There is a surprising amount of controversy regarding what constitutes a Brandy, its origination, and whether or not it should be warmed over a flame to enhance the bouquet or served cold to preserve the alcohol. None of these discussions are particularly germane to Brandy drinks, which tend to prefer a cheap brandy to an expensive one, and tend to be fragrant and complex drinks.

Many brandy drinks are surprisingly good aperitifs, and the famous corpse reviver is also an acknowledged restorative. Some of these drinks call for cognac, which is a Brandy produced in the Cognac region in France with local grapes. Should you be curious, a Brandy Alexander is my mother's favorite drink.

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