Cognac cocktails offer a special way to enjoy this fancy French brandy. They mix the smooth taste of cognac with other flavors to make tasty drinks.

From classic recipes to new creations, there are many options to try.

You can find a cognac cocktail for any mood or event. Some are simple and use just two or three ingredients. Others are more complex and blend many flavors.

Whether you like sweet, sour, or strong drinks, there’s a cognac cocktail for you. These drinks can add a touch of class to your next party or quiet evening at home.

1. Sidecar

The Sidecar is a classic cognac cocktail you’ll love. It mixes cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. The drink has a tart and dry taste that many find refreshing.

You can make a Sidecar easily at home. Just shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a glass.

For an extra touch, rim the glass with sugar before pouring.

The Sidecar has been around for about 100 years. It’s still popular in bars today. You can try it with different types of brandy or even bourbon for a twist on the original.

2. French 75

The French 75 is a classy cocktail that blends Cognac, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne. It’s named after a powerful World War I artillery gun.

You can make this drink with gin, but Cognac gives it a richer flavor. It was the original spirit used in the 1920s.

To make a French 75, mix Cognac, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain into a champagne flute and top with bubbly. Garnish with a lemon twist.

This cocktail is perfect for brunch or fancy parties. It’s refreshing and elegant, with a nice balance of sweet, sour, and fizzy.

3. Classic Sazerac

The Sazerac is a famous cocktail from New Orleans. It’s made with rye whiskey, sugar, and Peychaud’s bitters. A key step is rinsing the glass with absinthe.

To make a Sazerac, you’ll need a chilled glass. Coat it with absinthe and set aside.

In a mixing glass, muddle a sugar cube with bitters. Add rye whiskey and ice, then stir.

Strain the mixture into the absinthe-rinsed glass. Squeeze a lemon peel over the drink to release the oils. You can drop the peel in or discard it.

The Sazerac offers a mix of spicy rye, sweet sugar, and herbal notes. It’s a strong drink with a rich history dating back to the 1800s.

4. Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré is a classic New Orleans cocktail that packs a punch. It blends rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine liqueur.

You’ll also add a few dashes of Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters. This mix creates a rich, complex flavor that’s both sweet and spicy.

To make a Vieux Carré, stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled glass over fresh ice. You can garnish with a lemon twist or cherry if you like.

This drink is strong, so sip it slowly. It’s perfect for a relaxing evening or as an after-dinner treat.

5. Stinger

The Stinger is a classic cocktail that pairs cognac with white crème de menthe. This simple yet sophisticated drink is perfect as an after-dinner treat.

To make a Stinger, mix 2 ounces of cognac with 1 ounce of white crème de menthe in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

You can garnish your Stinger with a mint leaf for extra flair. The rich warmth of cognac blends nicely with the cool, refreshing mint flavor.

For the best results, use a high-quality cognac and crème de menthe. This will ensure a smooth and balanced drink. Enjoy your Stinger as a nightcap or whenever you want a minty twist on your cognac.

6. Cognac Summit

The Cognac Summit is a refreshing cocktail created by mixologists at the 2008 International Cognac Summit. It combines VSOP Cognac with lemonade and aromatic ingredients.

To make a Cognac Summit, you’ll need 40ml VSOP Cognac, 60ml lemonade, ice cubes, cucumber peel, lime zest, and ginger slices. Place the lime zest and ginger in a glass, then add half the Cognac.

Gently press the lime and ginger a few times. Add ice and stir. Pour in the rest of the Cognac and lemonade. Garnish with a cucumber peel spiral.

This cocktail balances the rich Cognac flavors with zesty citrus and spicy ginger notes. It’s perfect for sipping on warm days or as an aperitif.

7. Corpse Reviver No. 1

The Corpse Reviver No. 1 is a classic cocktail that packs a punch. It’s made with two parts cognac, one part apple brandy, and one part sweet vermouth.

You can find this recipe in Harry Craddock’s 1930 “The Savoy Cocktail Book.” It’s part of a family of “Corpse Reviver” drinks meant to cure hangovers.

To make it, mix the ingredients in a glass with ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. You can add a dash of orange bitters for extra flavor.

This drink is strong and rich. The cognac and apple brandy give it a deep, fruity taste. The sweet vermouth balances out the alcohol with a hint of sweetness.

8. Between the Sheets

The Between the Sheets cocktail is a close cousin to the Sidecar. It mixes cognac, light rum, triple sec, and lemon juice.

This drink skips the sugared rim of the Sidecar. It blends the rich fruit notes of cognac with the dry, tropical hints of light rum.

To make it, you’ll need equal parts cognac, light rum, and triple sec. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice. Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled glass.

The result is a strong, sour cocktail with a complex flavor. It’s best served in a coupe glass without ice. Garnish with an orange peel for extra zest.

9. Brandy Alexander

The Brandy Alexander is a creamy, indulgent cocktail that’s perfect for dessert. You’ll love its rich flavor and smooth texture.

To make one, you need cognac, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into a chilled glass.

For extra flair, garnish your drink with freshly grated nutmeg on top. The nutmeg adds a subtle spice that complements the sweet, chocolatey flavor.

This cocktail is a twist on the classic Alexander, which uses gin instead of brandy. The brandy version became popular in the mid-20th century and remains a favorite today.

10. Tom and Jerry

The Tom and Jerry is a warm, comforting drink perfect for cold winter nights. It combines Cognac, dark rum, and a special batter made from eggs, sugar, and spices.

To make this cocktail, you’ll need to prepare the batter first. Beat egg whites until stiff, then mix with beaten egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla.

When serving, put a spoonful of batter in a mug. Add Cognac and rum, then top with hot milk or water. Stir well and sprinkle with nutmeg.

This drink is great for parties. You can make a big batch of batter ahead of time. Then guests can mix their own drinks as needed.

11. Metropolitan

The Metropolitan is a classy cognac cocktail that’s perfect for sipping. You’ll love its rich, complex flavors.

To make it, you’ll need cognac, sweet vermouth, simple syrup, and bitters. Mix these ingredients with ice in a shaker.

Strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass. The result is a smooth, sophisticated beverage with a balance of sweet and bitter notes.

You can pair a Metropolitan with roasted meats or dark chocolate for a delicious combination. It’s great for parties or quiet evenings at home.

Try this cocktail when you want something elegant and flavorful. The Metropolitan showcases cognac beautifully in a classic recipe.

12. Japanese Cocktail

The Japanese Cocktail is a classic drink that combines cognac and orgeat syrup. It’s a simple yet elegant cocktail with a rich history.

To make one, you’ll need 2 ounces of cognac, 1/2 ounce of orgeat syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.

The drink has a smooth, nutty flavor from the orgeat syrup. It balances well with the fruity notes of the cognac. The bitters add depth and complexity.

Despite its name, this cocktail wasn’t created in Japan. It was invented in the 1860s in New York City. The name was likely inspired by a Japanese diplomatic visit to the U.S. at that time.

13. Savoy Special

The Savoy Special is a strong cocktail that packs a punch. It contains 32% alcohol, which is higher than many classic drinks.

This cocktail comes from the famous Savoy Hotel in London. It was included in their 1930 cocktail book, a big deal in the drink world.

You’ll find cognac as the main spirit in this cocktail. It’s mixed with other ingredients to create a bold flavor.

When you order a Savoy Special, expect a drink that’s not for the faint of heart. It’s perfect if you want something with extra kick.

14. Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées cocktail is a sophisticated drink that blends French spirits. It combines cognac and green Chartreuse for a unique flavor profile.

This cocktail also includes fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. A few dashes of bitters add depth to the drink.

To make a Champs-Élysées, mix 1.5 oz cognac, 0.5 oz green Chartreuse, 0.5 oz lemon juice, and 0.25 oz simple syrup. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. You can garnish with a lemon twist if desired.

The Champs-Élysées offers a balance of sweet, sour, and herbal notes. It’s a great choice when you want to try something different from the usual cognac cocktails.

15. The Ritz Cocktail

The Ritz Cocktail is a fancy drink that mixes cognac with other tasty ingredients. It gets its name from the famous Ritz Hotel in Paris.

To make this drink, you’ll need cognac, Cointreau, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice. Mix these together and top it off with champagne.

The Ritz Cocktail has a mix of sweet and sour flavors. The cognac gives it a rich taste, while the lemon juice adds a fresh kick.

This cocktail is perfect for special events or when you want to feel fancy. It’s a bit strong, so sip it slowly and enjoy the mix of flavors.

16. Coffee Cocktail

A coffee cocktail combines the rich flavors of coffee with the smooth warmth of cognac. This drink offers a perfect balance of caffeine and alcohol.

To make it, brew a strong cup of dark roast coffee. Add 1-2 ounces of cognac and a splash of coffee liqueur. Stir well.

For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

This cocktail works great as an after-dinner drink or a cozy nightcap. The coffee provides a nice pick-me-up, while the cognac adds warmth and complexity.

History of Cognac in Cocktails

Cognac has played a key role in cocktail culture for over two centuries. This French brandy has been mixed into drinks since the early 1800s, evolving from simple concoctions to complex modern creations.

Origins of Cognac Cocktails

Cognac cocktails first appeared in the early 19th century. The Mint Julep, created around 1800 in the USA, was one of the earliest drinks to feature cognac.

In 1830, the Sazerac emerged in France, mixing cognac with bitters and sugar. The Brandy Crusta followed in 1840, originating in New Orleans.

This drink combined cognac, curaçao, lemon juice, and sugar. By 1860, the Cognac Collins appeared in London, adding a splash of soda water to the mix.

As bartenders experimented, more cognac cocktails were born. The Horse’s Neck (1880) and Stinger (1900) showcased cognac’s versatility in both long drinks and after-dinner sippers.

Evolution Through the Decades

The early 1900s saw a cocktail boom, with cognac at the forefront. The Sidecar, created in 1920s France, became an instant classic. It blended cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice.

In the 1940s, the Cognac Alexander offered a creamy twist on the brandy-based drink. By the 1980s, a quarter of cognac drinkers in France enjoyed it in cocktails or with ice.

The BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac) recognized this trend. They promoted cognac as a versatile spirit for long drinks and mixed cocktails.

In 2008, the Cognac Summit was created in France, featuring cognac with fresh ingredients.

Today, bartenders continue to innovate with cognac. They create new drinks while also reviving classic recipes, keeping this spirit relevant in modern cocktail culture.

Mixology Techniques for Cognac Cocktails

Mixing great cognac cocktails takes skill and attention to detail. These tips will help you create balanced drinks and choose the right glassware.

Balancing Flavors

Start with high-quality cognac as your base. Use VSOP or XO cognac for more refined cocktails.

Measure ingredients carefully using a jigger for consistency. Mix cognac with citrus juices like lemon or orange to brighten the flavors.

Add sweeteners like simple syrup or liqueurs to balance the acidity. Try pairing cognac with complementary flavors:

• Chocolate (crème de cacao)
• Coffee (coffee liqueur)
• Orange (triple sec)
• Herbal (vermouth)

Shake cocktails with citrus juice to mix thoroughly. Stir spirit-forward drinks gently with ice to chill without over-diluting.

Glassware Selection

Choose the right glass to enhance your cognac cocktail:

• Coupe or martini glass: Sidecar, Brandy Alexander
• Old fashioned glass: Sazerac, Vieux Carré
• Snifter: Neat cognac or simple mixed drinks
• Highball: Long drinks with soda or tonic

Chill glasses before serving to keep drinks cold longer.

Garnish with citrus twists, cherries, or grated nutmeg to add aroma and visual appeal.

Rim glasses with sugar for sweeter cocktails like the Sidecar.

Use large, clear ice cubes in spirit-forward drinks to slow dilution and look great.