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The best way to use this classy Cognac? Try this Hennessy Margarita recipe, full of flavor and sophistication.
Love Hennessy and want something new 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. Here’s how to make this tasty drink!
What’s in a Hennessy margarita?
The Hennessy margarita is a classic margarita with the addition of Cognac. Invented in Mexico in the 1930’s, the Classic Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails ever invented. The International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails defines it with just 3 ingredients: tequila, triple sec and lime juice. The Hennessy Margarita just adds Cognac! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tequila (best with tequila reposado)
- Hennessy Cognac
- Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
- Lime juice
Let’s talk through some of the ingredients, shall we?
Why use tequila reposado? Can you use blanco?
What’s the best tequila for margaritas? Well, it really depends on the drink! For the Hennessy margarita, we like using tequila reposado. Why?
- Tequila reposado pairs best with Hennessy. It’s aged 2 to 12 months in oak barrels (reposado means “rested” in Spanish). It has a smooth flavor and notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel that match well with the Cognac.
- Tequila blanco works too. This type of tequila is not aged. The flavor is agave forward, with notes of pepper and citrus and a spicy finish. It works in a Hennessy margarita too, if you prefer it or it’s all you have.
All about Hennessy
What is Hennessy, exactly? Hennessy is a type of Cognac, a brandy made in Cognac, France. 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.
What does Hennessy taste like? It has a bold flavor, with notes of nuttiness, fruit, oak, vanilla and spices. It’s very complex, and makes for a margarita unlike any other you’ll taste!
Using Cointreau vs Triple Sec
What’s the best Triple Sec for a margarita? Again, it depends on the drink! In this Hennessy margarita, the nuanced notes of the Cognac and tequila reposado pair best with Cointreau. Cointreau is an orange liqueur that’s actually considered a type of Triple Sec (how’s that for confusing?).
- Cointreau is best in a Hennessy margarita. It’s typically our favorite in a margarita: it has a smooth flavor with warm spices and nuance that works with the sophisticated vibe here.
- Triple Sec has a crisp, citrus-forward flavor that works well in this Hennessy margarita. Find a quality triple sec brand, not the cheapest on the block. We like Drillauds.
More Hennessy cocktails: the Sidecar and more!
The Hennessy Margarita similar to a Classic Sidecar, the most classic Cognac cocktail. The Sidecar stars Cognac, lemon juice, and Cointreau orange liqueur. So the main difference between the Hennessy Margarita is that it uses lime juice and tequila. If you haven’t tried a Sidecar, it’s a must! Here are a few more Hennessy drinks we’d recommend:
- Make the classic Hennessy Sidecar
- Try the sophisticated and boozy Hennessy Sazerac
- Add creme de menthe and make it a Stinger
- Go super simple with Hennessy and Coke
- Add amaretto for a French Connection
When to serve a Hennessy margarita
The Hennessy margarita is impressive and sophsiticated. It’s perfect for sipping as a:
- Happy hour drink
- Dinner party drink
- Summer drink
- Late night drinks drink
- Guys or girls night drink
- Cocktail hour drink
Hennessy Margarita
The best way to use this classy Cognac? Try this Hennessy Margarita recipe, full of flavor and sophistication.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
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
Love this. New subscriber, cocktail enthusiast, proud tender of the bar and A Couple Cooks is giving goals type vibes!
Really nice. I get some very unique informations.
Can this be made a head of time ? Large amount like pitchers? Thx!!
You could make a couple hours ahead, but more than that and the lime juice will start to dull.
This was a little heavy handed on the tequila for my personal tastes so I had to double the cognac and rest of the ingredients but then it was delish.