Some of you may think of Cognac as a gentleman’s only drink enjoyed with a cigar. Not at all. I didn’t always know how to drink Cognac. Today, I LOVE a good Cognac cocktail, especially in the fall and winter. Cognac makes me feel warm, sophisticated, and like I’m wearing a mink coat in a swanky jazz club. Just recently while I was in Paris, I enjoyed the best champagne Cognac cocktail. It was simply divine.

Cognac is a classic drink for everyone to enjoy so don’t be afraid to try it. With these helpful tips, you’ll be ready to enjoy Cognac like a pro.

How to Drink Cognac Like A Pro

1. What is Cognac? Cognac is a type of brandy.  There are many Cognac brands but my favorite is The House of Martell who recently celebrated 300 years of fine Cognacs. Cognac is made from white wine using only very specific types of grapes. It is made in the wine growing regions of Charente and Charente-Maritime surrounding the town of Cognac, France. The white wine is distilled to create eau-de-vie, ageing it in oak barrels for a minimum of two years and then blending different eaux-de-vie to create a specific flavor. Translation, Cognac is aged to perfection!
2. How is Cognac served or best enjoyed? Usually Cognac is enjoyed neat (straight, no ice or mixers) or on the rocks (with ice). Most Cognac experts will tell you to enjoy aged Cognac neat so that you can fully explore all the flavors. Personally, I enjoy Cognac in a cocktail.
3. Best types of Cognac. While sipping your Cognac sound like an expert. Cognac originated in Cognac, France. Cognac is prepared in Cognac houses. Depending on the age of the Cognac, there are different designations. There’s VS, Cognac aged at least 2 years, and there’s also VSOP, aged at least four years.
4. What type of glass should your Cognac be served in? Depends on how it’s being served. Generally, Cognac cocktails should be served in a Martini glass or tall tumbler glass. If served with Champagne than it should be served in a Champagne flute. A tulip shaped glass is recommend for Cognac served neat to enhance the entire aromatic range of the Cognac.

 

 

Recipe: A Classic Sidecar

The Sidecar is a classic Cognac drink. Here’s  a simple recipe to enjoy this timeless favorite. For even more Cognac cocktail ideas, check out Martell’s Cognac recipes for options everyone would enjoy.

Ingredients

2cl Martell Cognac

1cl lemon juice

1cl triple sec

1 orange peel , and ice 

Put a few ice cubes into a shaker and add the Martell Cognac, lemon juice and triple sec. Shake the ingredients together and pour serve in Tulip shaped glass. Squeeze orange peel and place in glass. Cheers!

Image credits: Martell

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