Brandy substitutes
The closest substitute for Brandy is Cognac, which works and barely changes the drink. Cognac is a brandy, so it is a straight swap. Pisco also works. In a pinch, use Apple Brandy.
What to use instead of Brandy
| Substitute | How much | Strength |
|---|---|---|
CognacAlmost the same Cognac is a brandy, so it is a straight swap. Same amount | Same amount | 40–45% ABV |
PiscoWorks, tastes different Unaged and more floral. Same amount | Same amount | 38–48% ABV |
Apple BrandyLast resort Apple instead of grape. Same amount | Same amount | 40–50% ABV |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Brandy, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Easy Sangria
60ml (2 oz) Brandy → 60ml (2 oz) Cognac
Same strength
- Fog Cutter
30ml (1 oz) Brandy → 30ml (1 oz) Cognac
Same strength
- Horse's Neck
40ml (1⅓ oz) Brandy → 40ml (1⅓ oz) Cognac
Same strength
- Picon Punch
15ml (½ oz) Brandy → 15ml (½ oz) Cognac
Same strength
- Porto Flip
15ml (½ oz) Brandy → 15ml (½ oz) Cognac
Same strength
- Presidente Margarita
15ml (½ oz) Brandy → 15ml (½ oz) Cognac
Same strength
- Sangria Slush
60ml (2 oz) Brandy → 60ml (2 oz) Cognac
Same strength
- Scorpion
30ml (1 oz) Brandy → 30ml (1 oz) Cognac
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Brandy | Cognac |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 36–45% ABV | 40–45% ABV |
| Taste | Fruity, Warm, Oak, Sweet | Grape, Dried fruit, Vanilla, Oak, Subtle spice |
| Aroma | Grape, Oak, Vanilla, Dried fruit | Dried fruit, Floral, Oak, Vanilla, Spice |
| Finish | Warming, Fruit, Medium to long | Long, Warming, Complex, Smooth |
| Property | Brandy | Pisco |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 36–45% ABV | 38–48% ABV |
| Taste | Fruity, Warm, Oak, Sweet | Grape, Floral, Clean, Slightly sweet |
| Aroma | Grape, Oak, Vanilla, Dried fruit | Grape, Floral, Citrus, Muscat |
| Finish | Warming, Fruit, Medium to long | Clean, Aromatic, Medium |
Already have one of these?
If you have Torres 10, St-Rémy VSOP or Cardenal Mendoza, you don't need a substitute: they are all Brandy. How they differ
What is Brandy?
Brandy is a spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice. While cognac is the most famous, brandies are produced worldwide with varying character.
Got Brandy? It also replaces
Questions about Brandy substitutes
What is the best substitute for Brandy?
Cognac is the closest substitute for Brandy and barely changes the drink. Cognac is a brandy, so it is a straight swap. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Brandy in a Porto Flip?
Cognac: swap 15ml (½ oz) of Brandy for 15ml (½ oz) of Cognac.
Which Brandy brands can I use?
If you have Torres 10, St-Rémy VSOP or Cardenal Mendoza, you don't need a substitute: they are all Brandy. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Cognac instead of Brandy change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the 8 drinks on this page that use Brandy, Cognac changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Brandy?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.