Julie Andrews’ Favorite Cocktail Deserves a Comeback

Yes, it’s probably been said a million times, but it bears repeating: Dame Julie Andrews is one of the most iconic actresses of her generation—or, really, any generation. Since the ‘60s, she has been an integral part of countless people’s childhoods and lives. From “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music” to “The Princess Diaries” and “Despicable Me,” Andrews' prestigious career has spanned many decades and genres.

While we might not be able to sing “The Hills Are Alive” or “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” as well as her—and we’ll certainly never be the witty Lady Whistledown—we can still emulate Andrews in other ways. How? By enjoying a few of her favorite things, of course.

Julie Andrews' Favorite Cocktail

We love recreating celebrities’ favorite recipes; and sure, they’re normally a go-to dinner or craveable snack, but we can’t forget that celebs like to wine and dine just as much as we do. So, it’s no surprise that the poised Grammy- and Academy Award-winning Julie Andrews would love a classy two-ingredient cocktail. 

On a 2020 episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” host Kelly Clarkson had Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, play a “Quarantine Family Quiz” game. Clarkson asked Hamilton to name her mother’s “favorite drink in the 1970s.”

“I’m a very old lady, so it goes for the ‘50s and ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s,” Andrews said with a laugh. “I think when all is said and done, probably a brandy and soda.”

Is there anything as simple yet classic as Brandy with club soda? That’s it, we’re all finding an excuse to throw a dinner party ASAP, because we’re officially bringing Andrews’ favorite cocktail back. 

“I love martinis too, but [it’s] the drink that I always go back to, especially when I’m weary, tired, something like that,” Andrews said.

What Is a Brandy & Soda?

As the name suggests, a Brandy and soda only requires those two basic ingredients. It’s a rather easy highball cocktail to make and one that’s been enjoyed for hundreds of years.

The ideal Brandy Highball is one part Brandy and two parts club soda or soda water, traditionally served in a highball glass over ice.  

It’s easy to understand why Andrews loves the retro cocktail so much: it’s slightly fruity and sweet and overall quite refreshing. Plus, just like she said, it’s the perfect, simple thing to mix up when she’s too tired to channel your inner mixologist. 

Bartender—we’ll have what Julie Andrews is having, thank you very much.