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Why brandy is starting to threaten spirits rivals’ rule over mixology – Category Intel

Jessica Broadbent
Last updated: 30/07/2026 at 6:16 PM
By Jessica Broadbent
23 July 2026
10 Min Read

Outside of the cognac segment, the wider grape brandy category has struggled to break free of its cheap, sweet digestif image to broaden consumption occasions. Could a reversion to its historic connection with cocktails reset brandy’s reputation?


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Outside of the cognac segment, the wider grape brandy category has struggled to break free of its cheap, sweet digestif image to broaden consumption occasions. Could a reversion to its historic connection with cocktails reset brandy’s reputation?

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Non-cognac grape brandy still struggles to shake off its cheap, sweet digestif imageProducers and brand owners believe mixology offers a 'massive opportunity’, with several marketing activations highlighting brandy as a swap for other spirits in well-known cocktailsAttempts to improve the category's approachability have included lowering price points, and increasing NPD, such as cask finishes, flavoured expressions, brandy liqueurs and RTDsWere one to peruse the Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862, one would quickly notice a common theme among many ‘classic’ cocktails: brandy. Having been

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Jessica Broadbent
ByJessica Broadbent
Jess joined Global Drinks Intel as deputy editor in January 2026 following a stint as a freelance journalist in Panama. She was previously deputy editor at Just Drinks. She has bylines in other industry titles including The Buyer, Fine Lees and Just Food, and has been a sub-editor at The Daily Mail.
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