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10 Classic Cognac Cocktails

  • Yasmin Coles
  • February 24, 2011

Any bottle of brandy that bears the word “cognac”signifies its makers’ triumph in meeting the standards of the French certifications of Appellation d’origine controlee.  As a variety of brandy, a cognac should be produced within the following zones in France: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bon Bois and Bois Ordinaire.

Cognac should be only made from specific grapes such as the Folle Blanche and the Colombard with the Ugni Blanc as the most popular choice.  The distillation process should take place in two copper pot stills and oak barrels from Limousin or Troncaise are the only certified vessels where this amber liquid can be aged.

Cognac can be enjoyed in its pure form but it also works great as a cocktail base.  Pick up a tip or two from the following cognac cocktail recipes and celebrate the elusiveness of this French brandy.

1. Sidecar

Cognac met its perfect match in this classic concoction.  Mix and shake eight parts of cognac, about two parts of Cointreau and a shot of orange or lemon juice with ice.  Serve smooth in a cocktail g;ass.  Garnish with the peel of your chosen fruit.

2. Chicago

This classic cocktail uses an ounce of Gran Marnier, an ounce of Hennessy VS Cognac, 2 ounces of Brut Champagne and  a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters.  Stir these ingredients in ice and serve on the rocks.  Garnish with orange peel.

3. Pierre Ferrand Ambre

Nothing can be more refreshing  than a mixture of 1.5 oz Pierre Ferrend Ambre cognac with 2 ounces of Pellegrino San Limonata.  To flavor the cognac, press the slice of a lime peel and about four slivers of ginger at the bottom of a glass with half of the undiluted cognac.  Fill the glass with ice, fill it up with the remaining cognac and the soda.  Garnish with a long slice of cucumber peel.

4. Menthe Frappee

Cognac can be mixed with crème de menthe to concoct this delicious and sharp aperitif.  Simply combine at 50:50 in a mixing glass with ice.

5. Brandy Alexander

For those who want to treat their cocktails as an extension of dessert, the Brandy Alexander is the perfect cognac cocktail.  With one part cognac, one part crème de cacao and one part half-and-half, the Brandy Alexander is a smooth and creamy drink straight from the strain of an ice-filled shaker.

6. Le Sang et Sable

Le Sang et Sable is a great cocktail for any brandy lover.  This French version of the Scottish cocktail Blood and Sand is a blend an ounce of Dubonnet Rouge, about 3 ounces of H by Hine Cognac and an ounce of Heering Cherry Liqueur.  Mix in a cocktail shaker with ice, strain, and then finish off with a cocktail cherry and a lemon twist.

7. Vieux Carre

Even with its name, the Vieux Carre bears a true French stamp, but this historic cocktail was a signature of New Orleans’ French quarter.  With about three quarters of an ounce each of Rye whiskey, cognac and Noilly Prat Rouge Vermouth, plus a teaspoon of Benedictine finished with two dashes of Peycaud’s Bitters and Angostura Bitters, the Vieux Carre seems like a pretty stiff drink.  And yes, if NOLA had a state drink, the Vieux Carre is a prime contender.

8. French 75

To those who think that mixing a hard drink with something as light and bubbly as the golden champagne will need to try this magic potion.  Mix half an ounce of simple syrup, half an ounce of fresh lemon juice and an ounce of your favorite cognac in a cocktail shaker.  Strain into a cocktail glass.  Top with three ounces of champagne.  Voila — a cognac and champagne cocktail.

9. The Bow Tie

The Bow Tie is cognac relived in the tropics.  Mix an ounce of pineapple juice, with one ounce of dry Vermouth plus two ounces of Remy Martin (try the 1738 Accord Royal).  Stir with ice, strain, and garnish with a pineapple leaf or maybe a cube.  Very straight and quite beach-like.

10. Emerald Cocktail

An emerald cocktail is a modified classic stinger.  Mix about seven parts cognac, three parts green crème de menthe, one part raspberry syrup and a dash of angostura.  It’s a pretty strong drink but this soft cocktail can be enjoyed in luscious sips throughout the evening.

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