Cognac substitutes
The closest substitute for Cognac is Brandy, which works and barely changes the drink. Cognac is a grape brandy; any decent brandy works. Pisco also works. In a pinch, use Calvados or Apple Brandy.
What to use instead of Cognac
| Substitute | How much | Strength |
|---|---|---|
BrandyAlmost the same Cognac is a grape brandy; any decent brandy works. Same amount | Same amount | 36–45% ABV |
PiscoWorks, tastes different Unaged and more floral. Same amount | Same amount | 38–48% ABV |
CalvadosLast resort Apple instead of grape. Same amount | Same amount | 40–45% ABV |
Apple BrandyLast resort Apple instead of grape. Same amount | Same amount | 40–50% ABV |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Cognac, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Alexander
30ml (1 oz) Cognac → 30ml (1 oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Between the Sheets
30ml (1 oz) Cognac → 30ml (1 oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Brandy Alexander
30ml (1 oz) Cognac → 30ml (1 oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Brandy Crusta
45ml (1½ oz) Cognac → 45ml (1½ oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Champagne Cocktail
10ml (⅓ oz) Cognac → 10ml (⅓ oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Champs-Elysees
45ml (1½ oz) Cognac → 45ml (1½ oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Corpse Reviver No. 1
45ml (1½ oz) Cognac → 45ml (1½ oz) Brandy
Same strength
- French Connection
35ml (1¼ oz) Cognac → 35ml (1¼ oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Harvard
45ml (1½ oz) Cognac → 45ml (1½ oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Japanese Cocktail
60ml (2 oz) Cognac → 60ml (2 oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Sazerac
50ml (1⅔ oz) Cognac → 50ml (1⅔ oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Sidecar
50ml (1⅔ oz) Cognac → 50ml (1⅔ oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Stinger
50ml (1⅔ oz) Cognac → 50ml (1⅔ oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Vieux Carré
30ml (1 oz) Cognac → 30ml (1 oz) Brandy
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Cognac | Brandy |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–45% ABV | 36–45% ABV |
| Taste | Grape, Dried fruit, Vanilla, Oak, Subtle spice | Fruity, Warm, Oak, Sweet |
| Aroma | Dried fruit, Floral, Oak, Vanilla, Spice | Grape, Oak, Vanilla, Dried fruit |
| Finish | Long, Warming, Complex, Smooth | Warming, Fruit, Medium to long |
| Property | Cognac | Pisco |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–45% ABV | 38–48% ABV |
| Taste | Grape, Dried fruit, Vanilla, Oak, Subtle spice | Grape, Floral, Clean, Slightly sweet |
| Aroma | Dried fruit, Floral, Oak, Vanilla, Spice | Grape, Floral, Citrus, Muscat |
| Finish | Long, Warming, Complex, Smooth | Clean, Aromatic, Medium |
Already have one of these?
If you have Rémy Martin VSOP, Hennessy VS, Pierre Ferrand 1840, Courvoisier VS or Hennessy XO, you don't need a substitute: they are all Cognac. How they differ
What is 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.
Got Cognac? It also replaces
Questions about Cognac substitutes
What is the best substitute for Cognac?
Brandy is the closest substitute for Cognac and barely changes the drink. Cognac is a grape brandy; any decent brandy works. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Cognac in an Alexander?
Brandy: swap 30ml (1 oz) of Cognac for 30ml (1 oz) of Brandy.
Which Cognac brands can I use?
If you have Rémy Martin VSOP, Hennessy VS, Pierre Ferrand 1840, Courvoisier VS or Hennessy XO, you don't need a substitute: they are all Cognac. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Brandy instead of Cognac change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the 14 drinks on this page that use Cognac, Brandy changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Cognac?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.