Blackberry brandy has a sweet and fruity taste. The cocktail consists of sugar, blackberries, and brandy. However, some bartenders make it with pre-made blackberry cordial and brandy.
When blackberry brandy is consumed on its own, it’s usually served in a whiskey or shot glass. Many people consume blackberry brandy as a stand-alone drink and don’t necessarily eat food with it.
If you’re curious about the taste of blackberry brandy and how to make it at home, read on!
Where Can You Get Blackberry Brandy?
An easy home recipe for blackberry brandy can be found here. In most versions of the drink, you’ll find a larger proportion of brandy to fruit. Since blackberry brandy is both sweet and heavy, it’s not a cocktail to have if you don’t like the taste of sugar or berries.
Some people find that drinking blackberry brandy helps alleviate digestive issues, such as constipation or IBS. Others enjoy blackberry brandy as an after-dinner drink or pseudo dessert because of its fruit-infused taste.
If you don’t want to make the drink yourself, you can usually find blackberry brandy in most liquor stores. Blackberry brandy dates back to the 1500s and is thought to have originated in Amsterdam.
Why You Should Try Blackberry Brandy
In moderate amounts, blackberry brandy can help you get a healthy dose of antioxidants. This protection can prevent microscopic inflammation, so drinking blackberry brandy in moderation can also boost your immune system and cardiovascular health. However, it’s the blackberries that are largely responsible for this—and not the brandy!
Drinking a small glass of blackberry brandy in the evening helps promote relaxation. While you shouldn’t use alcohol as a substitute for medical treatment, it can help alleviate mild forms of stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
A better reason for most people is simply because you like the flavor of blackberries, and want to incorporate this fruity drink into your favorite cocktails.
Who Shouldn’t Drink Blackberry Brandy
If you’re diabetic, can’t tolerate stronger forms of alcohol, or don’t like the taste of blackberries, you shouldn’t drink this cocktail. Mixed drinks by nature contain some degree of sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
If you make blackberry brandy at home, you may be able to use sugar-free substitutes, but the brandy will still contain some sugar. But if you’re buying pre-made blackberry cordial or blackberry brandy from a store, that sugar is most likely already there.
Individuals on low-carb diets may also want to stay clear of blackberry brandy or see if there are keto-friendly versions. Some cordials use a lower amount of sugar or natural alternatives like stevia.
Alternatives to Straight Blackberry Brandy
Don’t want to drink blackberry brandy straight? No problem! You can try mixing it with other flavors or drinks.
For instance, you can make a blackberry brandy slush. This drink includes lemonade, lemon-lime soda, and grape juice. It also includes additional sugar, so be ready for a rush!
The slush portion of the name comes from the crushed ice. If you’re looking for a twist on blackberry brandy or a summertime drink, this may be it.
Other possibilities include the blackberry smash bourbon cocktail, the blackberry whiskey sour, or simply combining it with a single mixer—I list a few ideas in my other post.
Foods and Blackberry Brandy
Although blackberry brandy is often consumed without food, you might try it with some of the following foods:
- Salmon
- Sirloin steak
- Beef
- Cheesecake
- Lemon-flavored desserts
- Fresh fruit
- Nuts and trail mixes
You can experiment with these foods or try a little blackberry brandy with one of your favorite meals.
Alcohol Content in Blackberry Brandy
Store-bought versions of blackberry brandy have around 35% alcohol volume, which may be too high for some individuals. This percentage is considered to be on the stronger side, making blackberry brandy a potent drink.
To reduce the effects of alcohol, you can consume it on a full stomach or with foods that contain a higher number of calories. You can also try diluting the drink with water or other liquids.
If you’re drinking blackberry brandy straight, start with smaller amounts until you know how your body will respond. Taking certain types of medications, including antihistamines, can enhance the effects of alcohol or your medication.
This includes feelings of drowsiness, as both the medication and alcohol can have a sedative effect. If you’re on these types of meds, you may want to think twice about consuming drinks with high alcohol content.
Final Thoughts
Blackberry brandy is a cocktail some people drink to help them relax and take the edge off after a long day. It has a sweet and fruity taste but also has a high alcohol content.
For this reason, many people only put a small amount into a shot or whiskey glass. You can make your own blackberry brandy at home by mixing blackberries, sugar, and brandy.
However, it’s just as easy to go to the store and pick up a bottle of blackberry brandy that’s already ready to drink.