Whether you’re looking for a long drink to sharpen the appetite, a classic mixer to entertain, or a sumptuous cocktail to finish off the evening, it’s all about the cognac.
Cognac has made a remarkable comeback over the past few years, reviving traditions and reinterpreting classics that trace back centuries. Cognac sales have climbed dramatically in the United States—with many celebrities and artists embracing the coveted amber elixir.
Named after a town in Western France, cognac is a type of barrel-aged brandy made from doubly distilled white wine. Cognac expressions are classified according to their aging: at least 2 years (VS–Very Special), at least 4 years (VSOP–Very Special Old Pale), and at least 6 years (XO–Extra Old).
Fine cognac is often sipped neat, but it also has a rich history in mixology. Smooth, gently sweet and easily mixable, cognac served as the base for many pre-Prohibition punches, sours and juleps. Cognac is back on the bartending radar with the rise of craft cocktails and renewed interest in classic techniques and recipes. Some brands are even producing specially formulated and lower priced varieties of cognac specifically suited for mixing.
If you’re really looking to impress your friends, family and party guests this holiday season, try out these awe-inspiring cocktails for instant mixology credibility.
Old Fashioned
Delicate, luscious and full-bodied—This age-old recipe may have been developed during the 19th century, but it’s never gone out of style. Short, strong and surprisingly smooth, this classic cocktail boasts the complexity of up to 400 eaux-de-vie.
Featured Spirit:
Rémy Martin XO
- Ingredients:
- Rémy Martin XO
- Brown Sugar
- Bitters
Instructions:
In your most luxurious tumbler, stir 1¾ oz Rémy Martin XO, 1 lump of brown sugar and 3 dashes of bitters over ice until silky smooth, adding more ice as you stir.
Royal Sidecar
Timeless, opulent and sophisticated—Created in Paris and popularized in London, this elegant cocktail is complex and extremely well balanced. It’s the perfect way to kick start any dinner party, family gathering or holiday soiree.
Featured Spirit:
Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal
- Ingredients:
- Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal
- Cointreau
- Lemons
Instructions:
Shake together 1¼ oz Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, ½ oz lemon juice and 1 oz Cointreau with ice. Then strain into your best coupe glass.
Cherry Cognac Smash
Decadent, rich and alluring—A mouthwatering mix of fruity sweetness and savory goodness, this luxurious recipe will impress your guests or heat up date night. This isn’t the simplest drink to put together, so if you’re unsure of your mixology skills, try one of the other recipes first.
Featured Spirit:
Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal
- Ingredients:
- Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal
- Cherry Juice
- Amaretto
- Ginger Brandy
- Cherry Cola
- Luxardo Cherries
Instructions:
Add cherries to the bottom of the glass, muddle until smashed and add ice.
Mix together cognac, cherry juice, amaretto, brandy in a cocktail shaker for 15 seconds.
Pour over ice, then top off with cherry cola and stir.
Garnish with cherries, if desired.
