Brandy

Brandy is a spirit produced by distilling wine. The name comes from the Dutch brandewijn, meaning “burnt wine.” Cognac and Armagnac are the most prestigious sub-categories, both from specific regions in France. Brandy appears in classics like the Sidecar, Brandy Alexander, and Sangria. In Wisconsin, brandy Old Fashioneds outsell the whiskey version — it’s a genuine regional quirk. For mixing, a VS (Very Special) grade cognac or a solid domestic brandy works well without spending too much.

Last modified on September 24, 2026