As Armenian brandy continues to extend its reach and influence all over the world, and as spirits enthusiasts across the globe continue to fall in love with this exceptional drink, it comes as no surprise that there’s an increased interest in Armenian brandy cocktails.
In many ways, Armenian brandy is absolutely ideal for mixing – and it’s something of a mystery as to why so few mixologists and fans of this singularly superb spirit experiment with its potential in this regard. Those deep, sweet, spicy notes that typify this drink make it a stunning partner for all kinds of other spirits and mixers, and while our beloved kanyak is doubtlessly a thing of real beauty when served alone, there’s a lot to be said for enjoying it as a key component in several fantastic cocktails.
Of course, you might want to save your top-of-the-range kanyak for drinking neat, in order to savour those wonderful notes of sweetness and spice. However, there are plenty of Armenian brandies out there hitting the market right now, and many of the mid-range bottles really are perfect for cocktail mixing and experimenting with. We’ve picked out five delicious cocktail recipes for your favourite brandies, which are sure to impress your guests at your next gathering!
The Reviver
This gorgeous cocktail really explores the sweeter, fruitier profile of a decent kanyak, and by bringing it together with Calvados – surely one of France’s most treasured exports – and sweet Vermouth, you’re able to really allow the complexity of the brandy to shine. This cocktail is as simple as it is elegant, and it’s a perfect drink to unwind with at the end of a long day, especially in the fall when the temperature starts dropping, and you’re looking for something warming and rich to indulge in.
Simply add all the ingredients into a mixing glass (not a cocktail shaker, please), and give it a good stir. Strain into well-chilled coupe glass with a julep strainer, and enjoy with no garnish needed.
The Armenian Connection
This cocktail is inspired by a twist on The French Connection, the classic 1971 thriller starring Gene Hackman as detective Popeye Doyle. In that film, Doyle claimed to have a preference for a cocktail featuring Cognac and Amaretto… but in this version, we’re switching Cognac for kanyak, and we reckon it’s all the better for it. Quality Armenian brandy tends to have rich, nutty profile all of its own, which works gorgeously with the sweet Amaretto, and delivers a real punch of flavour in the glass. Classic, delicious, and just on the side of danger that we like.
Put a large ice cube into a lowball glass, and then pour the brandy and the Amaretto over the top. Stir once or twice with a metal stirrer, and then serve.
Pink Life
Armenian brandy has a certain prettiness to it that other spirits struggle to match. Those sweet and complex flavours, that almost ethereal aroma of fallen leaves and toasted nuts… it really is a wonder to behold, and there’s no surprise that this spirit has been hailed for a century as among the finest in the world. This cocktail explores the more delicate side of Armenian brandy, and pairs it up with a range of other ingredients that simply work miracles on the palate.
In a Champagne flute, pour in the Armenian brandy and the Raspberry liqueur. Top up with the sparkling wine, then garnish with the fresh raspberry and enjoy. Sheer heaven!
Armenian Old Fashioned
This sophisticated cocktail really shows off the versatility of Armenian brandy, and the fact that it really does have the depth and complexity to take the place of something as bold as Rye Whiskey in this updated version of an absolute classic. If you’re looking for a cocktail which really ups the ante when it comes to sheer masculine charm and elegance, then look no further – this one surely hits all the right notes!
Take an Old Fashioned glass, and place your sugar cube at the bottom. Soak the sugar with the bitters and just a splash of club soda, then crush the sugar cube with the back of a cocktail spoon. Add a third of the Armenian Brandy and two ice cubes, and stir well. Add another third of brandy, another ice cube, and give it a further stir. Finally, add the remaining brandy and ice cube, stir once, and garnish with the orange twist.
Yerevan Summit
This cocktail pays homage to Yerevan, the beautiful capital of Armenia, and the home of the world’s finest brandy. In the heat of the summer, even the shade of Mount Ararat offer little relief from the blazing sunshine, and as such, a cooling glass of this refreshing cocktail would be very welcome indeed!
In a highball glass, place the lime and ginger pieces. Add the Armenian Brandy, and muddle together lightly. Half fill the glass with ice cubes, and stir for 5 seconds with a cocktail spoon, and then add the cucumber strip and the lemonade. Stir once more, and serve.
There you go – five ingenious cocktail recipes which truly show off the potential and range of our beloved Armenian kanyak. With its awe-inspiring depth of flavour, unrivalled smoothness, and sheer air of sophistication, there’s little doubt that Armenian brandy will be more and more commonplace in quality bars and on cocktail menus worldwide before too long. With these fantastic recipes and ideas, you can stay one step ahead of the crowd, and learn how to mix utter perfection at your home bar when entertaining friends. What could be better?
