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Don’t have this French brandy on hand? Here’s the best Cognac substitute to use when you’re mixing up cocktails.
Making a cocktail that calls for Cognac and don’t have it? Don’t worry, there are few options that work for this popular liquor. Cognac is a type of French brandy, a liquor made from distilling wine.
The flavor of Cognac is rich and full-bodied, with a spicy finish and hints of fruit and leather. There are several grades of Cognac that designate how long it’s been aged: VS or 3 stars (2 years), VSOP (4 years), Napoléon (6 years), and XO (10 years).
Best Cognac Substitute
1. Brandy
The best Cognac substitute? Any type of brandy. This is not surprising, since Cognac is a high-end French brandy! Brandy is a liquor made from distilling wine. Armagnac and Calvados are other types of French brandy, and Brandy de Jerez is Spanish brandy. Any of these would work as a substitute!
One exception: Pisco is Peruvian brandy. But we wouldn’t suggest using it here because it’s not a flavor match. Save it for a Pisco sour.
2. Bourbon
Another great Cognac substitute? Bourbon. The boozy strength of bourbon, the spicy finish and the warm notes of vanilla, oak and caramel are a good flavor match to brandy. Of course, bourbon tastes like bourbon! But it makes a nice stand-in for Cognac in a cocktail. Try it in a Sidecar or Sazerac.
3. Sherry
Another Cognac substitute that works in a pinch? Sherry. Sherry is a fortified wine that’s made by adding grape liquor to white wine. The flavor is very sharp and dry, with less of the warm, earthy notes of brandy. It’s pretty different flavor-wise, but it can work in a pinch.
4. Armagnac or Calvados
These French brandies work as a substitute if you have them on hand. Either swaps 1:1 in cocktails and cooking.
5. Aged rum
Aged rum has a similar character to Cognac and can add a similar warmth to drinks. Use as a 1:1 substitute.
6. Cognac substitutes for cooking
If a cooked recipe calls for Cognac, here are a few ideas you could use instead:
- Apple juice or plus a splash of vinegar: Try ½ cup juice plus 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar for ½ cup cognac.
- Beef or chicken broth: If a pan sauce calls for Cognac, you could use beef or chicken broth.
