My 10 Favorite Cognac Cocktails

Here are the top Cognac cocktails to try using this high-end brandy, from a classic Sidecar to the beloved Sazerac.

My Top 10 Cognac Cocktails

Classic Sidecar

Here’s the most classic Cognac cocktail of all time: the Sidecar! This classic cocktail hails from the early 1900’s and is a relative of the classic margarita. The drink is perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, and layered and complex: warm, crisp, dry, rich, and full at the same time.

Ingredients: Cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice

Stinger

Here’s a two ingredient Cognac cocktail that tastes greater then the sum of its parts: the Stinger! This genius combination of Cognac and crème de menthe is a classic cocktail invented in 1890. Today, it’s one of the lesser known classics: but we think it needs a revival.

Ingredients: Cognac, creme de menthe

French Connection Cocktail

Got 1 minute? Then you’ve got time to mix up the French Connection! Arguably the easiest Cognac cocktail on the planet, this slow-sipper features Cognac and amaretto in a perfect pairing. Serve it over ice and you’ve got a sophisticated drink that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. The amaretto gives it an almond essence that matches the strength of the Cognac.

Ingredients: Cognac, amaretto

Between the Sheets

Here’s a bright and tangy Cognac cocktail that’s a little sassy: Between the Sheets! A spin on the classic Sidecar, it features rum and Cognac together. The rum adds nuance to this citrusy drink, and it’s a great sour cocktail that goes down easy.

Ingredients: White rum, Cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice

Cognac Margarita

Love Cognac and want something new to do with it? Try the Cognac Margarita, aka the Hennessy Margarita! Pairing Cognac with aged tequila, lime and orange liqueur makes a seriously sophisticated drink.

In fact, it tastes like a combination of a classic Sidecar and a margarita! Both classic drinks feature citrus, Cognac and Cointreau: which makes for a flavor-packed, nuanced sip.

Ingredients: Cognac, tequila, Cointreau, and lime

Sazerac Cocktail

Here’s a boozy Cognac cocktail that’s considered one of the greats: the Sazerac! If you love spirit-forward drinks like the Old Fashioned, this one’s for you. But instead of just whiskey, and a sugar cube this one’s got a surprise element.

Absinthe gives a black licorice finish to each sip! This outlawed liquor is now back in good graces (since 2007, at least), and it’s good reason to try this famous slow sipper. It’s the official drink of New Orleans and one of the oldest cocktails there is.

Vieux Carre

If you love a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, it’s safe to say you’ll love this Cognac cocktail too: the Vieux Carre! This unique classic cocktail comes from New Orleans: the name refers to the French Quarter (and means “Old Square” in French).

It’s strong and alcohol forward, made with not one but two types of bitters. The complex flavor is ideal for whiskey lovers who love to relax with a slow sipper in hand. Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients: Cognac, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, Peychaud bitters, Angostura bitters

Brandy Old Fashioned

Here’s a brandy cocktail that’s a quirky spin on a classic: the Wisconsin Old Fashioned! Leave it to Wisconsinites to make their own spin on the Old Fashioned: so popular that it became the State drink.

Order it in a bar and it comes with lots of variations: Sweet, Sour, Press and Soda. When it comes to the garnishes…well, those are a little funky too. Here’s how to make this unique drink!

Ingredients: Brandy or Cognac, sugar, Angostura bitters, lemon lime soda or soda water

Cognac Crusta

Here’s a classic cocktail that will blow you away with its sweet tart flavor and sophisticated vibe: the Crusta! This timeless drink dates back to the 1860’s, but it’s every bit fun to drink today, with a big beautiful sugar crust and oversized lemon peel garnish.

The flavor is perfectly balanced, with orange and cherry liqueur that balance fresh lemon and sultry Cognac.

Ingredients: Cognac, Cointreau or triple sec, Maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters

Milk Punch

Here’s a brandy cocktail that will surprise you with its complex, creamy flavor: Milk Punch! This tasty drink is one of the oldest cocktails there is, featuring brandy, bourbon, milk and sugar.

It’s a popular brunch drink in New Orleans and in the American South. And the concept sounds baffling until you try it. The creamy, cool milk against the spice of the brandy and the nuance of vanilla extract.

Ingredients: Milk, brandy, bourbon whiskey, simple syrup, vanilla, nutmeg

Tip: Want a substitute for this special French brandy? Go to Best Cognac Substitute.

More Cocktail Recipes To Try

There are so many great cocktail recipes to try! Pick from some of the following:

• Vodka Cocktails Try the greats like the Gimlet and Mule.
• Gin Cocktails All the classics: Gin Fizz, Tom Collins, Gin & Tonic, etc
• Ginger Beer Cocktails Pick from Moscow mule spins, the Pimm’s Cup, and more.
• Orange Juice Cocktails OJ is a great mixer…and it’s not just for mimosas.
• Bourbon Cocktails Try these bourbon greats, like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan.
• Amaretto Cocktails From the Amaretto Sour to the Italian margarita.
• Vermouth Cocktails All the best drinks using dry or sweet vermouth.

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