Close Encounter

The Close Encounter cocktail is a vibrant, fruit-forward cocktail that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Bursting with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, the citrus brightness of orange juice, and the warming depth of brandy, this drink offers a perfectly balanced flavor experience.

Finished with a touch of curacao and a dash of Angostura bitters, it’s a sophisticated yet playful cocktail that’s sure to make any gathering feel special. Serve it in a balloon glass, garnished with an orange slice and strawberries, and let every sip transport you to a delightful “close encounter” of taste and color.

3 popular types of brandy

• Cognac – Produced in the Cognac region of France, it’s known for its smoothness, rich flavor, and strict production regulations. Often aged in oak barrels, it has notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit.
• Armagnac – Another French brandy, from the Gascony region, usually a bit more robust and complex than Cognac, with earthy and spicy notes.
• American Brandy – Typically made in the U.S., often from grapes grown domestically. It can range from light and fruity to richer, oak-aged styles.

Best drinking for the Close Encounter

This is a fruit forward vibrant cocktail. Full of sweetness from the strawberries and orange juice.  Mixed with curacao and anostura bitters, its a beautiful amazing elegant cocktail.  That should be enjoyed at any gathering to feel special.

What’s in a Close Encounter

This is a elegant cocktail best served in a brandy balloon glass.  Here’s a run down off the ingredients in the cocktail.

Crushed Ice

Cools and dilutes the cocktail slightly, creating a smooth, refreshing texture.  Do not go with ice cubes, you are trying to create a feel to this cocktail. Crushed ice is best.

Brandy

Adds warmth and depth with its rich, fruity, and slightly oaky flavor. Choose your preferred brandy.

Curacao

Will bring a sweet, citrusy orange note and vibrant color to the mix.

Orange Juice

This provides a bright, fresh citrus flavor and natural sweetness.

Strawberries

Fresh is best here.  Offer fruity aroma, natural sweetness, and a visually appealing red hue.

Angostura Bitters

It should be a home bar staple.  It will add complexity with subtle spice and herbal notes.

Orange Slice & Strawberry Garnish

Always mix up your garnishes a little bit.  It will enhances visual appeal and adds a hint of fresh flavor to each sip.

Which glass do I use?

The balloon glass is the perfect choice for enjoying a Close Encounter cocktail. Its wide, rounded bowl allows the vibrant aromas of the brandy and fresh fruit to gather and concentrate, enhancing every sip with layers of flavor.

The generous size also provides ample room for crushed ice and fruit, ensuring the cocktail stays refreshingly chilled without diluting too quickly.

Held by the stem, the glass keeps your hands from warming the drink, allowing the subtle warmth of the brandy to shine through at the perfect pace.

With its elegant shape and practical design, the balloon glass elevates both the presentation and the tasting experience of this fruity, aromatic cocktail.  We recommend the LSA Gin Balloon Glasses in Clear with Flared Stem and Disc Shaped Feet, available online from Amazon.

How to make a Close Encounter Cocktail

This is a blender cocktail. Do not try to make it with a cocktail shaker. It will just loose its appeal and desired affect.

Print

For more Brandy cocktails try these

• AJ Cocktail
• Chancellor
• Chocolate Solider

Brandy is a distilled spirit made by fermenting and then distilling fruit, most commonly grapes, to create a strong, flavorful alcoholic beverage.

It is typically aged in wooden barrels, which gives it a rich, smooth taste with notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit.  It can make some really amazing cocktails.