Classic Baltimore Bracer Cocktail Recipe

The Baltimore Bracer cocktail showcases the bold, distinctive flavor of anisette. This potent spirit, with its notes of black licorice, takes center stage in this drink.

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That licorice flavor is balanced by brandy and an egg white (or substitute like aquafaba). And that gives the drink a creamy, frothy texture and some sweet notes to smooth out the intensity.

Still, this drink is – well, bracing. That’s why it’s called the Baltimore Bracer. And honestly, if you’re not a fan of black licorice, this cocktail may not be for you since that is the dominant flavor.

Tasting Notes

When you first bring the glass toward your lips, you notice the bold scent of black licorice. Upon the first sip, the anisette takes the lead, but then the brandy then comes in, adding a layer of subtle fruity complexity that balances the intensity of the anisette.

The egg white contributes a silky, creamy mouthfeel that further rounds out the drink.

NOTE: depending on the specific brandy used, the flavor profile can vary slightly. Some brandies lend notes plum or apricot, while others may have more pronounced oak or vanilla characteristics. Regardless of the brandy, it will balance the anisette without detracting from it.

Key Ingredients

Anisette

This liqueur is distilled from anise seeds, which gives it its characteristic black licorice flavor. Anisette has a high alcohol content, typically around 25-30% ABV.

Brandy

Brandy is a distilled spirit made from fermented grape juice, and it can lend a range of fruity, oaky, or even spicy notes to the cocktail, depending on the specific variety used. Some popular brandy options for this cocktail include Cognac, Armagnac, or even a high-quality domestic brandy.

Egg White (or Aquafaba)

The egg white (or a vegan substitute, such as aquafaba) gives the Baltimore Bracer its signature creamy, frothy texture. It helps to emulsify the cocktail, creating a smooth and luxurious mouthfeel that softens the bold flavors of the anisette and brandy.

Dry Shaking Your Baltimore Bracer

One of the techniques that can take your Baltimore Bracer to the next level is dry shaking. But what does this mean, and why is it so important for this particular cocktail?

What is Dry Shaking?

Dry shaking is a technique used in egg white cocktails. It involves shaking the ingredients without ice first. This initial shake allows the ingredients, especially any egg whites or emulsifiers, to mix thoroughly and froth up before being chilled with ice in the second shake.

The result? A cocktail that’s not only well-mixed but also beautifully frothy and creamy.

Why Dry Shake for the Baltimore Bracer?

For drinks that include egg white, dry shaking does a better job of aerating the egg than traditional shaking, which makes the foam fluffier. This foam is what gives the drink its luxurious mouthfeel and silky texture, so it’s worth the extra effort.

The instructions I included in the recipe below call for dry shaking. But if you want to skip that step, just shake the whole cocktail with ice for a good 30 seconds. The longer, the better.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this drink in a chilled, stemmed cocktail glass or coupe glass, or a Nick and Nora glass. The cocktail traditionally has no garnish, but you could place a anise star on it to signify the licorice flavor.

Food Pairings

This drink works well with creamy, rich desserts like crème brûlée, bread pudding, or even a simple vanilla bean ice cream.  It will also stand up to a cheese plate featuring robust aged cheeses, such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Manchego.

 

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