Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by Lydia Martin
You’ll often see meals paired with classic wine or craft beer, as their mild flavor profiles won’t overpower the star of the show (the food, of course). And while it’s true that most spirits are way too aggressive to be paired with most foods, the principle does not hold with cognac. Cognac’s rich and fruity profile makes it the perfect complement to various foods. But really, what goes good with cognac?
What Goes Good With Cognac: Top 10 Cognac Food Pairings
10. Duck
Duck is a classic pairing with cognacs because its dark, meaty flavors allow much of the spirit’s natural flavors to shine through.
It is also immensely succulent and fatty, which, when sipped with a well-rounded and velvety cognac, allows for a glorious mouthfeel.
The iconic Asian Peking duck works extremely well with an XO cognac because of its naturally sweet and sour profile.
A creamy foie gras is another elegant pair whose buttery, full-bodied texture complements a well-aged bottle’s robust, deep notes.
9. Mushrooms
Mushrooms and cognacs are probably one of the most popular food pairings, and the flavors get even more synced if the ‘shrooms are sauteed using that same cognac [1].
The dark profile of mushroom risottos or bordelaise will pair nicely with older XO bottles, while younger cognacs will elevate those simply sauteed with just a touch of butter and some salt.
We find that the mushrooms’ natural umami and foresty notes pair harmoniously with the cognac’s fruity, nutty, and woodsy taste (thanks to the grapes sourced from the Cognac region).
8. Cheese
Like wine, cognac also goes good with cheese. When pairing cheese with cognac, here’s a general rule of thumb: younger cheese works better with younger cognac, while older or more mature cheeses taste better with older cognac.
Feta and Irish cheddar cheeses pair extremely well with VS cognac because the saltiness of the cheese can complement the acidity and tannins of the liquor.
On the other hand, you’ll be able to appreciate XO cognacs more if they’re drunk with older, creamier cheeses that have a little funk, like Camembert, Bleu, aged gouda, and parmesan cheeses.
7. Sushi
Unlike other spirits like bourbon and whiskey, cognac won’t overpower the delicate flavors of seafood.
The fruity and tangy profile of cognacs is a great pairing to the ocean-like and saline profile of fresh sushi and oysters.
We find that younger cognacs with a fruity apricot profile pair better with sushi, like tuna, salmon, or eel.
Meanwhile, older, aged bottles, like a VSOP, complement the meaty richness of lobsters or crabs more.
6. Glazed Pork or Sweeter Pork Belly
Like champagne, cognac also pairs extremely well with dark meats like pork.
We find that glazed pork or pork belly has the right amount of sticky sweetness and meatiness that perfectly complements a glass of our favorite Rémy Martin.
You can also use the same cognac as an ingredient for the pork glaze to make the flavor throughout the dish more coherent once paired with the drink.
5. Bayonne Ham
The French Bayonne ham is a classic pairing with a glass of cognac. This dry-cured ham has terrific umami and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
We find that a few slices work extremely well as an appetizer, served with chilled cognac (or wine) as an aperitif.
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4. Coffee
Coffee and cognac are always a great pairing. The bitterness of black coffee complements the more fruity, tangy, and woodsy notes of cognac.
You can make the coffee and cognac pairing fancier by topping it off with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, and a cinnamon stick.
However, we find that the classic black coffee with a shot of cognac is more than enough for our palate.
3. Red Fruits
Red fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and cherries are a natural pairing with cognacs.
Their acidity and tanginess only emphasize this liquor’s oaky profile. Dried fruit will do just fine, but fresh red fruits are best.
2. Desserts
Traditionally, people drink cognac (a grape-based brandy) after dinner, which is why you’ll find that this alcohol pairs extremely well with various desserts.
This dessert drink’s vanilla profile will greatly complement souffle and cakes like raspberry, Chambord mousse, or even delicious ice creams.
1. Chocolate
Chocolates and cognac make for some of the best dessert pairings. When choosing chocolate for your cognac, a general rule of thumb is: the darker the chocolate, the older the cognac.
Softer chocolates pair perfectly well with the fruity notes of a VS cognac, and a VSOP bottle will complement the berry notes of chocolate-covered strawberries.
High-quality dark chocolate bars, mousse, and truffles will allow more of the XO cognac’s dried fruit, baking spice, ginger, and oak notes to shine through.
FAQs Related to What Goes Good With Cognac?
What food pairs well with cognac?
Cognac, with its rich and complex flavor profile, pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a versatile spirit for culinary exploration. Here are some classic food pairings that complement the characteristics of cognac:
Cheese: Rich, creamy cheeses such as Brie or Camembert are excellent companions to cognac. Their buttery texture and subtle flavors harmonize with the smoothness and depth of the spirit.
Chocolate: Dark chocolate, with its bittersweet notes, provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of cognac. Enjoying a piece of high-quality dark chocolate alongside a glass of cognac can create a luxurious and indulgent tasting experience.
Nuts: Roasted nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, are a classic pairing with cognac. Their earthy flavors and crunchy texture complement the warmth and complexity of the spirit, enhancing its nutty undertones.
Dried fruits: Dried fruits such as figs, apricots, or raisins offer a sweet and chewy accompaniment to cognac. Their natural sweetness can accentuate the fruity notes in the spirit while providing a satisfying texture contrast.
Foie gras: The rich, velvety texture of foie gras pairs beautifully with cognac. The decadent flavors of the liver complement the depth and intensity of the spirit, creating a luxurious combination.
Ultimately, the best food pairings for cognac are those that balance its flavors and enhance the overall tasting experience. Experimenting with different flavor combinations can lead to delightful discoveries and memorable culinary moments.
Can I mix cognac with other drinks?
While cognac is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its complex flavors and aromas, it can also be used as a base spirit in a variety of cocktails. Classic cocktails such as the Sidecar, the French Connection, or the Sazerac feature cognac as a key ingredient, highlighting its versatility in mixology.
When mixing cognac with other ingredients, it’s important to choose complementary flavors that enhance rather than overpower the spirit. Citrus juices, such as lemon or orange, work well with cognac’s fruity notes, while sweet vermouth or liqueurs can add depth and complexity to cocktails.
Experimenting with different cocktail recipes allows you to explore the diverse flavor profile of cognac and create unique and delicious drinks tailored to your preferences.
Are there specific fruits that complement cognac?
While cognac boasts its own array of fruity flavors, certain fresh fruits can complement and enhance its natural characteristics when served alongside or incorporated into cocktails. Here are a few fruits that pair well with cognac:
Citrus fruits: Lemon, orange, and grapefruit can add brightness and acidity to cocktails made with cognac. Freshly squeezed citrus juice or garnishes can elevate the flavor profile of a cocktail, balancing the richness of the spirit with a refreshing zing.
Stone fruits: Peaches, plums, and cherries offer a sweet and juicy contrast to the depth and complexity of cognac. Muddled or pureed stone fruits can be used to create flavorful cocktails with a hint of natural sweetness.
Berries: Raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries provide vibrant color and bold flavor when paired with cognac. These tart and slightly sweet fruits can be muddled or used as a garnish to enhance the fruity notes in cocktails.
Dried fruits: While fresh fruits are often preferred for their juiciness, dried fruits such as apricots, figs, or dates can also complement the flavors of cognac. Their concentrated sweetness and chewy texture can add depth and complexity to cocktails or serve as a flavorful accompaniment when enjoying cognac neat.
Ultimately, the choice of fruits to pair with cognac depends on personal preference and the desired flavor profile of the cocktail or tasting experience. Experimenting with different fruits and cocktail recipes allows you to discover delightful combinations that showcase the versatility of cognac in mixology.
Does the age of cognac affect what it pairs well with?
Yes, the age of cognac can influence its flavor profile and thus its pairing options. Younger cognacs (VS or VSOP) tend to have more fruity and floral notes, making them versatile for various pairings. Older cognacs (XO or beyond) often have richer, deeper flavors that pair well with darker chocolates, cigars, or enjoyed on their own.
Are there any specific spices that go well with cognac?
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom can complement the warmth and complexity of cognac. They can be used in desserts, mixed drinks, or even as part of a savory dish marinade.
Can cognac be enjoyed with a cigar?
Yes, cognac and cigars make for a classic pairing, especially when the cognac has deeper, more complex flavors like those found in older vintages or XO varieties. The combination of the two can enhance the experience of both.
So, Which Food Goes Good With Cognac?
Various food pairs extremely well with cognac, but the best option would be the classic dark chocolate and cognac pairing.
Cognac also pairs excellently with dark meats like duck, seafood like oysters and sushi, and cheeses like parmesan and Bleu.
It’s always best to remember that darker, richer foods will work well with older, well-aged cognac, like XOs, while those with fresher, more delicate tastes fare better with lighter-bodied cognac.
Think dark chocolate with XOs, and white chocolate with VSOPs.
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