Cognac isn’t just for sipping by the fireplace—it’s a versatile spirit that can elevate your cocktail game to new heights. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or simply unwinding after a long day, our collection of 18 exquisite cognac cocktails is designed to delight sophisticated palates. From timeless classics to innovative mixes, there’s a recipe here to inspire your next drink. Ready to shake things up? Let’s dive in.
Classic Cognac Sidecar
Great memories are often made around a cocktail, and the Classic Cognac Sidecar is no exception. I remember sipping my first one on a chilly evening in New York, its warm, citrusy embrace turning the cold night into something magical. Let’s bring that magic into your home with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of your favorite cognac (because life’s too short for the cheap stuff)
- 1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec if that’s what you’ve got)
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice (trust me, fresh makes all the difference)
- A splash of simple syrup (adjust to your sweet tooth’s desire)
- Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)
- A couple of lemon twists (for that fancy garnish)
Instructions
- Chill your cocktail glass by filling it with ice water and setting it aside while you mix the drink.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup with a handful of ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty. This ensures your drink is perfectly chilled and diluted just right.
- Empty the ice water from your glass and strain the cocktail into it, leaving the ice behind in the shaker.
- Garnish with a lemon twist by expressing the oils over the drink and then draping it on the rim for a touch of elegance.
Just like that, you’ve crafted a cocktail that’s as smooth as it is vibrant, with a balance of sweet, sour, and strong that dances on the palate. Serve it up at your next gathering, or enjoy it solo as a reward for adulting like a boss.
French Connection Cocktail
Unwinding after a long day calls for something special, and for me, that’s often a French Connection Cocktail. It’s a smooth, nutty delight that feels like a hug in a glass, perfect for those evenings when you want to treat yourself without too much fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz cognac
- 3/4 oz amaretto
- A couple of ice cubes
- A splash of water (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Grab your favorite old-fashioned glass—it’s the perfect size for this cozy cocktail.
- Drop in a couple of ice cubes to chill the glass while you measure out your spirits. Tip: Chilling the glass first ensures your drink stays cool longer.
- Pour 1 1/2 oz of cognac directly over the ice. The rich, woody notes of the cognac are the soul of this drink.
- Add 3/4 oz of amaretto next. Its sweet, almond flavor pairs magically with the cognac. Tip: For a lighter version, you can adjust the amaretto to 1/2 oz.
- Give it a gentle stir to combine the flavors. About 15 seconds should do the trick. Tip: Stirring too vigorously can dilute the drink too quickly, so keep it smooth.
- If you like, add a splash of water to open up the aromas. This is especially nice if you’re sipping it slowly.
Best enjoyed in your favorite cozy corner, the French Connection Cocktail is all about balance—sweet meets strong, with a velvety texture that makes each sip luxurious. Try it with a dark chocolate square on the side for an extra indulgent twist.
Cognac Old Fashioned
Sometimes, all you need is a classic cocktail to unwind after a long day, and for me, that’s the Cognac Old Fashioned. It’s a twist on the traditional that brings a bit of warmth and sophistication to your evening. Here’s how I like to make mine, with a few personal touches along the way.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of your favorite cognac (I reach for something smooth but with a bit of character)
- 1 sugar cube (or a teaspoon of simple syrup if you’re in a pinch)
- A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters
- A splash of water
- An orange peel (for that essential citrus aroma)
- A Luxardo cherry or two (because why not?)
- Ice (preferably one large cube to slow the dilution)
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and saturate it with the bitters. Add a splash of water to help dissolve the sugar.
- Muddle the sugar and bitters together until the sugar is mostly dissolved. This is where the magic starts, creating a sweet and aromatic base.
- Add the cognac to the glass and give it a gentle stir to combine everything. Tip: Stirring too vigorously can dilute the drink too quickly.
- Add your large ice cube to the glass. The bigger the cube, the slower it melts, keeping your drink perfectly chilled without watering it down.
- Express the orange peel over the glass by giving it a good twist to release the oils, then drop it in. This adds a bright, citrusy note that lifts the whole drink.
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry on a skewer or just drop it in. It’s a little indulgence that makes each sip special.
Rich and aromatic, this Cognac Old Fashioned is a delight from the first sip to the last. The warmth of the cognac, the sweetness of the sugar, and the complexity of the bitters come together in perfect harmony. Serve it in a lowball glass with a hefty ice cube to keep it cool as you savor slowly.
Vieux Carré
First off, let me tell you about the time I stumbled upon the Vieux Carré in a quaint New Orleans bar. It was love at first sip, and I knew I had to recreate this classic cocktail at home. Here’s how you can too, with a little patience and the right ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 oz rye whiskey (because bourbon is too sweet for this)
- 1 oz Cognac (splurge a little, it’s worth it)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth (a good quality one makes all the difference)
- A splash of Bénédictine (about 1/4 oz, but who’s measuring?)
- A couple of dashes of Peychaud’s bitters (don’t skip this, it’s the soul of the drink)
- A dash of Angostura bitters (for that extra depth)
- Ice (plenty, to chill and dilute just right)
- A twist of lemon peel (for garnish, because we eat with our eyes first)
Instructions
- Grab your favorite mixing glass and fill it with ice to chill it while you measure your ingredients. Tip: A chilled glass means a colder drink, which is always better.
- Add the rye whiskey, Cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, Peychaud’s bitters, and Angostura bitters to the mixing glass. Tip: Pouring the Bénédictine over the back of a spoon can help layer the flavors if you’re feeling fancy.
- Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds. You’re looking for that perfect balance where the drink is cold but not overly diluted. Tip: If your stirring spoon frosts up, you’re on the right track.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
- Express the lemon peel over the drink by giving it a good twist to release the oils, then drop it in as garnish.
How this cocktail comes together is nothing short of magical. The Vieux Carré is a symphony of flavors, with each sip revealing layers of herbal, sweet, and spicy notes. Serve it alongside a dark chocolate dessert to elevate the experience, or enjoy it solo as a sophisticated nightcap.
Brandy Alexander with Cognac
Very few cocktails can claim the luxurious comfort of a Brandy Alexander with Cognac. It’s like wrapping yourself in a velvet blanket, but in drink form. I remember first trying it at a cozy winter gathering, and it instantly became my go-to for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of your favorite cognac (because life’s too short for the cheap stuff)
- 1 oz of crème de cacao (the dark kind, for that deep chocolatey whisper)
- 1 oz of heavy cream (a splash more if you like it extra creamy)
- A couple of ice cubes (to chill things down)
- A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (for that little cloud of spice on top)
Instructions
- Grab your cocktail shaker and toss in the ice cubes to get it nice and cold.
- Pour in the cognac, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. This is where the magic starts.
- Shake it like you mean it for about 15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty. Tip: If you don’t have a shaker, a tightly sealed jar works in a pinch.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Chilling the glass beforehand keeps your drink cooler longer.
- Finish with a light sprinkle of nutmeg on top. Tip: Freshly grating the nutmeg makes all the difference in aroma and flavor.
Heavenly creamy with a rich, chocolatey depth and a warm cognac finish, this drink is a dessert in itself. Serve it in a vintage coupe glass to really lean into its classic elegance, or enjoy it as a nightcap to end your evening on a sweet note.
Cognac Mint Julep
Diving into the world of cocktails, there’s something undeniably refreshing about a Cognac Mint Julep that just screams summer. I remember sipping my first one at a quaint little bar in New Orleans, and ever since, it’s been my go-to for those sweltering evenings when you need a little cool-down with a kick.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of cognac (because why not make it fancy?)
- a splash of simple syrup (about 1 tbsp, but hey, adjust to your sweet tooth)
- a couple of fresh mint leaves (the more, the merrier for that fresh aroma)
- crushed ice (enough to fill your glass to the brim)
- a dash of water (just a teaspoon to open up those flavors)
Instructions
- Grab your favorite julep cup or a sturdy glass and toss in the mint leaves with the simple syrup.
- Gently muddle the mint with the syrup – you’re looking to release the oils, not turn it into a paste. Tip: Use the back of a spoon if you don’t have a muddler.
- Fill the glass almost to the top with crushed ice, creating a nice, frosty bed for your cognac.
- Pour the cognac over the ice, letting it cascade down and mingle with the minty syrup.
- Add a dash of water to soften the drink slightly, then give it a quick stir to combine everything. Tip: A metal straw is perfect for stirring and sipping.
- Top off with more crushed ice, garnish with a mint sprig, and serve immediately. Tip: Slap the mint garnish between your hands before adding it to release even more aroma.
Great for those who appreciate a cocktail that’s both robust and refreshing, the Cognac Mint Julep offers a delightful contrast of warm cognac notes against the cool mint and ice. Serve it at your next backyard BBQ and watch it become the star of the show.
Champs-Élysées Cocktail
Guess what I stumbled upon during my last Parisian adventure? A cocktail so elegant, it’s named after the most famous avenue in the world. The Champs-Élysées Cocktail is a delightful blend of herbal and citrus notes, perfect for those evenings when you want to sip on something sophisticated yet refreshing.
Ingredients
- 2 oz cognac (because every great cocktail starts with a good base)
- 1/2 oz green Chartreuse (for that herbal kick)
- 3/4 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed, please)
- 1/4 oz simple syrup (to sweeten the deal just right)
- A dash of Angostura bitters (for depth)
- Ice cubes (plenty, to keep it chilled)
- A lemon twist (for garnish, because we eat with our eyes first)
Instructions
- Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice cubes. This ensures your cocktail gets properly chilled without getting watered down too quickly.
- Pour in the cognac, green Chartreuse, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The order doesn’t matter here, but I like to start with the liquids I have the most of.
- Add a dash of Angostura bitters. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in balancing the flavors.
- Shake it like you mean it for about 15 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the shaker feels frosty in your hands.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. If you don’t have one, a martini glass works just fine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist. Pro tip: twist it over the glass to release those essential oils, then drop it in for a pop of color.
Perfectly balanced with a silky texture, this cocktail is a masterpiece of flavors. Serve it at your next dinner party to impress your guests, or enjoy it solo as a treat to yourself. Either way, it’s a sip of Parisian luxury.
Cognac Sour
Yesterday, I found myself reminiscing about the first time I tried a Cognac Sour. It was at a cozy little bar in New Orleans, and the balance of sweet, sour, and strong left a lasting impression. Now, it’s my go-to when I want something sophisticated yet easy to whip up at home.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of cognac (because why not make it generous?)
- 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice (trust me, fresh makes all the difference)
- 1/2 oz of simple syrup (a little sweet to balance the tart)
- 1 egg white (for that silky texture we all love)
- A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters (it’s not the same without it)
- Ice (plenty, to shake and to serve)
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine the cognac, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. No ice yet—this is called a ‘dry shake’ and it helps emulsify the egg white for a frothier texture.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You’ll hear the sound change as the mixture becomes frothy.
- Now, add a generous amount of ice to the shaker. This is your ‘wet shake’ to chill the drink.
- Shake again for another 15-20 seconds. The outside of the shaker should feel really cold.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass. The strainer keeps the ice out but lets all that frothy goodness through.
- Finish with a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters on top. You can even use a toothpick to swirl it into a pretty design if you’re feeling fancy.
Delightfully smooth with a perfect balance of flavors, this Cognac Sour is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients done right. Serve it up at your next dinner party, or enjoy it solo as a well-deserved nightcap.
Stinger Cocktail
Just last weekend, I found myself reminiscing about the first time I tried a Stinger Cocktail at a cozy little speakeasy in New York. It was love at first sip, and I’ve been perfecting my homemade version ever since. Here’s how you can whip up this classic, with a couple of personal tweaks that make it extra special.
Ingredients
- 2 oz brandy (I like to use a nice, smooth Cognac)
- 1 oz white crème de menthe (a splash more if you’re into that minty kick)
- A couple of ice cubes (for shaking)
- A twist of lemon peel (for that fancy garnish)
Instructions
- Grab your cocktail shaker and toss in those ice cubes to get it chilled.
- Pour in the 2 oz of brandy and 1 oz of white crème de menthe. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the time to add that extra splash of crème de menthe.
- Shake it like you mean it for about 15 seconds, or until the shaker feels frosty in your hands.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Pro tip: chilling the glass beforehand makes all the difference.
- Take that lemon peel, give it a little twist over the drink to release the oils, and drop it in for garnish. Another pro tip: the twist isn’t just for looks—it adds a subtle citrus aroma that elevates the whole experience.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp, refreshing contrast of mint and brandy. Final pro tip: this drink is perfect as a nightcap, but I won’t judge if you have one with brunch.
Bold in flavor yet surprisingly smooth, the Stinger Cocktail is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. The minty freshness plays off the warmth of the brandy in a way that’s just magical. Try serving it with a side of dark chocolate for an indulgent pairing that’s hard to beat.
Between the Sheets
Kind of like that friend who always knows how to lift your spirits, ‘Between the Sheets’ is the cocktail that turns any ordinary evening into a celebration. I first stumbled upon this gem during a lazy summer brunch, and it’s been my go-to for adding a little sparkle to the day ever since.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz of light rum
- 1 1/2 oz of brandy
- 3/4 oz of triple sec
- A splash of fresh lemon juice
- A couple of ice cubes
- A twist of lemon peel for garnish
Instructions
- Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice cubes to get it nice and chilled.
- Pour in the light rum, brandy, triple sec, and that splash of fresh lemon juice. Tip: Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference here, so skip the bottled stuff if you can.
- Shake it like you mean it for about 15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty. This ensures everything is perfectly mixed and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Tip: Chilling the glass beforehand keeps your drink cooler longer.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel. Tip: For an extra aromatic touch, gently twist the peel over the drink to release its oils before dropping it in.
Great for sipping slowly, this cocktail balances the warmth of brandy and rum with the bright zing of lemon, all smoothed over by the sweetness of triple sec. Serve it at your next gathering with a side of good conversation, and watch the magic happen.
Cognac and Tonic
Every now and then, I stumble upon a drink that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also carries a story worth sharing. That’s exactly how I felt when I first tried the Cognac and Tonic—a sophisticated twist on the classic gin and tonic that’s perfect for those evenings when you’re feeling a bit fancy.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of cognac (because why not go for the good stuff?)
- 4 ounces of tonic water (chilled, please)
- A couple of ice cubes (to keep things cool)
- A slice of lemon or orange (for that zesty finish)
Instructions
- Grab your favorite glass—this drink deserves something elegant.
- Drop in a couple of ice cubes to chill the glass while you prep the rest.
- Pour 2 ounces of cognac over the ice. Tip: Swirl the cognac in the glass a bit to let it breathe.
- Top it off with 4 ounces of chilled tonic water. Tip: Pour slowly to preserve those beautiful bubbles.
- Give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors without losing the carbonation. Tip: Use a long spoon and stir just once or twice.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon or orange. The citrus adds a bright note that complements the cognac’s richness.
Decadent yet refreshing, this Cognac and Tonic is a delightful balance of bold and bubbly. Serve it at your next gathering to impress, or enjoy it solo as a well-deserved treat. The citrus garnish isn’t just for looks—it adds a layer of aroma that elevates the whole experience.
Horse’s Neck with Cognac
Diving into the world of classic cocktails, I stumbled upon the Horse’s Neck with Cognac during one of those lazy Sunday afternoons when experimenting with drinks seemed like the perfect way to unwind. It’s a timeless concoction that blends the warmth of cognac with the zesty kick of ginger ale, and let me tell you, it’s as intriguing as it sounds.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of your favorite cognac (because life’s too short for the cheap stuff)
- A splash of Angostura bitters (just a dash to add that mysterious depth)
- 4 oz ginger ale (the fizzier, the better)
- A long spiral of lemon peel (for that dramatic flair and a citrusy aroma)
- Ice cubes (a couple of handfuls to keep things chill)
Instructions
- Grab a highball glass and fill it with ice cubes to the top. This ensures your drink stays cold without diluting too quickly.
- Carefully pour the 2 oz of cognac over the ice. Tip: Swirl the cognac in the glass a bit to let it start mingling with the cold.
- Add a splash of Angostura bitters. Here’s a pro tip: the bitters should hit the ice directly to distribute evenly as you pour the ginger ale.
- Slowly top off with 4 oz of ginger ale, pouring it down the side of the glass to preserve as much fizz as possible.
- Take your lemon peel and give it a little twist above the glass to release those essential oils, then drape it over the rim for that signature Horse’s Neck look.
Zesty and refreshing, this cocktail is a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and strong. The lemon peel not only adds a visual punch but infuses each sip with a bright citrus note. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it disappear faster than you can say ‘cheers’!
Cognac Manhattan
After a long week, there’s nothing quite like unwinding with a classic cocktail that feels both sophisticated and comforting. A Cognac Manhattan has been my go-to for those evenings when I want something a little special—it’s like the drink version of putting on your favorite cozy sweater.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of cognac (because why not make it fancy?)
- 1 ounce of sweet vermouth (a splash more if you’re feeling sweet)
- A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters (the secret spice)
- 1 maraschino cherry (for that classic garnish)
- A handful of ice cubes (to chill things down)
Instructions
- Grab your favorite mixing glass and fill it with a handful of ice cubes to get it nice and cold.
- Pour in 2 ounces of cognac, followed by 1 ounce of sweet vermouth. Tip: Swirl the vermouth bottle a bit before measuring to ensure it’s well mixed.
- Add a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters. Here’s a pro tip: hold the bitters bottle high above the glass for a more even distribution.
- Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds. You’re aiming for a smooth blend, not a frothy mess.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. If you don’t have one, a martini glass works just fine.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry on a skewer or just drop it in. Another tip: lightly squeeze the cherry before adding it to release some of its juices into the drink.
Crafted to perfection, this Cognac Manhattan is smooth with a velvety texture, offering a warm embrace of flavors that dance between sweet and spicy. Serve it alongside a dark chocolate truffle for an indulgent pairing that’ll make any evening feel like a celebration.
Angel’s Face
Kind of like that one friend who’s effortlessly cool, ‘Angel’s Face’ is a cocktail that’s both sophisticated and surprisingly easy to love. I first stumbled upon it during a lazy summer afternoon, and now, it’s my go-to when I want something that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin (because every good story starts with gin)
- 1 oz apple brandy (a splash of autumn, anytime)
- 1 oz apricot liqueur (for that sweet, sunny vibe)
- A couple of dashes of orange bitters (trust me, it’s the secret handshake)
- Ice (plenty, because we’re not savages)
Instructions
- Grab your favorite cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. This keeps everything chill without diluting the flavors too much.
- Pour in the gin, apple brandy, and apricot liqueur. The order doesn’t matter here, but the precision in measurement does.
- Add those dashes of orange bitters. They’re like the punctuation in a great sentence—small but mighty.
- Shake it like you mean it for about 15 seconds. You’re aiming for a harmonious blend, not a workout.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass. If you don’t have one, any elegant glass will do—presentation is part of the fun.
The first sip is a revelation—smooth with a playful kick, like a whisper and a wink in liquid form. Serve it with a thin apple slice on the rim for that extra touch of drama, or keep it simple and let the flavors speak for themselves.
Cognac Daisy
Zesty and refreshing, the Cognac Daisy is my go-to cocktail when I want something that feels both sophisticated and easy to sip on a warm evening. I remember first trying it at a quaint little bar in New Orleans, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of cognac (because why not go for the good stuff?)
- 1 oz of fresh lemon juice (trust me, fresh makes all the difference)
- A splash of orange liqueur (about 1/2 oz, but who’s measuring?)
- A couple of dashes of simple syrup (to sweeten the deal)
- Club soda to top it off (just a splash)
- Ice cubes (as many as your glass can handle)
- A slice of orange and a cherry for garnish (because we eat with our eyes first)
Instructions
- Fill your shaker halfway with ice cubes to get it nice and chilled.
- Pour in the cognac, fresh lemon juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup. Tip: If you don’t have simple syrup, a teaspoon of sugar dissolved in a bit of warm water works in a pinch.
- Shake it like you mean it for about 15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Tip: Use a fine mesh strainer if you want to keep out any pesky ice chips.
- Top it off with a splash of club soda for that effervescent touch.
- Garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry. Tip: Skewering the garnish on a cocktail pick makes it look extra fancy.
Ooh, the first sip is always a revelation—smooth cognac with a bright citrus kick, perfectly balanced by the sweetness and fizz. Serve it in a chilled coupe glass to really impress your guests, or enjoy it as is on your porch as the sun sets.
Corpse Reviver No. 1
Many mornings, I find myself craving something a bit more spirited than my usual cup of coffee. That’s when I turn to the Corpse Reviver No. 1, a classic cocktail that’s as invigorating as its name suggests. It’s my go-to for shaking off the grogginess with its bright, citrusy flavors and a hint of herbal complexity.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of brandy (because sometimes, you just need that rich, deep flavor)
- 1 oz of apple brandy (for a touch of autumnal sweetness)
- 1 oz of sweet vermouth (it’s all about that velvety smoothness)
- A splash of grenadine (just enough to add a whisper of pomegranate magic)
- A couple of dashes of orange bitters (for that citrusy zing)
- Ice cubes (because no cocktail is complete without a chill)
Instructions
- Grab your favorite cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice cubes. This ensures your drink gets properly chilled without diluting the flavors too much.
- Pour in the brandy, apple brandy, sweet vermouth, grenadine, and orange bitters. Tip: Always add your spirits first to make sure you’re measuring accurately.
- Shake it like you mean it for about 15 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the shaker feels frosty in your hands.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. A pro tip: chilling your glass beforehand makes all the difference in keeping your drink at the perfect temperature longer.
- Garnish with a thin apple slice or a twist of orange peel for that extra flair. Presentation matters, after all!
First sip and you’re greeted with the warmth of the brandy, quickly followed by the sweet and herbal notes dancing on your palate. Serve this at your next brunch for a guaranteed conversation starter, or enjoy it solo as a luxurious treat to yourself.
Cognac Highball
Oh, the Cognac Highball is one of those drinks that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. I remember first trying it at a cozy little bar in New York, and it’s been my go-to for a sophisticated yet simple cocktail ever since.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of cognac (because why not make it generous?)
- A splash of club soda (about 4 ounces, but eyeball it if you’re feeling adventurous)
- A couple of ice cubes (the more, the merrier, to keep it chilled)
- A twist of lemon peel (for that zesty finish)
Instructions
- Grab your favorite highball glass—this drink deserves something tall and elegant.
- Drop in those ice cubes until the glass is about halfway full. Tip: The clearer the ice, the prettier the drink.
- Pour the 2 ounces of cognac over the ice. Watch as it cascades down, ready to mingle with the other ingredients.
- Top it off with a splash of club soda, leaving just enough room at the top for the lemon twist. Tip: Pour slowly to preserve those delightful bubbles.
- Give it a gentle stir to combine the flavors without losing the fizz. Tip: Use a long spoon to reach the bottom without clinking the sides too much.
- Express the lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in as a garnish. That citrusy aroma? Absolutely divine.
The Cognac Highball is effortlessly smooth with a playful fizz, making it perfect for sipping slowly. Try serving it with a side of roasted nuts to complement the rich flavors, or enjoy it as is under the stars.
Bobby Burns Cocktail
Perfect for those chilly evenings when you’re craving something with a bit of warmth and complexity, the Bobby Burns Cocktail has been my go-to for years. It’s a sophisticated blend that feels like a hug in a glass, and today, I’m sharing my foolproof way to make it.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of your favorite Scotch whisky (I always reach for something smoky)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth (a good quality one makes all the difference)
- A splash of Benedictine (about 1/4 oz)
- A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters
- Ice cubes (for chilling)
- A twist of lemon peel (for that final flourish)
Instructions
- Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice cubes to get it nice and cold.
- Pour in the Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and that splash of Benedictine. Tip: Swirl the Benedictine bottle before measuring to ensure the herbs are well mixed.
- Add a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters. This is where the magic starts to happen, so don’t skip it!
- Now, shake everything vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want it well chilled but not diluted too much.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. Pro tip: Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand for an extra crisp sip.
- Express the lemon peel over the drink by giving it a good twist to release the oils, then drop it in as garnish. Another tip: Rub the peel around the rim of the glass for an aromatic hint before dropping it in.
This cocktail is all about balance—smoky, sweet, and herbal notes playing off each other beautifully. Try serving it alongside a piece of dark chocolate to complement its richness.
Conclusion
Brimming with elegance and flavor, our roundup of 18 Exquisite Cognac Cocktail Recipes is your ticket to elevating any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a curious newcomer, there’s a drink here to delight your sophisticated palate. We’d love to hear which recipes captured your heart—drop a comment below! And don’t forget to share the inspiration on Pinterest. Cheers to your next cocktail adventure!
