Here are the best Hennessy cocktails to try with this centuries old brand of Cognac! It shines in classics from the Sidecar to the Sazerac.
Got Hennessy and want to mix up a drink? You’re in luck: there are loads of great classic cocktails to make with this ages old brand of Cognac. The Hennessy company was founded over 250 years ago in 1765 in France. Today it produces 40% of the world’s Cognac, making it the largest producer of Cognac worldwide. If you’re ready to move beyond drinking it neat, here’s where to start.
Here are 6 classic Hennessy cocktails that highlight the best of its bold flavor! Try a Hennessy Sazerac, the boozy official cocktail of New Orleans. Or if you prefer something sweeter, try the Sidecar, one of the most classic cocktails starring Cognac. And of course…you can’t go wrong with the simple mix of Hennessy and Coke! Let’s get mixing.
And now…6 great Hennessy cocktails to try!
Love Hennessy and want something to do with it? Try the Hennessy Margarita! Pairing this classy 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.
Next up in our Hennessy cocktails, a boozy classic cocktail that’s one of the greats: the Sazerac! If you love spirit-forward drinks like the Old Fashioned, this one’s for you. Along with the oak, vanilla and caramel notes of Hennessy, 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.
Here’s a two ingredient Hennessy 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.
Got 1 minute? Then you’ve got time to mix up the French Connection: an amaretto and Hennessy cocktail! Arguably the easiest cocktail on the planet, this slow-sipper features Hennessy 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.
Here’s one of the very best Hennessy cocktails, and possibly one of the best classic cocktails of all time. The Sidecar! What’s so great about the Sidecar? This drink is perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, with just the right edge from the boozy Hennessy. It’s a complex, layered drink: warm, crisp, dry, rich, and full at the same time.
Want a quick and dirty Hennessy cocktail? Try Hennessy and Coke! This spin on the Rum and Coke might be considered low brow by some…but add this Cognac and it’s a top notch drink! The oak, vanilla and caramel notes of the Hennessy are a perfect fit with the sweetness of bubbly cola. Here we’ve added a few tips to take this cocktail to the sophisticated level. Here’s how to make the best Hennessy and Coke to impress all your friends.
Here’s a bright and tangy drink that’s a little sassy: the Between the Sheets cocktail! A spin on the classic Sidecar, it features rum and Hennessy Cognac together: something that in Prohibition times was thought to be a little naughty. The rum adds nuance to this citrusy drink, and it’s a great sour cocktail that goes down easy. Of course, if you’ve never had a Sidecar: go make one of those first. Then you’ll appreciate this drink in all its glory.
Last up in our must-try Hennessy cocktails: the Vieux Carre! If you love a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, it’s safe to say you’ll love this drink too. This unique classic cocktail comes from New Orleans: the name means “French Quarter” in French. It’s strong and alcohol forward, made with not one but two types of bitters. The complex flavor is ideal for Cognac lovers who love to relax with a slow sipper in hand.
What do the letters mean?
Cognac is a type of French brandy, a liquor made from distilling wine. There are several grades of Hennessy Cognac that designate how long it’s been aged:
- VS or 3 stars (2 years)
- VSOP (4 years)
- Napoléon (6 years)
- XO (10 years)
Watch out, bottles of XO can be upwards of $200! No need to go that high-end, of course. You can use a mid-priced VS or VSOP Cognac for all of the Hennessy cocktails above.
Print
Hennessy Margarita
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
The best way to use this classy Cognac? Try this Hennessy Margarita recipe, full of flavor and sophistication.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces* tequila reposado
- 1 ounce Hennessy Cognac
- 1 ounce Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
- ½ ounce lime juice
- For the garnish: lime wedges
Instructions
- Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of salt (or for a festive look, use Margarita Salt).
- Place the tequila, Hennessy, Cointreau and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with 1 handful ice cubes and shake until cold.
- Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice and serve.
Notes
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
Keywords: Hennessy cocktails
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