Taking your taste buds on a luxurious journey, Cognac is often associated with sipping neat, accompanied by perhaps just one solitary ice cube. However, its rich flavor profile makes it an excellent addition to various cocktails. Many of these classic cocktails have roots in French culture, as you might expect.
The Stinger
You’ll find that The Stinger is an excellent choice for a rapid-fire cocktail that kicks off the evening on the right note. To prepare this shot, combine equal measures of Cognac with white crème de menthe in a shot glass. For those who prefer their drinks chilled, you can certainly give it a quick shake with some ice before consuming. Take the shot quickly and you’ll be ready to roll
The Vieux Carré
Observing the name, The Vieux Carré, it’s no surprise that this cocktail has a French twist. Directly named after New Orleans’ famous French Quarter, this drink embodies the essence of its namesake. To craft this classic cocktail, combine equal parts Cognac, rye whiskey, and sweet red vermouth in a mixing glass. Next, add a teaspoon of Bénédictine and a dash each of Peychaud’s Bitters and Angostura Bitters to the mix.
Fill the glass halfway with ice and stir for at least half a minute to allow the flavors to meld together before straining the mixture into an ice-filled rocks glass with a cherry garnish, completing the elegant presentation.
The Vin Chaud
Naturally, this recipe is a French twist on traditional mulled wine, utilizing the rich flavors of Cognac. It’s essential to avoid boiling the wine, as the alcohol will simply evaporate, losing its potency. To prepare the wine mixture, pour a bottle of dry red wine into a saucepan and add two cinnamon sticks, three cloves, a star anise, ten peppercorns, and half a cup of sugar. Next, add two strips of orange zest and bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat.
Allow it to cook for approximately ten minutes before straining out the spices and adding a couple of tablespoons of Cognac.
The Cavendish Cocktail
The Cavendish cocktail is deceptively simple yet packed with complex flavors, making it an absolute delight for those who try it. To prepare this drink, start by filling a rocks glass with ice, then add one ounce each of Rhum Agricole Ambre and Cognac. Next, add a quarter ounce of banana liqueur and pimento liqueur to the mix. Throw in a couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters for an added depth of flavor.
Finally, garnish with one wide strip of orange peel and stir the mixture until it is well chilled.
Café Amore
High-quality beverages often require premium ingredients, and a boozy coffee is no exception. To start, brew six ounces of rich black coffee according to your personal preferences. Next, carefully combine an ounce each of Cognac and amaretto liqueur in a large coffee glass before slowly pouring in the hot coffee. Finally, garnish with shaved almonds and top with whipped cream for a luxurious touch.
French Connection
Here’s the best news – you only need two ingredients for this mouthwatering cocktail, so there really are no excuses not to give it a try. To make it, simply fill a lowball glass with ice and then pour in one part amaretto with two parts Cognac. Stir gently to combine the mixture, and that’s it – your drink is ready!
Strawberry Cognac Iced Tea
Varying your iced tea routine can be as simple as adding some natural sweetness from fresh fruit. Muddle three hulled strawberries in a cocktail shaker to release their flavors and oils. Next, combine the juice of half a lemon, one tablespoon of warmed honey, three ounces of cooled black tea, and two ounces of Cognac with ice in the shaker. Once chilled, strain the mixture into a glass and garnish with a slice of lemon, adjusting the amount of honey or tea to your taste as desired.
Mata Hari
Made with a blend of floral and tart flavors, the Mata Hari is a unique and refreshing cocktail worth trying. To create this concoction, you will need to combine one ounce of chai-infused sweet vermouth, one and a quarter ounces of Cognac, three-quarters ounces each of freshly squeezed lemon juice and pomegranate juice in a shaker filled with ice. Once the mixture has chilled sufficiently, strain it into a cocktail glass and garnish with three dried rosebuds for an elegant presentation.
Sazerac
Formulating the perfect Sazerac cocktail is a matter of balancing bold flavors, as this classic New Orleans drink often combines the spicy kick of rye whiskey with the rich warmth of Cognac. To start, chill a glass by adding ice and letting it sit for a few minutes, then discard the ice once you’re ready to proceed. Next, add a quarter-ounce of absinthe to the chilled glass and stir until the liquid is well-chilled before discarding it as well.
This step serves not only to cool the glass but also to impart a subtle anise flavor that complements the bitters used in the drink. In a separate mixing glass, combine one sugar cube with three-quarters of an ounce of water, along with two dashes each of Angostura Bitters and Peychaud’s Bitters. Stir this mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved, then add an ounce each of rye whiskey and Cognac to the glass filled with ice.
Finally, stir the cocktail until it’s chilled and strain it into the prepared glass.
The Jimmie Roosevelt
Nodding back to its 1930s origins, the Colonel Jimmie cocktail remains a timeless classic, despite being overshadowed by more modern concoctions. The recipe is straightforward: place four or five dashes of Angostura Bitters onto a sugar cube, allowing them to meld together before dropping it into a wine glass filled with cracked ice. Next, pour in two ounces of Cognac and three ounces of Champagne, taking care not to overmix the ingredients.
To finish the drink, use an investor spoon to float half an ounce of Green Chartreuse on top, then serve without garnish.
The Beautiful
To indulge in the rich flavors of The Beautiful, just two essential ingredients are required, and fortunately, no ice is necessary. For an effortless assembly, combine equal proportions of Cognac and Grand Marnier in a brandy snifter.
Milk Punch
When it comes to sipping Cognac, few cocktails can rival the classic Milk Punch. This indulgent drink is a masterclass in balance and texture, combining the rich flavors of Cognac, Jamaican rum, whole milk, and simple syrup to create a truly unforgettable experience. To prepare this cocktail, begin by filling a cocktail shaker with ice, then add one and a quarter ounce each of Cognac and Jamaican rum.
Next, pour in three-quarters of an ounce of simple syrup, followed by one and a quarter ounces of whole milk. Shake the mixture vigorously until it reaches a temperature that is cold to the touch. Once chilled, strain the Milk Punch into a chilled rocks glass filled with a single ice cube. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg and serve immediately.
Almond Crusta
Zestful origins lie behind the Crusta cocktail, which emerged in New Orleans during the 1950s. Its name is inspired by the sugary crust that coats the rim of its signature glass. To replicate this distinctive touch, dip the rim into a mixture of superfine sugar and lemon juice, creating a sweet and tangy border for your drink.
A cocktail shaker is then filled halfway with ice before being infused with Cognac, an ounce, gin at half that measure, freshly squeezed lemon juice to the tune of three quarters of an ounce, and orgeat syrup in equal proportion. The contents are then shaken until well combined before being carefully strained into a glass accompanied by a lemon peel garnish.
The Morning Glory
Keen whiskey enthusiasts will appreciate the unique blend that makes up The Morning Glory cocktail, often described as an elevated version of the classic Old Fashioned. To craft one, combine 1 ounce each of rye whiskey and Cognac in a mixing glass along with a bar spoon each of Grand Marnier, simple syrup, and absinthe. Add two dashes of Angostura Bitters to the mixture before stirring well to chill.
Once the blend is suitably chilled, strain it into a rocks glass filled with ice and top with club soda. To finish, garnish with a lemon twist for added visual appeal.
The Japanese
Making its way back into popularity in modern bars and restaurants, The Japanese cocktail is actually a much older drink than one might think, dating back to 1862. This classic recipe can be found in the bartending guide, ‘How To Mix Drinks or The Bon-Vivant’s Companion’, which was first published during that time period.
Interestingly, this cocktail’s name has an interesting connection to history – it is actually named after the very first Japanese representatives who visited the United Nations. To recreate this timeless drink at home, start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice and add two ounces of Cognac to half an ounce each of orgeat syrup and freshly squeezed lime juice, as well as a dash of Angostura Bitters. Shake the mixture thoroughly, then strain it into a chilled glass and serve with a lime twist.
Apricot Sunray
Keeping the concept of sharing in mind, one can easily prepare a large quantity of Apricot Sunray. Key to this is having all the necessary ingredients at hand. Grab a pitcher, add some ice, and combine half a bottle of Cognac, a bottle of sparkling wine, and three cups of apricot liqueur for the base liquor.
To complement this, you will need one and a half cups each of apricot nectar and freshly squeezed lemon juice, four cups of freshly squeezed blood orange juice, six thinly sliced apricots, five thinly sliced lemons, one thinly sliced blood orange, and 12 brandied cherries. Once everything is ready, give it a good stir before pouring it out for serving.
