Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Cognac is a luxurious spirit that most drinkers often use as an aperitif and digestif. However, amidst the battle of whether cognac is best partnered before or after meals, did you know that cognac is also a great mixer?
If you want to level up your drink, you must know what to mix with cognac to create a satisfying and mouth-watering classic cognac cocktail.
Top 9 Cognac Mixers For Your Next Party
9. Soda Water
Although many people are familiar with adding water to their whiskey, it’s not widely practiced with other beverages such as cognac.
This is a shame since this soda water adds a great amount of flavor and another dimension to the drink.
Don’t overdo it, though, as a few drops can easily stir up the flavors and aromas of the spirit.
8. Sweet Vermouth
Sweet vermouth mixes well with cognac. Using a cocktail shaker, you can create a delicious cognac cocktail with sweet, rich botanicals in just a snap.
The French Manhattan cocktail is one popular cocktail that uses cognac and sweet vermouth’s rich botanicals.
7. Iced Tea
Combining cognac with tea is a great way to enhance a drink that’s typically a favorite of most drinkers. You can spice up typical cognac cocktails by adding iced tea.
This recipe combines 1.5 ounces of VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) or VS (Very Special) of the famous cognac with various other ingredients such as Grand Marnier, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice.
Shake it up, pour it into your prepared glass, and enjoy, but remember to drink responsibly!
6. Lime Juice/Lemon Juice
Do you want to try something new with your favorite bottle of cognac? The Hennessy Margarita is a great way to introduce yourself to the world of cognacs.
It combines the smooth flavors of the French brandy with the aged tequila and lime juice.
Combining lime juice and cognac tastes similar to Sidecar and Margarita. The combination of these two drinks makes for a sophisticated yet nuanced beverage.
5. Wines
Cognac and sparkling wine is a perfect pairing drink. You can create delicious cognac cocktails with these blends, plus a sugar cube.
Well, it’s just a matter of imagination and creativity to turn a simple spirit into an impressive drink.
We suggest opting for a Hennessy cognac and any demi-sec [1] sparkling spirit to prepare a remarkable classic cocktail.
4. Lemonade
Lemonade is a good mixer of your favorite cognac that can make a perfect cocktail.
Cognac and lemonade, plus the presence of an orange twist (or orange liqueur), can make a savory Sidecar cocktail.
Decorate it with a lemon wedge, and you’re ready to drink.
3. Coca Cola
To some, mixing vodka and Coke is not feasible. But when it comes to drinking cognac, combining the two will surely capture the palate of alcohol drinkers.
The time-honored taste of Coke (especially the Cherry Coke) combined with the powerful eau de vie creates an infusion that will delight anyone.
A good combination of ice, lemon, and a splash of fizzy water (or hot water) is a must. A good choice for cognac is either a VSOP or Napoleon.
2. Aromatic Bitters
Cognac mixes well with aromatic bitters. If you love Manhattan or Old Fashioned cocktails, you’ll love this unique blend of cognac and aromatic bitters (especially the Angostura bitters from New Orleans).
It’s a powerful and complex beverage that’s ideal for alcohol lovers.
1. Ginger Ale
The combination of ginger’s sweet and spicy flavor with the smooth and creamy taste of a VSOP or VS makes for a great long beverage.
If you’re craving a refreshing and long-lasting thirst quencher, pairing a good VSOP with ice and a good amount of ginger is a must.
Read: Our Top Chasers For Hennessy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is cognac mixed with anything?
Yes, you can mix cognac with almost anything. From the traditional lemonade to soda, Coke, ginger ale, and many more, you can make a long drink or classic cocktails with cognac.
Can you mix cognac with other alcohols?
Yes, you can mix cognac with other alcohols like rum (particularly white rum), brandy, vodka, and even whiskey. For example, the Vieux Carre cocktail mixes rye whiskey and cognac.
What is the best mix for cognac?
The best mix for cognac often involves keeping it simple to allow the spirit’s rich and complex flavors to shine; classic choices include pairing it with a splash of water, enjoying it neat, or crafting sophisticated cocktails like the timeless Sidecar or classic Sazerac.
What do you drink cognac with?
Cognac is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in various ways, whether sipped neat to fully appreciate its intricate flavors or combined in cocktails like the French Connection, where it’s mixed with amaretto, offering a delightful blend of nuttiness and sweetness.
What goes well with cognac?
Several accompaniments complement the nuanced flavors of cognac; dark chocolate, dried fruits, and nuts provide a luxurious pairing, while a well-aged cheese, such as Parmesan or Roquefort, can create a delightful contrast, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Is cognac good with Coke?
While some may enjoy cognac with Coke, purists often discourage this combination as it can mask the intricate flavors of the cognac; however, if mixed with care, using a quality cognac and a light hand with the cola, it can create a refreshing and easy-to-drink option for those who prefer a simpler, sweeter cocktail.
Is cognac and Sprite good?
While some may enjoy cognac with Sprite for a refreshing and sweeter taste, purists often recommend savoring cognac neat or with minimal mixers to fully appreciate its complex flavors, as Sprite can potentially overshadow the nuanced characteristics of the spirit.
Is cognac high in sugar?
Cognac itself is not inherently high in sugar; it is a distilled spirit made from fermented grapes, and during the distillation process, most of the sugar is converted into alcohol. However, flavored or sweetened varieties and mixed drinks containing cognac may have higher sugar content.
Why is cognac so expensive?
Several factors contribute to the high cost of cognac, including the lengthy aging process required for premium varieties, the limited yield from specific grape varieties, the meticulous craftsmanship involved in distillation, and the demand for well-known and prestigious brands, all of which contribute to the exclusivity and rarity of certain cognacs.
Is cognac an expensive drink?
Cognac is often considered a luxury and premium spirit, and while there are affordable options available, the price range can vary significantly based on factors such as the brand, aging process, and the rarity of the cognac; high-quality and aged cognacs, often from prestigious houses, can command a premium, making them more expensive compared to younger or less-known varieties.
What makes cognac taste better?
Several factors contribute to enhancing the taste of cognac, including the quality of the grapes used, the aging process in oak barrels, and the specific terroir of the region; serving it at the right temperature, allowing it to breathe, and using the appropriate glassware can further elevate the tasting experience.
Should cognac be refrigerated?
Cognac does not need to be refrigerated; in fact, it is best stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations, as refrigeration can alter the flavor profile and potentially dull the nuanced characteristics of the spirit.
What are the rules for cognac?
Cognac production is governed by strict regulations to ensure quality and authenticity; these rules dictate that cognac must be made from specific grape varieties, distilled twice in copper pot stills, aged in French oak barrels for a minimum period, and meet specific alcohol content criteria, among other requirements outlined by the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) regulations.
What kind of juice goes with cognac?
Cognac pairs well with various fruit juices, with orange juice being a classic choice in cocktails like the Sidecar or the classic Brandy Daisy; pineapple juice can also complement the fruity notes of cognac, while cranberry juice provides a tart and refreshing contrast, allowing for versatile and flavorful combinations to suit individual preferences.Top of Form
What is a good mix for Hennessy?
A popular mix for Hennessy is the classic Hennessy and Coke, combining the smoothness of the cognac with the effervescence of cola; other favored mixes include Hennessy with ginger ale or in cocktails like the Hennessy Sour, providing a refreshing and flavorful twist to the renowned cognac.
Is cognac a liquor or liquor?
Cognac is a type of liquor; specifically, it is a variety of brandy. Brandy, in general, is a distilled wine or fermented fruit juice, and cognac, as a subset of brandy, is a distilled grape wine that must adhere to specific production regulations, including being made in the Cognac region of France and meeting certain aging requirements.
Can you mix cognac with Sprite?
While some may enjoy mixing cognac with Sprite for a sweeter and refreshing flavor, traditionalists often advocate for savoring cognac neat or with minimal mixers to fully appreciate its intricate and complex flavors, as Sprite has the potential to overshadow the nuanced characteristics of the spirit. However, personal preferences vary, and experimenting with mixers can be a fun way to discover the ideal combination that suits individual taste buds.
So, What To Mix With Cognac?
You can mix cognac with water/soda, aromatic bitters, lemonade, vermouth, and tea. Nine cognac mixers on our list will surely satisfy your palate.
Whether you want to try a Japanese cocktail, Creme De Menthe, Milk Punch, or drink Cognac Margarita, you can use the mixers we listed above to spice your night or reward yourself after a long day.
So, what are you waiting for? Prepare your favorite cocktail glass with these mixers, and make yourself a delicious beverage. But remember, drink responsibly!
Reference:
