When it comes to enjoying brandy, sip wisely, but go crazy

In order to consistently move forward with your fitness goals, you sometimes have to forego boozy brunches or post-work alcoholic indulgences. Julious Grant, founder o f Omelette fire She personally knows the balancing act between staying fit and enjoying life every now and then.

Before you become one of the leaders Wine and spirits experts In the United States in the late 1980s, Grant was a guard at Bethune Cookman University, where he averaged nearly 12 points per game in his senior season.

To this day, Grant is still physically active and observing his Calorie intake But Grant says you can still enjoy the occasional highball - or neat - without always having to go completely high and dry when it comes to alcohol.

When it comes to brandy, he says it's best enjoyed either after a nice dinner or just sitting back and enjoying a cool evening. He adds that in addition to appreciating its fruity flavors, sipping a brandy is also a pleasant experience when you find an ideal food to pair it with. Often, brandy serves as the perfect dessert complement, but sometimes Grant says you don't have to go decadent, especially if you're watching your calories.

“I have never been one to overconsume because I find great joy in tasting, sipping and finding ideal combinations between my food and drinks,” he says.

Why drink liquor?

Brandy is a distilled spirit made from fermented fruit juice. It is closely related to, but distinct from, Cognac as the latter is made from grapes in the Cognac region of France.

There are many ways to drink brandy. You drink it “pure” – right at room temperature – which is one of the more stylish ways to enjoy a fine brandy. Or you can mix it into a brandy sour (lemon juice, simple syrup, and maraschino cherry) or a highball (ginger ale and lemon twist).

Because brandy is both low in carbohydrates and cholesterol, it is one of the healthier alcohol options on the market. It contains several anti-aging antioxidants, and even a sip or two at night can even help you fall asleep (a few sips, not glasses).

The Omage founder says this is the best way to enjoy brandy

According to Grant, what sets Omage apart from other brandies and cognacs is that it is all-natural – meaning no added sugar or artificial colors. Each of the brand's three signature brandies – VS, VSOP and XO – are made in California and are aged between two and six years.

Because of the process time, Grant says it's best to drink brandy slowly and cool. Known as a dessert drink, brandy pairs well with rich foods like chocolate mousse and cheese, to name a few. But sometimes decadent indulgences aren't the only option.

“Sometimes after dinner, if I don’t want to eat dessert, I drink Omage with an orange slice over stones,” he says. “The natural vanilla and citrus flavors in OMAGE are enhanced and it is satisfying and refreshing.”

So what works best? Grant says a unique way to enjoy the fruity flavors of brandy is to combine it with trail mix — including heart-healthy nuts and a variety of dried fruits. Like brandy, nuts like pistachios and walnuts are rich in antioxidants, protein and fiber and are beneficial for heart health. As with a good brandy, moderation is important when it comes to nuts, as they are very high in calories.

“When I need something to snack on right before or after dinner, I reach for nuts—especially almonds and pistachios—and mix them with raisins or dried cranberries,” says Grant. “I drink my Omage straight and the combination with the nuts and dried fruits is not only delicious but also very pleasant.”