The trick with apricot brandy is getting a good quality bottle. While cheaper versions can be cloyingly sweet, a good apricot brandy is a versatile and tasty spirit that adds a unique flavor to classic cocktails.
Apricot brandy is a fruit liqueur made by distilling or infusing apricots into a base spirit, typically brandy. The process involves macerating apricots in the spirit, followed by aging to enhance the flavor and aroma.
This results in a smooth and fruity liqueur with hints of apricot that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into delicious cocktails.
What to Look for in Apricot Brandy
The best brands of apricot brandy won’t always be found in your local stores. So before we list some of those best brands, here’s a guide to help you know what qualities to look for when choosing a bottle.
Authenticity:
Look for brands that use real apricots in their production process. Authentic apricot brandy is made by distilling or infusing real apricots into a base spirit, such as brandy. This ensures that the resulting flavor is true to the fruit.
Aging Process:
Consider brands that age their apricot brandy. Aging allows the flavors to develop and mellow, resulting in a smoother and more complex spirit. Some brands may indicate the aging process on their labels, such as “aged for X years.”
Quality of Base Spirit:
The base spirit used in apricot brandy can greatly impact the overall taste. Look for brands that use high-quality brandy as the base, as it contributes to the smoothness and depth of the final product.
Balance of Sweetness:
Apricot brandy should have a balanced sweetness that complements the natural tartness of the fruit. Brands that find the perfect harmony between sweetness and acidity create a more enjoyable drinking experience.
Top Brands of Apricot Brandy
Now that we know what to look for, let’s explore some of the best brands of apricot brandy that meet these criteria:
1. Marie Brizard Apry:
Marie Brizard is a well-known name in the world of spirits, and their Apry apricot brandy is nothing short of exceptional. Made from ripe Mediterranean apricots, this brandy exudes a rich fruity aroma with a velvety smoothness. Its sweet yet nuanced flavor profile makes it a great addition to various cocktails or enjoyed neat over ice.
2. Rothman & Winter Orchard Apricot Liqueur:
Rothman & Winter is renowned for their commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients, and their Orchard Apricot Liqueur is no exception. This Austrian brandy captures the essence of ripe apricots with its vibrant and authentic flavor. It strikes an excellent balance between sweetness and acidity, making it versatile for both cocktails and sipping.
3. Giffard Abricot du Roussillon:
Giffard Abricot du Roussillon is a French apricot liqueur that embodies the essence of sun-ripened Roussillon apricots. The brandy base used in this liqueur adds depth and complexity to its flavor profile.
With its natural fruitiness and pleasing sweetness, Giffard Abricot du Roussillon is a popular choice among mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts.
4. Massenez Crème de Apricot Brandy:
Massenez is a renowned distillery located in Alsace, France, known for producing exceptional fruit liqueurs. Their Crème de Apricot Brandy is made using traditional methods with perfectly ripe apricots from the Rhine Valley.
It offers a smooth texture, intense apricot flavor, and a pleasant hint of almond on the finish. This brandy is ideal for creating sophisticated cocktails or enjoying neat.
The one brand most liquor stores in the US will carry is DeKuyper’s Apricot-Flavored Brandy. It’s not in the same class as the others in this list, but the honest truth is that it’s not bad. If it’s all you can find and you don’t want to wait for a special order, give it a try.
Best Apricot Brandy Drinks
The Charlie Chaplin cocktail is sweet and fruity. The ounce of lemon juice cuts the sweetness of the other ingredients just enough to make it balanced.
The Barnum Was Right cocktail is an old classic gin cocktail. It’s perfectly balanced between sweetness, tangy notes and herbal hints from the gin.
The Ethel Duffy cocktail has a distinctly old school feel to it. It uses nothing but creme de menthe, apricot brandy and triple sec in equal parts. Simple, clean and elegant.
The Fairy Belle Cocktail is a pink, slightly creamy or frothy drink, and the grenadine makes it pretty sweet. In other words, it's just what you might have imagined from the name.
The Resolute cocktail features apricot brandy, an ingredient people tend to love or hate due to the sweetness. But don't write it off yet - in this recipe, there are strong citrus notes to balance out the brandy.
Step into the glamorous world of Hollywood's golden age with the Douglas Fairbanks cocktail, a drink named after the iconic actor. Ironically, he didn't drink.
The Venus Rum cocktail has a light refreshing flavor, a nice fizzy quality, and double standard alcohol strength.
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of sangria to help you wind down and enjoy the moment. White sangria, in particular, is an excellent option for those hot summer days when you’re craving something cool and light.
This version of the Lugger cocktail is tweaked slightly from the original. The extra apricot brandy gives it a sweetness that would otherwise be lacking.
This is the more or less original recipe for the classic Zombie cocktail. So named because you may end up stumbling out of the bar.
The Angel Face classic cocktail perfectly balances the blend of fruit and herb notes, and it's easy to make, too. The only trick is to find the right apricot brandy.
The English Rose drink recipe is gorgeous as well as tasty. This bright red cocktail contrasts the sweetness of apricot brandy and grenadine with gin, dry vermouth and lemon. And you can put a sugar rim on it.
The Paradise cocktail recipe is a classic with gin, apricot brandy and orange juice. It's simple, but delicious, and so easy to make. Serve in a martini glass.