The Heavenly is a stirred dessert drink that combines three dark fruit spirits in gentle balance. Brandy provides the spicy base, Cherry Brandy adds a sweet cherry note, and Plum Brandy rounds it off with the depth of ripe plums. The result is a velvety, aromatic cocktail that leaves you craving another sip after the first – perfect for finishing a meal or as a cozy evening drink.
Here’s what you need for the Heavenly
3 cl Brandy
1 cl Cherry Brandy
1 cl Plum Brandy
Crushed ice
Key points
The trick lies in stirring: Not too fast, otherwise the ice melts too much and dilutes the drink. An even, circular motion with the bar spoon is ideal, gently blending the spirits without incorporating too much air. If you prefer it especially silky, you can quickly rinse the glass with a splash of cold water before straining – this removes any remaining ice particles and prevents the drink from warming up too quickly in the glass.
Variations
- Heavenly Fizz — Prepare the stirred drink as in the original recipe, but strain into a Highball glass with fresh ice. Top up with 6 cl chilled soda water and gently stir with a bar spoon. Garnish: half a lemon slice.
- Heavenly Sour — Shake 3 cl Brandy, 1 cl Cherry Brandy, 1 cl Plum Brandy, 2 cl lemon juice and 1 cl sugar syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish: a cocktail cherry.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the Plum Brandy with something else?
Yes, but the balance will change. Apricot Brandy or Mirabelle Brandy work well flavor-wise, while Slivovitz can taste too harsh. If you prefer it fruitier, you can use 0.5 cl plum syrup instead of the Brandy – but then slightly reduce the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Why is the drink stirred and not shaken?
Brandy and fruit spirits are sensitive to oxygen. Stirring keeps the texture silky and the flavors clear without making the drink cloudy or frothy. Shaking would cause too much oxidation, resulting in a loss of complexity.
How do I properly chill the cocktail glass?
Fill it with crushed ice and a little cold water, let it sit for 1–2 minutes, then discard the ice and water. Alternatively: store it in the freezer for 10 minutes. It’s important that the glass is truly ice-cold, otherwise the drink will warm up too quickly.
