An elegant, lightly sparkling drink that combines brandy with dry vermouth and a hint of citrus. The combination of Galliano and mandarin liqueur gives it a subtle sweetness, while champagne or sparkling wine provides freshness. Perfect for the transition from aperitif to digestif – short, but with depth. The orange zest rounds off the flavour without dominating.
And this is what you need for the Long Tall Sally
1 cl brandy
1 cl dry vermouth
0.5 cl Galliano (vanilla herbal liqueur)
0.5 cl mandarin liqueur
8 cl champagne or dry sparkling wine
Garnish: orange zest
This is what matters
The trick lies in the timing: only top up the champagne at the last moment so that the carbonation doesn’t dissipate. Use a high-quality, dry sparkling wine – medium-dry or sweet destroys the balance. The orange zest should be fresh; rub it briefly over the palm of your hand beforehand to activate the aromas. If you don’t have Galliano, use another vanilla herbal liqueur, but reduce the amount to 0.3 cl – Galliano is more intense than many alternatives.
Variations
- Long Tall Sally with Prosecco — Replace champagne with dry Prosecco for a lighter, fruitier variation. Works well if the drink is to serve as an aperitif.
- Herbal version — Add 0.2 cl absinthe or another high-proof herbal liqueur to enhance the spice. Ideal for fans of more complex flavours.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a different brandy instead of brandy?
Yes, but make sure it’s of good quality. A young, fruity brandy (e.g., Armagnac) works well, while a strongly oaky Cognac can overpower the drink. The base should always be more neutral than the vermouth.
Why is the drink served without ice?
The carbonation in the champagne is lost too quickly when diluted with ice, and the aromas lose their precision. The drink is deliberately short and concentrated – cooling is achieved through the chilled ingredients and the cold glass.
Can I leave out the mandarin liqueur?
Theoretically yes, but the liqueur gives the drink its characteristic citrus note. Without it, it tastes drier and less balanced. If necessary, replace it with 0.3 cl orange liqueur or a splash of fresh mandarin or orange juice.
