What Is Cognac Cocktail
A Cognac cocktail is any mixed drink that features Cognac as the primary base spirit. Cognac, a type of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France, is known for its rich, smooth, and complex flavor profile, which can be enhanced or complemented by various mixers, fruits, liqueurs, and bitters.
What Is A Good Cognac for Cocktails?
When choosing a good Cognac for cocktails, it’s important to find a balance between quality, affordability, and flavor profile. While higher-end Cognacs (such as those with VSOP or XO labels) are ideal for sipping neat, VS (Very Special) Cognacs tend to be more accessible and work perfectly in cocktails without overpowering the mix of other ingredients.
General Tips for Choosing Cognac for Cocktails
For Mixing: VS and VSOP Cognacs are ideal for most cocktails because of their balanced flavors and more affordable price. VS is great for simple cocktails, while VSOP offers extra richness for more complex drinks.
For Sipping and Special Cocktails: XO Cognacs (like Delamain Pale & Dry XO) are best enjoyed neat or in high-end cocktails due to their aging and complexity. They are perfect for drinks that showcase the Cognac’s depth.
Avoid Overpaying for Sipping-Only Cognacs: If you're mixing, you don’t need to splurge on a top-tier XO Cognac unless you want to elevate the drink. Save the high-end Cognacs for sipping neat or on the rocks.
What Is the Most Famous Cognac Cocktail?
The most famous Cognac cocktail is the Sidecar. Historical Significance: The Sidecar dates back to the early 20th century and is often associated with Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, where it was reportedly created in the 1920s.
This classic cocktail has been a favorite for over a century, known for its balanced blend of Cognac, orange liqueur (such as Cointreau), and fresh lemon juice. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable drink that combines tartness, sweetness, and the depth of Cognac, making it an ideal choice for both casual and formal occasions.
Popular Cognac Cocktails
The Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time, combining Cognac with orange liqueur and lemon juice. It’s simple yet sophisticated, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for The Sidecar
2 oz (60 ml) Cognac
1 oz (30 ml) Cointreau or other orange liqueur
0.75 oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
How to Make the Sidecar
1. Chill your cocktail glass.
2. Add Cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice, shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, and strain into the chilled glass.
4. Optional: Rim the glass with sugar if you like a sweet touch.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist for a citrusy aroma.
French 75 (Cognac Version)
Enjoy the French 75 (Cognac Version) — a cocktail that combines the best of both worlds: the depth of Cognac and the sparkling elegance of Champagne. It’s perfect for those who appreciate luxury and balance in their cocktails.
Ingredients for the French 75
2 oz (60 ml) Cognac (VS or VSOP is ideal for this cocktail)
0.5 oz (15 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
0.5 oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup (adjust to taste)
3 oz (90 ml) Champagne (or dry sparkling wine, such as Brut)
Lemon Twist or Lemon Peel for garnish
How to Make the French 75
1. Chill Your Glass: Begin by chilling a flute or coupe glass with ice water. Set it aside while you prepare the cocktail.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine Cognac, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add ice to fill the shaker halfway.
3. Shake: Shake the ingredients well for 10-15 seconds to chill and mix the flavors.
4. Strain: Discard the ice in your glass and strain the mixture into your chilled flute or coupe glass.
5. Top with Champagne: Carefully pour Champagne (or sparkling wine) into the glass, filling it about three-quarters full. Gently stir to combine the ingredients without losing the bubbles.
6. Garnish: Finish with a lemon twist or lemon peel as a garnish, which will release a refreshing citrus aroma.
7. Choosing the Right Cognac: For a richer and deeper flavor, opt for VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) Cognac. If you prefer a lighter profile, a VS (Very Special) Cognac will work perfectly.
Between The Sheets Cocktail
The Between the Sheets cocktail is a classic, slightly lesser-known drink that offers a balanced blend of Cognac, rum, and orange liqueur, with a touch of lemon juice for some citrus brightness. It's a smooth, refreshing drink with a hint of sweetness and complexity, perfect for any cocktail enthusiast looking for a sophisticated option.
Ingredients for the Between The Sheets Cocktail
1 oz (30 ml) Cognac
1 oz (30 ml) White Rum
1 oz (30 ml) Triple Sec or Cointreau (orange liqueur)
0.75 oz (22 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
Lemon Twist or Orange Twist for garnish (optional)
How to Make the Between The Sheets Cocktail
1. Chill Your Glass: Start by chilling a coupe glass or martini glass with ice water. Set aside.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine Cognac, white rum, Triple Sec (or Cointreau), and fresh lemon juice. Add ice to fill the shaker halfway.
3. Shake: Shake well for about 15 seconds to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly chilled and mixed.
4. Strain: Discard the ice in your glass and strain the mixture into your chilled glass.
5. Garnish: Add a lemon twist or orange peel for an aromatic garnish that enhances the citrus notes of the drink.
Sazerac (Cognac Version)
The Sazerac (Cognac version) is a twist on the classic Sazerac cocktail that substitutes rye whiskey with Cognac, giving it a smoother, more refined flavor profile. This version of the Sazerac is rich, aromatic, and slightly fruitier, thanks to the complexity of the Cognac.
Ingredients for the Sazerac (Cognac Version)
2 oz (60 ml) Cognac (a VS or VSOP Cognac works well)
1 sugar cube
3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters (traditional for Sazerac)
Absinthe or Absinthe Substitute (such as Herbsaint or Pastis)
Lemon Peel for garnish
How to Make a Sazerac (Cognac Version)
1. Chill the Glass: Start by chilling an Old Fashioned glass (or a similar heavy tumbler). To chill, fill the glass with ice and set it aside.
2. Coat with Absinthe: Add a few dashes of absinthe or an absinthe substitute to the chilled glass. Swirl the glass to coat the inside with the absinthe and then discard any excess liquid. This imparts the signature herbal aroma and flavor to the drink.
3. Muddle the Sugar and Bitters: In a separate mixing glass, add 1 sugar cube and 3 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters. Add a small splash of water (about a teaspoon) and muddle the sugar cube until it’s completely dissolved.
4. Add the Cognac: Pour Cognac into the muddled sugar and bitters mixture. You can use a VS or VSOP Cognac, depending on your preference for smoothness and depth.
5. Stir and Chill: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds to chill it and properly dilute the drink.
6. Strain the Cocktail: Discard the ice in your prepared glass and strain the chilled mixture into the glass, ensuring no ice enters.
7. Garnish: Express the lemon peel over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a twist to release the citrus oils. Drop the peel into the glass or discard it, depending on your preference.
How to Store Cognac
Store your Cognac in a cool, stable temperature (50-59°F) and away from light and heat sources. Avoid the freezer, as freezing dulls the flavors. For rare or collectible Cognac, consider long-term storage in a wine & beverage fridge or cellar-like environment.
Great Cognac Options for Cocktails
1. Hennessy VS: Fruity, with subtle floral and oak notes. It has a vibrant spice and smoothness that blends well with other ingredients. Hennessy VS is a well-balanced, easy-to-use Cognac, offering versatility in cocktails like the Sidecar or Cognac Old Fashioned.
2. Rémy Martin VSOP: Richer than VS, with spicy, fruity, and floral notes. Expect deeper flavors with hints of vanilla and oak. The VSOP is great for more complex cocktails like the Cognac Sour or Cognac Manhattan, where its smoother profile will enhance the drink without overwhelming it.
3. Courvoisier VS: Light, floral, and slightly fruity, with hints of vanilla and spices. Courvoisier VS is an excellent option for cocktails like the French 75 (Cognac version), where the fruit-forward, lighter style of Courvoisier blends seamlessly with citrus and Champagne.
4. Martell VS: Slightly more light and delicate than some other VS Cognacs, with fruity, floral, and subtle oak notes. Martell VS works beautifully in cocktails requiring a finer touch, such as a Cognac Sour or Cognac Collins, due to its elegant flavors.
