A refined take on Henry’s Special, this cocktail harmonizes the warmth of brandy with the tartness of grapefruit and lemon, sweetened gently with honey syrup, and topped with effervescent champagne. It’s a balanced, elegant drink suitable for brunch or evening occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Brandy
- 1 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Honey Syrup (1:1 honey and warm water)
- 3 oz Brut Champagne or Dry Sparkling Wine
- Ice
- Garnish: Grapefruit twist or mint sprig (optional)
Steps to Make It
- Prepare Honey Syrup: Combine equal parts honey and warm water. Stir until fully dissolved. Let it cool.
- Mix: In a shaker filled with ice, combine brandy, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass or flute.
- Top: Gently pour champagne over the mixture.
- Garnish: Add a grapefruit twist or mint sprig for aroma and presentation.
Notes:
- Adjust the honey syrup to taste if a sweeter profile is desired.
- For a less potent drink, consider reducing the brandy to 3/4 oz.
This updated version maintains the original’s refreshing character while enhancing its balance and sophistication. The use of honey syrup ensures better integration, and the adjusted proportions allow each ingredient to shine.
(Updated: 6/4/25)
Author: Howard
Meet Howard, a dedicated blogger and mixologist from Patchogue, New York. With more than 11 years of expertise in the field, he has developed his abilities to craft distinctive and avant-garde cocktails with the best ingredients and methods. He has experience in the art of mixology thanks to his employment as a qualified bartender at some of the best bars and eateries. He likes to experiment with novel flavor combinations in their own time and post their results on the well-known blog Drinks.Wiki. In addition to their bartender abilities, they are also informed about the background and traditions of mixing drinks, frequently include this information in their blog entries. Follow him for advice from the pros, recipes, and behind-the-scenes looks at the mixology industry.
