Brandy Smash

Pro tips

• Muddle mint gently to express oils without shredding leaves; aggressive muddling releases chlorophyll and turns the drink astringent.
• Chill your glass with ice before serving to keep the drink cold longer, since carbonated water and ice melt quickly.
• Use fresh mint—dried mint lacks the aromatic punch that defines a proper brandy smash.
• Add carbonated water last to preserve bubbles; stir gently after adding to avoid deflating the drink.

Substitutions

• Cognac or Armagnac → other five-star brandies (adjusts flavor profile slightly but maintains structure)
• Fresh Mint → basil or tarragon (changes character; use sparingly as these are more assertive)
• Lump sugar → simple syrup (use 0.5 oz; eliminates muddling step but results in slightly less textured drink)

Storage & make-ahead

Serve immediately after preparation. Pre-muddled mint-sugar bases can be chilled for up to 2 hours before adding brandy and carbonated water.

Equipment

cocktail muddler · jigger · bar spoon

What's the difference between a smash and a mojito?

Both use muddled mint and sugar, but a smash traditionally uses brandy or whiskey with carbonated water, while a mojito uses rum and lime juice for a tart profile.

How much should I muddle the mint?

Gently press the mint 3–4 times to release oils without crushing leaves into powder, which turns the drink bitter.

Can I make this ahead?

Muddle and chill the mint-sugar base up to 2 hours ahead; add brandy and carbonated water just before serving to preserve fizz.

What type of brandy works best?

A smooth, approachable brandy like cognac or a five-star brandy works well; avoid overly harsh or heavily oaked varieties.

Is this drink sweet or bitter?

It's balanced—the sugar and mint provide sweetness, while brandy adds warmth and slight spice, with carbonation adding refreshment.