Cocktails with Cognac
Cognac is a prestigious French brandy from the Cognac region, double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged in French oak. It offers complex fruit, floral, and oak flavors.
No Cognac? What to use instead
- Type
- Spirit
- Strength
- 40–45% ABV
- Aroma
- Dried fruit, Floral, Oak, Vanilla, Spice
- Taste
- Grape, Dried fruit, Vanilla, Oak, Subtle spice
- Finish
- Long, Warming, Complex, Smooth
14 drinks with Cognac
- AlexanderBrown Crème de Cacao, Cream
- Between the SheetsWhite Rum, Triple Sec, Lemon Juice
- Brandy AlexanderBrown Crème de Cacao, Cream
- Brandy CrustaMaraschino Liqueur, Triple Sec, Lemon Juice
- Champagne CocktailChampagne, Angostura Bitters, Sugar Cube
- Champs-ElyseesGreen Chartreuse, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
- Corpse Reviver No. 1Calvados, Sweet Vermouth
- French ConnectionAmaretto
- HarvardSweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters, Simple Syrup
- Japanese CocktailOrgeat, Angostura Bitters
- SazeracAbsinthe, Sugar Cube, Peychaud's Bitters
- SidecarTriple Sec, Lemon Juice
- StingerWhite Crème de Menthe
- Vieux CarréRye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Bénédictine
History
Cognac has been produced in southwest France since the 17th century when Dutch traders began distilling local wines for transport. The region's chalky terroir and the specific grape variety (Ugni Blanc) create a unique base wine. Cognac must be made within strict geographical boundaries and follow traditional methods.
How it’s made
Made from wine double-distilled in Charentais copper pot stills, then aged at least two years in Limousin or Tronçais oak barrels. VS indicates 2+ years aging, VSOP 4+ years, and XO 10+ years. Master blenders create consistent house styles from multiple vintages and crus.
Bottles to try
Rémy Martin VSOPMid-range
Smooth, fruit-forward cognac from the Fine Champagne region, excellent for mixing and sipping.
Hennessy VSMid-range
The world's best-selling cognac, with robust character and good value for cocktails.
Pierre Ferrand 1840Mid-range
Cocktail-focused cognac recreating 19th-century style, designed specifically for classic recipes.
Courvoisier VSBudget
Smooth and fruity, great entry-level cognac for cocktails.
Rémy Martin VSOPMid-range
Rich and balanced, notes of vanilla and stone fruit.
Hennessy XOPremium
Complex and luxurious, dried fruit and spice, sipping cognac.
Got Cognac at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.