10 Impressive Cognac Cocktails

The French brandy isn't just for sipping straight

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 04/7/21
The Beautiful Cocktail

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

While you may be inclined to reserve a bottle of cognac for an evening sipper, the French brandy is also a fantastic ingredient for cocktails. From high-end classics to intriguing modern creations, there are many fascinating ways to drink cognac.

In these recipes, you'll discover a nice range of cognac cocktails. Some are dry and simple, while others are sour and complex; a few are warm and comforting, and there's also plenty of fresh fruit and other produce to be found. It's a surprisingly diverse collection, so you're sure to find a perfect drink for every mood and occasion.

  • 01 of 10

    Sidecar

    Classic Sidecar Cocktail

    The Spruce

    Cognac's most famous cocktail is the sidecar. The recipe is over a century old, and the sour drink is one that every cocktail connoisseur should familiarize themselves with. It mixes the brandy with Cointreau and lemon juice for an invigorating drink you won't want to miss.

  • 02 of 10

    Vieux Carré

    Vieux Carre Cocktail

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    Paired with rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, cognac comes to life in the Vieux Carré. You'll also need Bénédictine and two styles of bitters to pull off this classic New Orleans recipe. A must for anyone who appreciates a depth of flavor, it's a timeless drink you'll want to add to your regular rotation.

  • 03 of 10

    French 75

    French 75 Cocktail

    The Spruce / Nyssa Tanner

    While you could mix up a French 75 with gin, it's equally impressive when you pour cognac instead. The brandy is one of the original options for this lively Champagne cocktail and produces the ultimate French drink. It's perfect for celebrating any special occasion.

  • 04 of 10

    Japanese Cocktail

    Classic Japanese Cocktail
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    The Japanese cocktail is not what you might expect from the name. The recipe pairs cognac with the almond flavor of orgeat syrup and tosses a little lime into the mix to create the perfect balance of sweet and sour.

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  • 05 of 10

    French Connection

    French Connection cocktail

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

    You'll need just two ingredients for this aromatic sipper. The French connection is an uncomplicated mix of cognac accented with amaretto. That nutty sweetness is a fantastic way to enhance your favorite brandy, especially after a nice meal.

  • 06 of 10

    The Beautiful Cocktail

    The Beautiful Cocktail

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

    A fitting name, this truly is a beautiful cocktail. Yet, it's also one of the easiest drinks you can make, with nothing more than equal parts cognac and Grand Marnier. Serving it in a brandy snifter captures the aroma and invites you back for each sip.

  • 07 of 10

    Dulce de Tequila

    Dulce de Tequila Cocktail
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    An unlikely duo, you'll love how well cognac and tequila get along. The dulce de tequila is a classically styled sour that brings the two spirits together in a wonderful way. It also has the rich sweetness of agave nectar, which is further highlighted by the sugar rim.

  • 08 of 10

    Jack-O-Lantern

    Hennessy Cognac Jack-O-Lantern Cocktail

    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

    Hidden under the pumpkin top lies a fruity cognac cocktail. The jack-o-lantern is as simple as it is fun, mixing the brandy with orange juice and topping it with ginger ale. It may have been designed for Halloween, but it's enjoyable any day of the year.

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  • 09 of 10

    Hennessy Hot Cocoa

    Hennessy Hot Cocoa

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    Comfort in a mug, the Hennessy hot cocoa is the excuse you need to spike the classic winter drink. This recipe is a little more interesting than pouring a shot of cognac into hot chocolate, though. You'll also enjoy the flavors of spiced syrup, vanilla, and heavy cream.

  • 10 of 10

    Vin Chaud

    Vin Chaud French Mulled Wine

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    Vin chaud is the French version of mulled wine. Ideal for winter gatherings, the steaming punch of red wine, cognac, and mulling spices is not only delightful to drink but will also fill your home with the most inviting aroma.

More Cognac Cocktails

As a style of brandy, cognac works well in nearly any drink recipe that calls for brandy. It's most enjoyable in simple cocktails with just a few ingredients. Use it in the B&B with Bénédictine or give it a try with sweet vermouth in the metropolitan. There is even a version of the iconic Sazerac that splits rye whiskey with cognac.