Indulge in the rich flavors and sophisticated charm of 18 exquisite cognac cocktails that will elevate your cocktail game. From classic twists on timeless favorites to innovative concoctions, these elegant drinks are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
In this collection, you’ll discover a range of mouthwatering recipes that combine the smooth, velvety texture of cognac with a variety of flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of citrusy zests, spicy kick, or sweet indulgence, there’s something for everyone in this curated selection.
Classic Sidecar with a Cognac Twist
Elevate this classic cocktail by adding the richness of cognac to its traditional recipe.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 oz Cointreau or other triple sec
• 1/2 oz Cognac (such as Hennessy or Courvoisier)
• 3 oz Lemon juice
• Simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water, dissolved)
• Angostura bitters
• Orange twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Cointreau, Cognac, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a mixed drink!
French Connection Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this sophisticated French Connection recipe, featuring a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Cognac
– 1/2 oz Triple Sec
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Splash of sparkling water
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Cognac, Triple Sec, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Squeeze in freshly squeezed orange juice.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
7. Garnish with an orange twist, twisted around the rim.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your French Connection Cocktail!
Cognac Old Fashioned
A sophisticated twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this Cognac-infused cocktail combines rich flavors of oak, vanilla, and caramel with the bold spices of anise and cinnamon. Perfect for sipping on a chilly evening or as a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Cognac
– 1/2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
– 1/2 oz Demerara sugar syrup (1:1 sugar and water, dissolved)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine Cognac, bourbon, sugar syrup, and bitters.
2. Fill the glass with ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with one large ice cube.
4. Express a thin strip of orange peel over the drink, if desired, and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None
Vieux Carré Cocktail
The Vieux Carré Cocktail is a timeless drink that originated in the 1930s at Tujague’s Bar in New Orleans. This complex and flavorful mix is perfect for sipping on its own or serving to guests.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 ounce rye whiskey
– 1/2 ounce Cynar
– 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Benedictine
– Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the rye whiskey, Cynar, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add the Benedictine and stir for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None
Enjoy your Vieux Carré Cocktail!
Brandy Alexander with Cognac
A twist on the classic cocktail, this Brandy Alexander with Cognac combines rich flavors of brandy and cream for a sophisticated drink perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Cognac
– 1/2 oz brandy
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Ice
– Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Cognac, brandy, and heavy cream to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of vanilla extract.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
5. Strain into a chilled glass.
6. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Enjoy your rich and creamy Brandy Alexander with Cognac!
Cognac Sazerac
Experience the refined elegance of this classic New Orleans cocktail, featuring Cognac instead of Rye Whiskey for a rich and complex flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Cognac
– 1/2 oz Absinthe
– 3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
– Sugar cube (optional)
– Lemon twist or peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine Cognac, Absinthe, and Peychaud’s Bitters.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled Sazerac glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Express a lemon twist or peel over the drink to release its oils, then use as garnish.
5. If desired, place a sugar cube in the glass and allow it to dissolve slowly, enhancing the drink’s flavor.
Cooking Time: None
Stinger Cocktail with Cognac
This classic cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and sophisticated, featuring the rich flavors of cognac. The Stinger is a timeless drink that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz cognac
– 3/4 oz white crème de menthe
– 3/4 oz heavy cream
– Simple syrup (optional)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the cognac, white crème de menthe, and heavy cream.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. If desired, add a drizzle of simple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Between the Sheets Cocktail
A classic cocktail that combines the smoothness of white spirits with the sweetness of fruit flavors, perfect for sipping on a warm evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz White Rum
– 1/2 oz Cognac
– 1/2 oz Triple Sec
– 3 oz Freshly squeezed orange juice
– Splash of grenadine syrup (optional)
– Orange twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the White Rum, Cognac, and Triple Sec.
3. Squeeze in the freshly squeezed orange juice.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. If desired, add a splash of grenadine syrup for a hint of sweetness.
7. Garnish with an orange twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and serve.
Cognac Champagne Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this sophisticated Cognac Champagne recipe, perfect for special occasions or a nightcap.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 oz Cognac
• 4 oz champagne
• 1/2 oz triple sec
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• Lemon twist or slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Cognac, triple sec, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute or glass.
5. Top the cocktail off with champagne.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or slice.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick, easy, and ready in under 2 minutes.
Metropolitan Cocktail
The Metropolitan Cocktail is a classic drink that combines the smoothness of whiskey with the tanginess of citrus and the sweetness of honey syrup. This recipe is a twist on the original, using modern flavor profiles to create a refreshing and complex cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz Honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 3 dashes Orange bitters
– Ice
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Add 3 dashes of orange bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Cognac Mint Julep
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic julep, featuring the smooth flavor of Cognac and the invigorating essence of mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Cognac
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 sprigs of fresh mint leaves
– Crushed ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker filled with crushed ice, combine Cognac, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add the fresh mint leaves to the shaker and muddle gently (don’t overdo it) to release the oils and flavors.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled silver cup or julep cup.
4. Fill the cup with crushed ice and stir until the drink is well-combined and the ice is slightly melted.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just 2-3 minutes.
B&B Cocktail (Brandy and Benedictine)
A classic cocktail that combines the warmth of brandy with the subtle sweetness of Benedictine, the B&B is a timeless favorite among spirits enthusiasts. This simple yet elegant drink is perfect for sipping on its own or serving as an apéritif.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz brandy
– 1/2 oz Benedictine
– Lemon twist (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the brandy and Benedictine over the ice.
3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Cognac Sour with a Citrus Twist
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Cognac Sour, featuring a splash of citrusy fun. This sophisticated sipper is perfect for special occasions or a night in with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Cognac
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– Dash of orange bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Cognac, lemon juice, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of orange bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake, strain, and serve.
Autumn Leaves Cocktail with Cognac
As the leaves turn golden, warm up with this rich and velvety cocktail that combines the earthy flavors of cognac with the spices of autumn.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz cognac
– 1/2 oz apple cider syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz maple syrup
– 1 dash of ground cinnamon
– Ice
– Lemon twist or cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the cognac, apple cider syrup, lemon juice, honey syrup, and maple syrup.
3. Add a dash of ground cinnamon.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Cognac Ginger Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this sophisticated and flavorful Cognac Ginger Smash. The perfect blend of warm spices and crisp citrus, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Cognac
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine Canton)
– 4 oz ginger beer
– 1/4 cup ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Cognac, lime juice, and ginger liqueur to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Bourbon and Cognac Manhattan
Combine the richness of bourbon with the sophistication of cognac in this elevated twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz cognac
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 3 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, cognac, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Cognac Espresso Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this rich and sophisticated Cognac Espresso Martini. A perfect blend of smooth cognac, bold espresso, and creamy texture will transport you to a luxurious evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Cognac
– 1 shot of strong espresso (about 1 oz)
– 1 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– Sugar rim (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Cognac, espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with heavy cream and garnish with a coffee bean or chocolate shavings (optional).
6. If desired, rim the glass with sugar by dipping it into a plate of sugar after shaking.
Cooking Time: None
Cherry Cognac Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this rich and fruity Cherry Cognac Smash, perfect for special occasions or a night out with friends. This indulgent drink combines the sweetness of cherries with the sophistication of cognac.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz cognac
– 1 oz cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering)
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 3-4 oz club soda
– Fresh cherries and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the cognac, cherry liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top the drink off with club soda.
6. Garnish with fresh cherries and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Summary
Elevate your cocktail game with these 18 elegant cognac recipes. From classic twists to modern creations, each drink is a sophisticated sipping experience. Try the Classic Sidecar with a Cognac Twist, the French Connection Cocktail, or the Vieux Carré Cocktail for a taste of luxury. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and citrusy or rich and creamy, there’s a cognac cocktail on this list that’s sure to please. So why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary?