Sidecar Cocktail
2 oz cognac
1 oz triple sec
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
Sugar for rimming (optional)
Instructions:
Rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar (optional)
Fill a shaker with ice
Add cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice to the shaker
Shake well and strain into the sugar-rimmed glass
Garnish with a lemon twist
Brandy Alexander Cocktail
1 1/2 oz cognac
1 oz dark creme de cacao
1 oz heavy cream
Nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a shaker with ice
Add cognac, creme de cacao, and heavy cream to the shaker
Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Sprinkle nutmeg on top for garnish
French Connection Cocktail
1 1/2 oz cognac
1/2 oz amaretto liqueur
Orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a rocks glass with ice
Add cognac and amaretto liqueur to the glass
Stir well and garnish with an orange twist
Sazerac Cocktail
2 oz cognac
1 sugar cube
2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
Absinthe or Herbsaint for rinsing
Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions:
Rinse a chilled rocks glass with absinthe or Herbsaint
In a separate mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube and bitters until the sugar is dissolved
Add cognac and ice to the mixing glass and stir well
Strain the mixture into the rinsed rocks glass
Garnish with a lemon peel twist
Vieux Carré Cocktail
3/4 oz cognac
3/4 oz rye whiskey
3/4 oz sweet vermouth
1/4 oz Bénédictine
2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a mixing glass with ice
Add cognac, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, Peychaud’s Bitters, and Angostura Bitters to the mixing glass
Stir well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice
Garnish with a lemon peel twist
Napoleon Cocktail
2 oz cognac
1/2 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/4 oz raspberry syrup
Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a shaker with ice
Add cognac, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and raspberry syrup to the shaker
Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a lemon twist
Enjoy these classic cognac cocktails!
What Can Cognac be Mixed With?
Cognac is a versatile spirit that can be mixed with various ingredients to create delicious cocktails. Here are some common mixers for cognac:
Citrus Juices: Lemon, lime, and orange juices complement the fruity and floral notes in cognac. They are used in cocktails like the Sidecar and the Napoleon.
Vermouth: Sweet and dry vermouth can be mixed with cognac to make classic cocktails like the Vieux Carré and the Harvard.
Liqueurs: Cognac pairs well with a variety of liqueurs, such as triple sec, amaretto, and Bénédictine. These liqueurs add depth and sweetness to cognac cocktails.
Syrups: Simple syrup, raspberry syrup, and grenadine are commonly used in cognac cocktails to add sweetness and flavor.
Bitters: Angostura bitters and Peychaud’s bitters are often used in cognac cocktails to balance the sweetness and add depth.
Carbonated Beverages: Club soda and tonic water can be used to add a refreshing fizz to cognac cocktails.
Some classic cognac cocktails that use these mixers include the Sidecar, the Sazerac, and the Brandy Alexander. However, you can also experiment with your own combinations to create your own signature cognac cocktails.
Fast Facts About Cognac
Cognac is a type of brandy that is produced in the Cognac region of France. It is made from white wine that is double-distilled in copper pot stills and then aged in oak barrels for at least two years. Cognac is known for its rich and complex flavors, with notes of fruit, spice, and oak.
The proof of cognac can vary, but most cognacs are bottled at 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume). However, some cognacs can be stronger, up to 100 proof (50% ABV).
There are several different types of cognac, based on the age of the spirit and the quality of the grapes used. The main types of cognac are:
- VS (Very Special) or *** (three stars): aged for at least two years
- VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale): aged for at least four years
- XO (Extra Old): aged for at least six years, but often much longer
There are also other designations, such as Hors d’Age (beyond age), which indicates a cognac that has been aged for a very long time.
The main difference between cognac and other types of distilled spirits is the production process and the region in which it is made. Cognac is made only in the Cognac region of France, and it must meet strict production standards to be labeled as cognac. Other types of brandy can be made in different regions and using different methods. For example, American brandy is often made from different types of grapes and aged in different types of barrels.
The best brand of cognac is subjective and can depend on personal taste and budget. Some popular brands of cognac include Hennessy, Remy Martin, Courvoisier, and Martell. It’s recommended to try different brands and age designations to discover your preferred cognac.