Barsys
Venetian Brandy
About
The Venetian Brandy cocktail feels like the last drink of the night - quiet, slow, and intentional. It’s spirit-forward without being aggressive, bitter without being sharp, and deeply layered in a way that unfolds rather than announces itself. Brandy forms the foundation here, bringing warmth, dried fruit, and caramel tones that feel soft and rounded on the palate.
Cynar adds its unmistakable earthy bitterness, introducing dark herbal notes and a subtle vegetal depth that gives the drink its Italian soul. Dry vermouth finishes the structure, tightening everything up with crisp botanicals and a clean, composed edge. Served straight up in a Nick & Nora glass, Venetian Brandy is smooth, moody, and unapologetically grown-up - a cocktail meant for slow sipping and dim light.
Shaken or Stirred? Stirred. Stirring preserves clarity and texture, allowing the brandy and bitter elements to stay silky and controlled.
What You'll Need
For one Venetian Brandy Cocktail:
- 1.5 oz brandy
- 1.0 oz Cynar
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
Glass: Nick & Nora
Garnish: Orange peel
Pro Tip: Use a brandy with a good body rather than sharp alcohol heat - the drink relies on smoothness, not punch.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
- Add brandy, Cynar, and dry vermouth to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir gently until well chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass.
- Express an orange peel over the glass and garnish.
Using Barsys Cocktail Maker?
The Barsys Coaster 2.0 Cocktail Maker is a great fit for the Venetian Brandy. Load the brandy, Cynar, and dry vermouth into the Coaster and let it guide precise pours directly into your mixing glass. Stir and strain as usual. With a spirit-forward cocktail like this, even small overpours can throw the balance off - Barsys keeps the richness of the brandy and the bitterness of Cynar in check.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
Venetian Brandy relies on restraint. Too much Cynar and it turns heavy; too much brandy and it loses nuance. Barsys ensures each component stays measured, so the drink remains smooth, bitter, and elegantly layered every time. The result is a cocktail that feels deliberate, composed, and bar-quality - without second guessing your ratios.
Sip Setting
Best enjoyed late evening, after dinner, or when the room is quiet and the drink deserves your full attention.
Garnish Game
A simple orange peel is enough. Express it for aroma, then keep the presentation restrained - this drink doesn’t need decoration.
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FAQs
What is the Venetian Brandy cocktail?
It’s a spirit-forward cocktail made with brandy, Cynar, and dry vermouth, inspired by Italian aperitivo and nightcap traditions.
Is this a bitter cocktail?
Yes, but balanced. The bitterness from Cynar is softened by the warmth of brandy and the structure of dry vermouth.
Is this similar to a Negroni?
In spirit, yes - but it’s darker, softer, and less sharp, with brandy replacing gin and Cynar replacing Campari.
When should I serve this drink?
It’s best as an after-dinner cocktail or late-night sipper.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Yes. Batch the ingredients and stir individual servings over ice before serving.