Classics never go out of style Best use: Drizzle on ice cream and warm fruit pie or crumble.

Recipes calling for brandy typically mean grape spirits aged in wooden barrels. Their toffee, vanilla and spice notes invigorate drinks from sangria to mulled wine and classic dishes from crepes Suzette to steak au poivre.

Consider keeping one of these iconic, versatile bottlings on hand over the holidays. They can do everything from flavouring desserts and drinks to making festive flambées and elegant cocktail bases.

St-Rémy Signature

LCBO 16544, $42.95

This hip, new bottling, from a French distillery founded in 1886, has soft spice and rich dried stone fruit flavours.

Best use: Mix in a Sidecar or Jack Rose cocktail.

E&J Gallo VSOP Brandy LCBO 396234, $28.95

One of California’s most famous wine brands makes a well-aged brandy with apple and berry flavours and the aroma of crème brûlée.

Stock 84 Brandy

LCBO 417576, 1.14 L, $42.45

A terrific value, this staple Czech brandy is both sweet and savoury, with luscious tropical fruit and baking spice notes.

Best use: Cooking sauces or soaking fruitcake.