International Bar FlyCocktail recipe
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International Bar Fly sits in the sparkling-cocktail family, using brandy as a base and lifting it with a generous pour of Champagne or prosecco. It reads like a modern, bar-minded riff on the idea of a spirit-forward aperitif topped with bubbles—built for drinkers who like their celebratory serves with a little edge. Rather than leaning on a long, well-documented backstory, it feels defined by its ingredients: a small, deliberate set that balances richness, citrus, and a bitter herbal snap.
You’ll find the brandy brings warm, rounded fruit and depth, while a dash of triple sec adds a bright orange-sweet accent that lightens the mid-palate. Fernet-Branca contributes an assertive bitter-herbal note in the background, tightening the finish and keeping the drink from drifting too sweet. Champagne or prosecco stretches everything out with crisp sparkle, turning those concentrated dashes into a fragrant, dry-leaning, aromatic sip.
Serve it in a Champagne glass when you want something festive but not sugary—ideal for aperitif hour, toasts, or a pre-dinner drink that still feels grown-up. It suits adventurous palates, especially if you enjoy bitter liqueurs and spirit-led bubbles, and it works well when you want one elegant drink that keeps you engaged from first sip to finish.
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Champagne glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Brandy leads with warm, rounded fruit and oak, brightened by a quick flash of triple sec, while a dash of Fernet-Branca adds minty-bitter herbal depth under a long, crisp Champagne/prosecco fizz. The bubbles lighten the brandy’s weight and the Fernet’s bitterness reins in the citrus sweetness, making it ideal for drinkers who like dry, bracing sparklers with a slightly medicinal edge.
Method
How to make a International Bar Fly
- Brandy 30ml, Triple sec Dash, Fernet-Branca Liqueur Dash, Champagne / prosecco 120ml
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- Add all the ingredients except the champagne into a flute glass with an ice cube
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- Stir briefly before topping up with the champagne and serving
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FAQ's
What is the flavor profile of the International Bar Fly?
The International Bar Fly combines the rich, fruity notes from Brandy and the citrus sweetness from Triple Sec with the herbal, slightly bitter accents of Fernet-Branca Bitters, topped off with the bubbly lightness of Champagne or prosecco. The result is a complex, sophisticated, and refreshing cocktail with a balance of sweetness, bitterness, and effervescence.
Can the International Bar Fly be considered a good choice for celebrations?
Yes, the International Bar Fly, with its inclusion of Champagne or prosecco, makes it an excellent choice for celebrations. The effervescence of the bubbly combined with the elegance of Brandy and the unique touch of Fernet-Branca Bitters creates a festive and sophisticated drink perfect for special occasions.
Is the International Bar Fly suitable for someone looking for a low-alcohol cocktail?
With an alcohol content of 17.6%, the International Bar Fly falls within the mid-range of cocktail alcohol content. While it's not considered a low-alcohol cocktail, it's also not as potent as some high-alcohol alternatives. It could be suitable for someone looking to enjoy a moderately strong cocktail that balances the alcohol with its other flavorful components.
How does one serve the International Bar Fly?
The International Bar Fly should be served in a champagne glass for an elegant presentation. The brandy, Triple Sec, and Fernet-Branca Bitters are stirred with ice to chill, and then strained into the glass. Lastly, it is topped off with chilled Champagne or prosecco. The cocktail is not shaken, to preserve the clarity and bubbles of the Champagne.
Can I substitute Champagne with another sparkling wine for the International Bar Fly?
Yes, while Champagne adds a luxurious element to the International Bar Fly, it can be substituted with other types of sparkling wine, like prosecco as suggested, or cava, for a similar bubbly experience. The key is to choose a quality sparkling wine that complements the rich and complex flavors of the other ingredients.
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