The Best Cognacs For Cocktails
The most important point here is this: there is no right or wrong Cognac to use in a cocktail. You might hear some say that you should only use a VS, or that an XO is too special to adulterate with other ingredients.
We have one thing to say to thisand its something weve championed for many, many years:
There are no rules about how to drink Cognac.
The only requirement is that you enjoy it. VS, VSOP, and XOs all lend themselves to mixed drinks. The fiery youth of a VS works well in cocktails with strong-tasting ingredients. A VSOP is a wonderful middle-of-the-road choice, and an XO? Well, the aged undertones and even rancio can combine with other flavors for a sublime taste sensation.
Discover more about the different age categories of VS, VSOP, and XO Cognac.
Best Cognac For Cocktails
- Cocktails / Mixology
- Best Cognac for Cocktails
Cognac is a versatile spirit that can be used for sipping, mixing, or cooking. Weve covered cooking and sipping in recent blog posts. Check out: Best Ways to Drink Cognac and Best Brandy for Your Budget: Brandy for Cooking, Sipping, Mixing, and Gifting. Today we are going to talk about mixing your Cognac. How do you pick out a good Cognac for mixing in cocktails? What do you look for, and which ones are best?
You will notice that many excellent cocktail recipes involving cognac are French in name and style. Thats no accident! Cognac is a very specific French brandy. So it only makes sense that the French have had longer to work their magic in developing recipes that really bring out the flavors of the Cognac.
The cost of Cognac has often kept it out of cocktails. Cognacs are typically quite expensive. A 750 ml bottle of even lower-end cognac is priced much higher than most ryes or bourbons. So, when finding a bottle of Cognac thats right for mixing, be prepared to pay more than, say, an average bottle of vodka.
In this article, youll find recommendations for picking out a Cognac, our top picks, and a few recipes to try as well!
Interestingly Categorized Cognac Mixers
2. Coca Cola
Now, theyll still be a few purists out there who wouldnt dream of such a mix. But when it comes down to Cognac mixers, the time-enduring taste of Coke combined with a powerful eau-de-vie creates a flavour infusion that millions enjoy. For us, we like a splash of the fizzy stuff, ice, and a slice of lemon. The combination is really good to drink with Cognac. A quality VS, VSOP, or Napoleon Cognac is a great choice, and one that leans towards the spicier range of the spectrum works best.
3. Iced Tea
Fans of the most famous Cognac in the world will be keen to know what to drink with Hennessy Cognac. Now, it might not sound the most obvious choice, but combining it with iced tea is an incredible twist on a drink thats a favorite with millions around the world. Mix 1.5 oz of VS or VSOP Rivente Cognac , 2 oz of unsweetened cold tea, 1 oz of simple syrup, and 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice. Shake it up with some ice in a cocktail shaker, garnish with a twist of orange, and voilayour drink is ready. Enjoy.
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Hennessy Mixed Drinks With Mixly
Are you drawn in by the allure of making a Hennessy cocktail, wanting to go beyond the more straightforward two-ingredient Hennessy mixed drinks? Are you hesitant to make a cocktail because of all the steps and ingredients involved? Well, theres a solution!
Mixlys mixers provide the fresh, flavorful ingredients we all love in a cocktail, making it as simple as pouring a two-ingredient mixed drink.
Our top 5 Mixly flavors to pair with Hennessy are:
- Rosemary Lemon Honey
Brief History Of Cognac
Cognac is a type of brandy made in the Cognac region of France. The first cognacs were produced in the 16th century, and the drink has been popular ever since. Cognac is made from the distilled white wine and then aged in oak barrels. The longer the cognac is aged, the better it will taste. Hennessy cognacs are aged for a minimum of two years, and some for much longer.
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The Rise In Popularity Of The Cognac Cocktail
In more recent times, it was probably in the USA that adding Cognac to cocktails first became truly popular. The trend was soon followed by nations across the globe. Look at the beautiful people of China sipping their Cognac cocktails in the hottest nightclubs and bars, and you instantly appreciate how true this is.
What Is A Cocktail
We probably all have a pretty good idea as to what a cocktail is. However, the lines of strict definitions are constantly blurring. Youve likely heard of mocktails, which are designed for the teetotaler, designated driver, or for days when you just dont want alcohol.
However, as this article is dedicated to Cognac cocktails, were going to concentrate on the true dictionary definition of what a cocktail is. And that is,
A mixed alcoholic drinkusually icedthats a combination of 2 or more ingredients.
Of course, there are often way more than 2 ingredients in a cocktail. Theres usually a fruity element, sometimes more than one alcoholic shot, and usually the addition of other ingredients to enhance the taste.
Cognac has been used in mixed cocktail drinks for centuries. While the professional term today for creating cocktails is mixology, back in the 1800s when the fashion for mixed drinks really became popular, the word cocktail itself was considered truly avant-garde.
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Cognac And Ginger Ale
We hear you ask what soda to drink with Cognac? Well, the spicy taste of ginger marries delightfully with certain Cognacs. In fact, there are many Cognac cocktails that use the strength of the spice to create a delicious long drink. If you fancy a long, refreshing thirst quencher, then pairing a quality VS or VSOP with ginger ale and ice is a great combination. Use a high ball glass, a shot of your favorite Cognac, and a generous portion of ginger ale. We particularly like it with Fever-Tree Ginger Ale, or, for an exotic twist, use the Fever-Tree Spiced Orange Ginger Ale, which combines sweet clementine and cinnamon. Together with the Cognac, the flavor explosion is exotic and sensual, one that will really hit the spot for those who value a high-end drinking experience.
Moelleux Chocolat Noir Manjari
Moelleux dark chocolate MANJARI Madagascar with delicate flavours of Espelette peppers, caramel milk with fleur de sel.
The presence of PARK Cigar Blend confronting a fruity and tangy dark chocolate from Madagascar, so as to soften the woody and spicy charisma. The velvet milk caramel underlines the singularity of these two majestic growing areas.
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So What Do You Mix With Cognac
You can mix cognac with water/soda, aromatic bitters, lemonade, vermouth, and tea. Nine cognac mixers on our list will surely satisfy your palate.
Whether you want to try a Japanese cocktail, Creme De Menthe, Milk Punch, or drink Cognac Margarita, you can use the mixers we listed above to spice your night or reward yourself after a long day.
So, what are you waiting for? Prepare your favorite cocktail glass with these mixers, and make yourself a delicious beverage. But remember, drink responsibly!
Reference:
How Strong Is The Beautiful Drink
Since there is no ice involved, the beautiful cocktail maintains the bottling strength of the two spirits. The average brandy is 80 proof, as is Grand Marnier, so the cocktail weighs in at 40 percent ABV . That is strong, but not really the point of a drink like this. Drinkers who enjoy a snifter of fine brandy are not concerned about strength taste and the aromatics inside the glass are the important elements.
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Great Cocktails To Try At Home
If youre ready to try your hand at home mixology, we first suggest investing in a few key pieces of equipment:
- A lemon press is essential
- A cocktail shaker
Serving glasses: While drinking Cognac in its unadulterated form is best done from a tulip glass or balloon snifter, you also need to choose the most appropriate one for a cocktail. This means youll need a rangea highball, a tumbler, a long drink glass, a Champagne coupe, and a Champagne flute.
The following details the names of our Top 30 Cognac cocktails.
How To Drink Hennessy
Cognac is considered an aperitif thats often enjoyed neat or occasionally on the rocks. Adding just a drop of water can help the flavor of fine cognac bloom and come to life. Some people prefer their cognac to be warmed just slightly or poured into a cocktail shaker with a bit of ice and then strained into a glass.
However, on its own isnt the only way of drinking and enjoying Hennessy cognac. You can also enjoy the famous cognac with a variety of mixers. If youre looking for a new way to enjoy your Hennessy, here is a list of the best mixers to try.
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Great Drinks To Mix With Cognac
Cognac is the perfect spirit with which to experiment. From the simple addition of a block of ice through to the complexity of a multi-ingredient cocktail, theres many common and not-so-common additions that make for a wonderful taste experience.
Some examples include:
- Ginger ale: The spicy taste of ginger marries delightfully with Cognac. Use a highball glass, a shot of your favorite Cognac, and a generous portion of ginger ale. We particularly like it with Fever Tree Ginger Ale or, for an exotic twist, use the Fever Tree Spiced Orange Ginger Ale, which marries sweet clementine and cinnamon.
- Coca Cola: The time-enduring taste of Coke combined with a powerful eau-de-vie creates a flavor infusion that millions enjoy. For us, we mix our chosen Cognac with a splash of the fizzy stuff, ice, and a slice of lemon.
- Iced tea: It might not sound the most obvious choice, but Cognac and iced tea is an incredible twist on a drink thats a favorite with millions around the world. Mix 1.5 oz of VS or VSOP Hennessy Cognac with 0.5 oz of Grand Marnier, 2 oz of unsweetened cold tea, 1 oz of simple syrup, and 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice. Shake it up with some ice in a cocktail shaker, garnish with a twist of orange, and voilayour drink is ready.
How To Drink Cognac According To A French Bartender
America loves Hennessy we imported 6.4 million cases of it in 2017 but we tend to have trouble understanding Cognac as a category. Should we pair Cognac with meals, like wine? Is it a dessert drink? A cocktail ingredient?
Do we need fancy glassware to properly enjoy Cognac? And a smoking jacket?
Cognac is not a secret society, Germain Canto, a bartender at Bar Louise in Cognac, France, says. He is passionate about the versatility of his local spirit. I want people to be less scared of Cognac and what it represents.
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Guide To Top 5 Cognac Mixers For Any Occasion
1. Cognac and Ginger Ale
We hear you ask not just what are the top 5 cognac mixers, but what soda to drink with Cognac? Well the spicy taste of ginger marries delightfully with certain Cognacs. In fact, there are many Cognac cocktails that use the strength of the spice to create a delicious long drink. If you fancy a long, refreshing thirst quencher, then pairing a quality VS or VSOP with ginger ale and ice is a great combination. Use a high ball glass, a shot of your favorite Cognac, and a generous portion of ginger ale. We particularly like it with Fever Tree Ginger Ale, or, for an exotic twist, use the Fever Tree Spiced Orange Ginger Ale, which combines sweet clementine and cinnamon. Together with the Cognac, the flavour explosion is exotic and sensual, one that will really hit the spot for those who value a high end drinking experience.
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What To Mix With Cognac Top 9 Mixers
Last Updated on October 6, 2022 by Lydia Martin
Cognac is a luxurious spirit that most drinkers often use as an aperitif and digestif. However, amidst the battle of whether cognac is best partnered before or after meals, did you know that cognac is also a great mixer?
If you want to level up your drink, you must know what to mix with cognac to create a satisfying and mouth-watering classic cognac cocktail.
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Sophies Meukow Cocktails From California
Our very own Sophie is a bit of a whizz when it comes to making Cognac cocktails. Nothing showcases this better than her mixology efforts in Sunny Californiaat a party in Palm Springs.
She chose to use some great Meukow Cognacs and liqueurs. And the results? Well, it was a wonderful success. The Cognac Caipirinha and the Bright and Stormy were the standout stars of the show.
Cognac Caipirinha
- 2 tsp cane sugar
Preparation: Pour 2 shots of Cognac in a tall cocktail glass. Add a couple of ice cubes. Then fill up the glass with ginger beer. Add a twig of fresh mint and enjoy.
Recreate at home by purchasing a couple of bottles from Meukows great selection.
Can You Drink Cognac With Ice
Choosing The Right Cognac Glass Cognac on ice is served in a large tumbler glass, with room for two ice cubes. This allows it to be held in the hand, aiding the melting process of the ice cubes and making it easier to smell and drink. As a simple mixer with ice, use a long drink glass with many ice cubes.
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The Best Way To Drink Hennessy
Hennessy cognac can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. Hennessy mixed drinks are some of the most popular cocktails around, and they are perfect for any occasion. The best part is that Hennessy mixes well with one other ingredient, or in a more complex cocktail, you might find at your favorite cocktail bar.
So, if youre wondering if theres a best way to drink Hennessy, the answer doesnt exist! Its based on your preferences, primarily because of Hennessys versatility.
What Do You Mix Hennessy With
Hennessy is a world-renowned name in cognac. Popular among cognac lovers, Hennessy has a flavor that its in class and category all of its own. Hennessy Cognac is also considered one of the most versatile spirits because it can be enjoyed on its own in its natural state, but it also has such a smooth, mellow taste that it blends well with a variety of cocktails mixers, including all the mixers weve featured here.
Before indulging in your favorite cognac, discover all the great ways to enjoy a Hennessy cocktail with these perfectly suited mixers.
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Hennessy History & Culture
The history of Hennessy is a story of two families, Irishman Richard Hennessy and André and Édouard Labouchère, who started the brand in 1765. The French cognac kept the two families in business for eight generations until they merged with another cognac producer to form Hennessy Group.
After this transition, Hennessy skyrocketed in popularity and became immersed in black culture. Many articles on the web mention rap artist Busta Rhymes song Pass the Courvoisier as the catalyst behind this cultural immersion. But it didnt make cognac popular among Blacks, as people have claimed Blacks had already been passing it for years.
Hennessy was one of the first spirit brands to strategically invest in a minority group of consumers. There is a long history of cognac consumption among the Black community, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Hennessy recognized this history and chose to lean in and celebrate it.
The Us Enters The Race
The early 1800s saw the popularity of the cocktail begin to take off. The word cocktail first appeared on May 13, 1806, in Balance and Columbian Repository, a weekly magazine published in Hudson, New York.
The first famous Cognac cocktail was born courtesy of an apothecary from New OrleansAntoine Amadie Peychaud. Christened The Sazerac, it remains a firm favorite to this day.
Different cocktails begin appearing and by the 1900s the cocktail party was in full swing across America. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New Orleans became cocktail hotspots. By this point, the drinks had evolved, becoming more complex, with the likes of the Cognac-based Stinger and Coffee Cocktail being examples of drinks being sipped by societys elite.
Other popular Cognac cocktail inventions included the Brandy Crusta and the Sidecar.
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What Can You Mix Cognac With
Cognac is a very versatile drink. It may be drunk neat, over ice or diluted with a little water. It can be mixed with quality mixers, such as soda or traditional lemonade to make a long drink, or used to make a cocktail. For a range of Martell cocktails to try, see our cocktails section.
8 Ideas For What to Mix With Cognac
- Cognac and Ginger Ale. We hear you ask what soda to drink with Cognac?
- Coca Cola. Now, theyll still be a few purists out there who wouldnt dream of such a mix.