Separator Cocktail

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 11/22/21
Tested by
Sean Michael Johnson
Photo of Sean Michael Johnson
Tested by Sean Michael Johnson
Sean is an award-winning bartender with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is the head bartender at the two-Michelin-star restaurant, Gabriel Kreuther, crafting cocktail menus that have caught international attention. To date, he has made over 1 million cocktails, and counting.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Separator Cocktail With Brandy and Coffee Liqueur

The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
177 Calories
0g Fat
8g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 177
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 8g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 0mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 9mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

If you replace the vodka of a black Russian with brandy you have this drink called a brandy separator. It's an equally pleasant drink and you can add cream to make a white brandy separator. There are a number of variations on the separator drink, from different amounts of liqueur, shaken instead of stirred, to name a few. No worries, just tweak it to your taste, for instance, if you like it sweeter, just add more coffee liqueur. The separator cocktail is usually served in an old-fashioned glass with ice but no garnish. You might also hear this drink called the Dirty Mother, and note that they are one and the same cocktail. 

These type of drinks are very easy to make and all of these drinks are connected and very easy to remember. This brandy version is just as good, if not better ​than the vodka drink and it is a great cold weather cocktail.

Great to sip after dinner as a dessert drink, in front of a warm fire on those fall or winter evenings, or it can be enjoyed it any time of the day. 

"Brandy’s versatility in cocktails has been forgotten for a long time, but this recipe is a straightforward example of how delicious it can be with other ingredients. The fresh fruit, almond, and oak notes pair seamlessly with coffee. If you dare to add cream, you will be entering a world of flavor decadency. Be brave." —Sean Johnson

The Separator Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces brandy

  • 3/4 ounce coffee liqueur

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for a Separator Cocktail With Brandy and Coffee Liqueur
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  2. Build the ingredients—brandy and coffee liqueur—in an old-fashioned glass with ice cubes.

    Mixing a Separator Cocktail With Brandy and Coffee Liqueur
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  3. Stir well.

    Mixing a Separator Cocktail With Brandy and Coffee Liqueur
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  4. Serve and enjoy.

    Separator Cocktail With Brandy and Coffee Liqueur
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

Recipe Variation

To make a white brandy separator, mix 1 1/2 ounce brandy and 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur in an old-fashioned glass over ice. Float cream on top to fill.


Add more coffee liqueur if you'd like a sweeter drink.


Use cognac in place of the brandy.

How Strong Is the Separator Cocktail?

These cocktails are not the tamest drinks because liquor makes up most of the volume. However, they are smooth and certainly not the strongest you can make. The separator's alcohol content falls in the 27 percent ABV (54 proof) range. The small amount of cream makes very little difference in the white separator.

How should brandy be stored after opening?

Brandy can be stored indefinitely after opening. It is best kept in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight, such as a pantry or liquor cabinet.

Should coffee liqueur be refrigerated after opening?

Once opened, you should store the bottle of coffee liqueur in the refrigerator. Make sure the cap is tightly screwed back on. It will last for 12 to 18 months after opening.

How to Make Better Cocktails and Other Helpful Tips and Links

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