Brandy sour

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

A cocktail originating from Cyprus


A glass of Brandy Sour

The Brandy Sour is a cocktail that originated in Cyprus and is considered a national drink of the island. It is a refreshing beverage that combines the flavors of brandy, lemon juice, and soda water, often garnished with a slice of lemon and a cherry. The drink is known for its balance of sweet and sour flavors, making it a popular choice in the warm Mediterranean climate.

History[edit | edit source]

The Brandy Sour was created in the late 1930s at the Forest Park Hotel in Platres, a mountain resort in Cyprus. It was developed as a way to provide a cocktail that could be consumed discreetly by the then King Farouk of Egypt, who was a frequent visitor to the island. The drink was designed to resemble iced tea, allowing the king to enjoy his beverage without drawing attention.

Ingredients[edit | edit source]

The traditional recipe for a Brandy Sour includes the following ingredients:

Preparation[edit | edit source]

To prepare a Brandy Sour, follow these steps: 1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes. 2. Add the brandy, lemon juice, sugar, and Angostura bitters. 3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled. 4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. 5. Top up with soda water. 6. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a cherry.

Variations[edit | edit source]

While the classic Brandy Sour recipe is widely enjoyed, there are several variations that incorporate different ingredients to suit personal tastes. Some variations include the addition of orange juice or the use of different types of bitters. The sweetness can also be adjusted by varying the amount of sugar or using simple syrup.

Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]

The Brandy Sour holds a special place in Cypriot culture, often associated with hospitality and celebration. It is commonly served at social gatherings and is a staple in many local bars and restaurants. The drink's popularity has spread beyond Cyprus, and it is now enjoyed in various parts of the world.

Related pages[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD