your favorite!

Mai Tai Ingredients

What is orgeat syrup?

You may have noticed cocktails at bars that include the ingredient orgeat syrup. What is it, and is it absolutely necessary for a Mai Tai?

  • Orgeat syrup is a non-alcoholic almond syrup used for sweetening cocktails. It has a distinctive nutty flavor with a hint of citrus that’s hard to replicate.
  • How do you pronounce orgeat? Say Or-ZHAAT, where the “ZH” is like the J in the name Jacque.
  • What is a substitute for orgeat syrup? There is no substitute for the unique nutty citrus flavor. A Mai Tai without orgeat syrup just doesn’t work. It’s a tasty drink: just not a real Mai Tai.
  • How much does orgeat syrup cost? You can grab a bottle for about $10. It’s easy to find online: here’s the orgeat syrup we have. Use up leftovers with a Japanese Cocktail, Trinidad Sour, or Mojito Mocktail.
Aged rum

Orange liqueur: Grand Marnier vs Curaçao

A Mai Tai recipe traditionally uses orange curaçao, but it can be hard to find. Here are a few notes on what else to use as a substitute for the orange liqueur:

  • Grand Marnier is your best bet. Grand Marnier is the highest end orange liqueur, and brings nuanced, sophisticated flavor. We had a bottle (since we like Grand Marnier cocktails), so we used it here.
  • Cointreau also works. Got a bottle for making margaritas or other Cointreau drinks? You can use it here too. The flavor is a little less nuanced, but it still works!
Mai Tai Recipe

Two types of rum make the best flavor

Many Mai Tai recipes use two types of rum mixed into the drink. Our version takes it a step further and floats the dark rum on top! It makes for a showy presentation and it’s become a tradition that some people like in their version of this drink. Here’s a bit more about the two types of rum you’ll need:

  • Aged rum: This type of rum is also referred to as golden rum, amber rum, or añejo rum (meaning “aged”). Aging gives it a complex flavor, more like a Cognac. It has undertones of vanilla, coconut, almond, citrus, or caramel. The aged rum that we used here was Brugal Añejo Rum.
  • Dark rum: Also known as black rum, dark rum has a dark color and a rich flavor that’s smoky and sweet.

What other cocktails use these types of rums? Use aged rum in an El Presidente or Pineapple Rum Cocktail, and dark rum in Rum Punch, Dark and Stormy, or a Jungle Bird.

What people are saying about this Mai Tai recipe

Once you’ve got your orgeat syrup, stocked up on golden and dark rum, and figured our your orange liqueur, it’s time to make your Mai Tai cocktail! This is the easy part: shake up the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, strain into a glass, float the dark rum on top and garnish! Here are a few comments from readers who have made this recipe:

  • “I thought your recipe was excellent. I added more lime juice than listed by accident, but is turned out fine. The flavors are amazing and I felt like I was back on Maui enjoying happy hour. It sure packs a punch! I will definitely make this again.” -Rosemary
  • “Used 15 year old Rhum Barbancourt from Haiti topped with Bacardi Black with Grand Marnier. It came out very nice!” -Jim
  • “Wow, wow, wow! You guys hit this one on the head. Absolutely fantastic recipe. The moment I tasted this, the memories of when I first had this came back to me.” -Justin
Mai Tai recipe | Mai tai cocktail
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Mai Tai Recipe

Mai Tai

★★★★★

4.5 from 24 reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
Print Recipe

Description

Here’s how to make the original Mai Tai recipe! Gather the ingredients for this tropical rum drink that’s as complex as it is fruity.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces* aged rum
  • ½ ounce orange liqueur: Curaçao, Cointreau or Grand Marnier
  • ¾ ounce lime juice
  • 1 ounce orgeat syrup
  • ½ teaspoon simple syrup (optional**)
  • ½ ounce dark rum, to float (optional)
  • For serving: Crushed ice or clear ice, fresh mint, cocktail cherry, lime wedge

Instructions

  1. Place the aged rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup (if using**) in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until cold.
  2. Strain the drink into an ice-filled glass. Top with the dark rum. Garnish with fresh mint, a lime wedge, cocktail cherry and pineapple slice. 

Notes

Here’s a link to these fluted lowball glasses.

*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons.

**A hint of simple syrup accentuates the flavor for a fruity, sweet tart Mai Tai. Omit it for a more boozy, spirit-forward Mai Tai.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Mai Tai, Mai Tai Recipe, Mai Tai Ingredients, Mai Tai Drink, Mai Tai Cocktail

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A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

The Best Hibiscus Margarita Recipe

This hibiscus margarita recipe is a lovely twist on the classic margarita cocktail! This cocktail … Read more
The post The Best Hibiscus Margarita Recipe appeared first on Sugar and Charm.

This hibiscus margarita recipe is a lovely twist on the classic margarita cocktail! This cocktail ... Read more

The post The Best Hibiscus Margarita Recipe appeared first on Sugar and Charm.

Brandy Crusta

The Brandy Crusta is a classic cocktail boasting a sweet tart flavor with fresh lemon and sophisticated brandy! Garnished with…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

The Brandy Crusta is a classic cocktail boasting a sweet tart flavor with fresh lemon and sophisticated brandy! Garnished with a dazzling sugar crust, it’s easy to make and elegant to sip.

Brandy Crusta

Here’s a classic cocktail that blew us away with its sweet tart flavor and sophisticated vibe: the Brandy Crusta! This timeless drink dates back to the 1860’s, but it’s every bit fun to drink today, with a big beautiful sugar crust and oversized lemon peel garnish. The flavor is perfectly balanced, with orange and cherry liqueur that balance fresh lemon and sultry brandy. As two cocktail experts and certified mixologists, the Brandy Crusta is up there as one of our top impressive drinks to make at home!

What’s a Brandy Crusta?

The Brandy Crusta is one of the oldest classic cocktails there is, and a direct relative of the most popular brandy cocktail, the Sidecar. The drink was invented in the 1850’s by an Italian bartender in New Orleans named Joseph Santini. The word “Crusta” refers to the distinctive sugar rim, an element Santini added not just for sweetness but for an elevated visual and textural element.

The Brandy Crusta was first published in the most important work on cocktails at the time, Jerry Thomas’ 1862 Bartender’s Guide, which contained such classics as the Whiskey Sour and Tom Collins. The drink fell out of popularity until it was revived with the interest in classic cocktails in recent decades, and it’s back in favor as a popular New Orleans cocktail. The ingredients in a Brandy Crusta are:

  • Brandy or Cognac
  • Cointreau or triple sec
  • Maraschino liqueur
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Simple syrup
  • Angostura bitters
Hennessy Cognac

Types of brandy

Brandy is a liquor made from distilling wine or other fruit, like apples or apricot. You can use any type of brandy you have on hand for a Brandy Crusta. You can use anything from Cognac like Hennessy to an American brandy like Korbel. Here are a few types of brandy to consider:

  • American brandy, any type of brandy made in the US: a popular brand is Korbel brandy.
  • Cognac is a French brandy that tastes spicy, fruity, and bitter, with notes of vanilla and oak. A popular type of Cognac is Hennessy.
  • Armagnac is a more full-flavored, richer French brandy, with notes of dark caramel, chocolate and burnt orange.
  • Calvados is an apple or pear brandy made in France.
  • Brandy de Jerez is Spanish brandy that tastes dry and smooth, with notes of caramel, almond and vanilla.
  • Pisco is also a type of brandy: it’s Peruvian and has a much different flavor profile. We recommend saving that for a classic Pisco Sour, but you could technically use it in a Brandy Crusta.
Brandy Crusta cocktail

Cointreau vs Triple Sec

Just like a Sidecar, a Brandy Crusta uses orange liqueur along with the brandy. You can use any type of orange liqueur here. The nuanced notes of the Cognac pair well with Cointreau, but you can make the drink with Triple Sec too. The original drink calls for orange curacao, but it can be harder to find. Here’s the difference:

  • Cointreau is best in a Brandy Crusta. It’s our favorite in a Sidecar (and a margarita). It has a smooth flavor with warm spices and nuance that works with the sophistication of the brandy.
  • Triple Sec has a crisp, citrus-forward flavor that works well in drinks, but it’s easy to find low quality versions. Look for a quality triple sec brand, not the cheapest on the block; we like Drillauds.

More about maraschino liqueur

The last liqueur you’ll need for a Brandy Crusta is Maraschino liqueur. Don’t be fooled: it’s not the liquid from a jar of maraschino cherries! Here’s what to know about maraschino liqueur:

  • Maraschino liqueur is a clear, cherry flavored liqueur. It was invented in Croatia and is still made there, as well as in Europe and the US. The flavor is mainly dry but lightly sweet, with hints of sour cherry and almond.
  • There are several brands of Maraschino liqueur, the most popular being Luxardo. It should be easy to find at your local liquor store or online.
  • Use up leftovers in classic Maraschino cocktails like the Hemingway Daiquiri, Martinez, Last Word, El Presidente, Division Bell, and the Aviation.
Brandy Crusta drink

How to make a Brandy Crusta

A Brandy Crusta is easy to make: the hardest part is preparing the glass and garnish! Otherwise, you’ll simply shake the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker and strain into the prepared glass. The large sugar rim helps to offset the tart flavor, and adds an intriguing texture to the outside of the glass. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe below):

  1. Rim a 2-inch wide section of the glass with superfine sugar. This is what makes it a “Crusta,” and it’s so fun to drink with the bumpy texture. Superfine sugar is key here, since it adheres to the glass best. Don’t try this with granulated sugar: if that’s all you have, run it through a food processor or mortar and pestle until it is very fine.
  2. Use a vegetable peeler to peel a large strip of lemon. Cut a long wide peel of the lemon, as long as possible. Place it into the glass so that it curls around inside the glass but part extends above the glass.
  3. Shake in a cocktail shaker. Take the brandy, Cointreau, Maraschino, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters, and shake it together in a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes.
  4. Strain into a glass and add ice. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass. Serve with the lemon peel.

And that’s it! We hope you love this drink as much as we do. Let us know in the comments if you try it: it’s incredibly special!

More brandy cocktails

Brandy makes some of the best cocktails (even though we love bourbon, rum, tequila and vodka drinks, too!). Here are some of our top brandy cocktails, Cognac cocktails, and Hennessy drinks to try:

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Brandy Crusta

Brandy Crusta

★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

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Description

The Brandy Crusta is a classic cocktail boasting a sweet tart flavor with fresh lemon and sophisticated brandy! Garnished with a dazzling sugar crust, it’s easy to make and elegant to sip.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces brandy or Cognac
  • ¼ ounce Cointreau or triple sec
  • ¼ ounce Maraschino liqueur
  • ½ ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Superfine sugar, for the rim
  • Lemon peel, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Use a lemon wedge to moisten the top 2 inches of a stemmed cocktail glass. Place superfine sugar on a plate, then roll the edge of the glass in sugar.
  2. Use a vegetable peeler to make a long wide peel of the lemon, as long as possible. Place it into the glass so that it curls around inside the glass but part extends above the glass.
  3. Place the Cognac, Cointreau or triple sec, Maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters in a cocktail shaker. Add 1 handful of ice and shake until cold.
  4. Strain the drink into the prepared glass and serve.

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.