Sol y Sombra
A herbal and sweet cocktail ∙ Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 25.2% ABV ∙
Sol y Sombra is a traditional Spanish after-dinner drink of equal parts Spanish brandy and anisette, stirred and served in a snifter.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir both ingredients with ice: Spanish brandy 45 mlAnisette liqueur 45 ml
- Strain into the chilled glass
Tips
- For a less sweet drink, swap the anisette for a dry Spanish anís; anisette is sugary, while dry anís gives a crisper licorice edge.
History
Sol y Sombra — Spanish for "sun and shade" — is a traditional Spanish digestif of equal parts brandy and anisette, long associated with Madrid and Andalusia, where it is drunk after dinner or even at breakfast alongside coffee and churros. The name comes from the bullring, where "sol" seats sit in cheap sunshine and "sombra" seats in pricey shade, and a sol y sombra ticket buys both. The drink mirrors that pairing in the glass, the clear anisette standing for sun and the dark brandy for shade.
The name has been used since at least the mid-19th century for any mix of two strong spirits of contrasting color, and the bartender and writer Jacinto Sanfeliu is credited with fixing it to this equal-parts formula in his 1949 book El bar.
FAQ
What is a Sol y Sombra?
Sol y Sombra is a traditional Spanish digestif of equal parts Spanish brandy and anisette, stirred with ice and served in a snifter. Its name means "sun and shade," after the bullring seating.
How do you make a Sol y Sombra?
Stir 45 ml Spanish brandy and 45 ml anisette with ice, then strain into a chilled brandy snifter.
Is Sol y Sombra a good drink?
Yes, if you like brandy and sweet anise. It is a classic Spanish after-dinner drink, and the anisette softens the edge of the brandy into a smooth, warming sipper. At about 25.2% ABV it is strong, so sip it slowly.
What kind of brandy is used in Sol y Sombra?
Traditionally Spanish brandy, such as a Brandy de Jerez, whose soft, raisiny character pairs well with the sweet anise. Any decent aged brandy or Cognac works, but the drink is Spanish at heart and usually made with a Spanish bottling.
