Brandy and Soda

The Brandy and Soda is a simple but effective highball. It's the kind of drink you order when you want something refreshing that still tastes like what it's supposed to taste like. No fuss, just good brandy lengthened with fizzy water. It's an old standby that deserves its place in any bartender's mental rolodex for a reason. Don't overthink it, just make it right.

Where it came from

This drink comes from the golden age of highballs, roughly the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's a product of an era when good spirits were readily available and adding a splash of soda was a simple way to make them more approachable and refreshing. It's a classic from the English-speaking world, where the "and Soda" template became a bar staple.

The Brandy and Soda belongs firmly to the highball family, sharing DNA with the Scotch and Soda or a Gin and Tonic. What sets it apart is the use of brandy, offering a distinct fruit and oak character that stands out from grain or cane spirits. It's essentially a spirit and mixer, stripped down to its essentials.

You would order this in a no-nonsense bar that respects the classics, or just as easily make it at home. It's a perfect pre-dinner sipper or a casual patio drink. It's not trying to be fancy, but it's always a solid choice when you want something straightforward and satisfying.

What it tastes like

The flavor profile is dominated by the brandy, offering notes of dried fruit, caramel, and often a hint of oak or spice, depending on the type. The soda water acts as a crisp diluent, softening the spirit's edges without masking its character. It's a refreshing, lightly sweet, and spirit-forward drink with a clean finish.

With a standard pour of 2 ounces of 40% ABV brandy, this drink clocks in at about 0.8 ounces of pure alcohol. To put that in perspective, a typical 12 ounce can of 5% ABV beer contains around 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. So, a Brandy and Soda is generally a bit stronger than your average beer. Drink accordingly.

The technique

Building a Brandy and Soda is as simple as it gets. Fill a highball glass with fresh, solid ice. Pour in your chosen brandy, typically 1.5 to 2 ounces. Top with 4 to 5 ounces of cold, fresh soda water. Give it one or two gentle stirs to combine, then serve immediately.

The single most important technique tip for a Brandy and Soda is to use plenty of good, clean ice and very fresh, highly carbonated soda water. Flat soda or quickly melting ice will kill this drink faster than anything else. Keep it cold, keep it fizzy.

Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Brandy

Use: A good quality Cognac (VS or VSOP), Armagnac, or a reputable American brandy. Something you'd sip neat.
Skip: Cheap "mixing" brandies that taste like ethanol, or any flavored brandy.
Why: It's the star of the show. Its flavor defines the drink.

Soda Water

Use: Freshly opened, highly carbonated club soda or seltzer. Fever-Tree or Q Mixers work well.
Skip: Flat soda from a gun, tonic water (it's not a Brandy and Tonic), or sparkling wine.
Why: Provides dilution and effervescence, making the drink refreshing without adding unwanted flavors.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.

Brandy Highball

The broader category.: Any brandy mixed with a non-alcoholic diluent, often soda or ginger ale. This drink is a specific example.

Brandy Collins

A lemony, effervescent twist.: Adds fresh lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup to the brandy and soda, creating a brighter, sweeter highball.

Brandy Rickey

Tart and refreshing.: Similar to a Collins but swaps lemon for lime and omits the sugar, resulting in a drier, more tart drink.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Brandy?

A good aged rum or a decent rye whiskey can stand in for a similar spirit-forward highball experience.

No Soda Water?

Club soda is practically interchangeable. Sparkling water with a strong carbonation can also work in a pinch.

No Highball Glass?

Any tall, straight-sided glass will do the job. A pint glass works, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Brandy and Soda?

A Brandy and Soda typically contains brandy and soda water, usually served over ice.

Is Brandy and Soda a strong drink?

Yes, it's generally stronger than a standard beer, depending on the pour size.

What kind of brandy should I use?

Use a brandy you enjoy drinking on its own, such as a VS or VSOP Cognac, Armagnac, or a good American brandy.

Is it served with ice?

Yes, it is always served over plenty of fresh ice to keep it cold and refreshing.

What's the difference between soda water and club soda?

They are very similar, both carbonated water. Club soda often has added minerals like sodium bicarbonate or potassium sulfate for a slightly different taste.

Can I add a garnish?

A lemon twist or a wedge of lemon or lime is a common and welcome garnish for a Brandy and Soda.

Is it a refreshing drink?

Absolutely. The carbonation and dilution from the soda water make it a very refreshing choice, especially on a warm day.

Is it a classic cocktail?

Yes, the Brandy and Soda is a simple, enduring classic that has been enjoyed for over a century.