Cognac cocktails are all about smooth sophistication, and we’ve gathered 21 of the best for you to explore. From timeless classics like the Sidecar to bolder and more daring mixes like the Mata Hari.
Cognac is like the tuxedo of spirits—elegant, refined, and always stylish. This French brandy, made from Ugni Blanc grapes and aged to perfection in oak barrels, carries rich, layered notes of dried fruits, caramel, warm spice, and a touch of oak. It’s traditionally enjoyed neat, but its versatility has earned it a starring role in cocktails across the globe.
In the U.S., you’ll find Cognac in chic, sophisticated drinks at trendy urban bars, perfect for those who crave bold, authentic flavors. Over in China, it’s an appreciated gift and a dinner-table favorite, adding a touch of class and refinement to meals. And in the UK (where Cognac has been, in fact, extremely popular since the 16th century), Cognac is making waves on stylish cocktail menus, thanks to the rise of mixology. Even in its homeland of France, new trends are bringing Cognac out of the cabinet and into the hands of a fresh, dynamic crowd of cocktail lovers.
The 21 Best Cognac Cocktails with Easy Recipes
We’ve handpicked the best Cognac cocktail recipes for you. Click on each cocktail to explore individual pages featuring easy-to-follow recipes, printable recipe cards, and step-by-step video tutorials crafted by our experts!
Sidecar
One of the most iconic Cognac cocktails, the Sidecar balances tart and sweet with a mix of Cognac, Cointreau (or Triple Sec), and fresh lemon juice. It’s a sophisticated, citrusy drink with a hint of warmth and complexity.
Vieux Carré
A New Orleans classic, the Vieux Carré blends Cognac, rye whiskey with sweet vermouth, Bénédictine DOM, and Angostura & Peychaud’s bitters for a smooth yet robust sip. It’s rich, spicy, and complex, with layers of herbal and sweet notes.
Sazerac
This bold, aromatic cocktail combines Cognac (and/or rye whiskey), a touch of absinthe, simple sugar syrup and Peychaud’s bitters for a distinctly intense, slightly herbal flavor. With its history as one of America’s oldest cocktails, the Sazerac has a sharp, smooth finish that brings a touch of mystique.
Stinger
Simple yet refreshing, the Stinger pairs Cognac with White Crème de Menthe, originally Giffard’s Menthe Pastille, creating a cooling, minty finish that makes it an ideal after-dinner treat. It’s smooth and sleek, with a hint of sweetness.
French Connection
With just two ingredients, Cognac and amaretto, this twist on a classic Godfather cocktail delivers a smooth, nutty flavor profile with an almond essence that complements the warmth of the Cognac. Serve it over ice for an easy, elegant sipper that tastes far more complex than it seems.
Brandy Alexander
Smooth, creamy, and just a bit indulgent, the Brandy Alexander is like dessert in a glass. With a mix of Cognac, dark crème de cacao, and cream, it’s rich and velvety, with a subtle chocolate & nutmeg finish that makes it feel oh-so-decadent.
Between the Sheets
A daring twist on the classic Sidecar, Between the Sheets brings together Cognac, light rum, triple sec and fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy cocktail with a hint of rebellious flair. It’s smooth, citrusy, and just a little bit naughty—exactly what you need to liven up the evening.
Corpse Reviver No. 1
Dark, bold, and a little mysterious, the Corpse Reviver No. 1 lives up to its name. This pre-prohibition classic pairs Cognac with Calvados, sweet vermouth and a few dashes of orange bitters, creating a rich, warming drink that’s perfect for shaking off the chill.
Champagne Cocktail
Effortless and elegant, the Champagne Cocktail is a bubbly classic that turns any occasion into a celebration. Just a sugar cube, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, and a pour of Cognac topped with Champagne—simple, sparkling, and sophisticated, with a little citrus twist for extra flair.
Fish House Punch
This colonial-era punch, also one of the most famous punch recipe in existence, packs a fruity punch with Cognac, rum, and peach brandy mixed with fresh lemon juice, sugar and chilled English Breakfast tea. Sweet, tangy, and refreshingly strong, it’s a party favorite, perfect for sipping with friends around the punch bowl.
Harvard
An Ivy League cocktail with a Cognac twist, the Harvard mixes Cognac, sweet vermouth, and a splash of club soda for a smooth, sophisticated drink. A dash of Angostura bitters ties it all together, adding a hint of spice to this classic cocktail.
Champs-Elysees Cocktail
As elegant as its namesake, this cocktail combines Cognac, green Chartreuse, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters. The result? A drink that’s bright, herbal, and beautifully balanced.
East India No.2
This vintage cocktail brings the warmth of Cognac together with a touch of spice and sweetness from orange curacao, pineapple juice & pineapple syrup, , and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. It’s rich, smooth, and offers a full-bodied taste, perfect for anyone looking to savor something with character and depth.
Hulk Drink
Bold and vivid, the Hulk Drink is a striking blend of Cognac and Hpnotiq liqueur, giving it an eye-catching green hue. Sweet, fruity, and potent, it’s a modern twist that balances the classic warmth of Cognac with the tropical notes of passion fruit liqueur -perfect for the ones who don’t like to take their drinks too seriously.
The Gem Cocktail
True to its name, this cocktail is a hidden gem that blends Cognac, Jamaican rum, fresh lime juice, pineapple syrup and Angostura bitters. It combines the rich warmth of Cognac with the fruity boldness of Jamaican rum; lime juice adds a fresh zest, balanced by the tropical sweetness of pineapple syrup, while Angostura bitters bring a subtle spice. The result is a smooth, fruit-forward drink with a touch of tang and complexity.
Brandy Crusta
This mix of Cognac (or brandy), Maraschino liqueur, Triple Sec, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and Angostura bitters is among the first cocktail recipes ever created. This vintage drink takes its name from the thick, crystallized sugar rim that’s traditionally used as a garnish around the glass. With its strong yet floral and slightly crisp flavor, the Brandy Crusta is a must-try for every Cognac lover or simply for everyone interested in the history of cocktails.
Mata Hari Cocktail
Mysterious and seductive, just like its namesake, this creation from the Employee’s Only menu, NYC, mixes Cognac, chai-infused vermouth, fresh lemon juice and pomegranate juice. It’s an elegant blend of spice and sweetness.
XOXO Cocktail
A playful mix of Cognac, dark cacao liqueur, Triple Sec, Pedro Ximénez sherry and a touch of orange bitters are used to prepare this rich, comforting chocolaty after-dinner drink.
Delmonico Cocktail
An old-school favorite that combines Cognac, gin, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters. The Delmonico is smooth, slightly herbal, and richly layered, embodying the classic charm of New York’s cocktail scene.
Morning Glory
Start your day (or end your night) right with this bright and invigorating blend of Cognac, absinthe, rye whiskey, orange curaçao, simple syrup and Angostura bitters. Adapted from the 1887 edition of Jerry Thomas’ “Bar-Tenders Guide”, the Morning Glory is said to be one of the “hair of the dog” hangover cures from back in the day.
French Riviera Cocktail
Feel like you’re lounging on the Mediterranean coast with this refreshing mix of Cognac, gold rum, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup and apricot jam; a sunny afternoon in Cannes in a glass!
Brands we like to use to make Cognac drinks
Younger Cognacs like VS (Very Special) and VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) are the preferred choices for cocktails. They offer versatility, cost-effectiveness, and robust flavors that complement other ingredients.
- VS Cognac is light, fruity, and highly mixable. Popular brands like Hennessy VS and Martell VS are excellent for crafting classic cocktails like the Fish House Punch or French Connection.
- VSOP Cognac offers more depth and complexity while still being suitable for mixing. Brands such as Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal and Courvoisier VSOP Exclusif are fantastic all-rounders, adding a richer flavor to drinks like the Sazerac or Vieux Carré.
- Specially Designed Mixing Cognacs: Some brands have even created Cognacs specifically for cocktails, with profiles that are made to blend seamlessly with other ingredients. Examples include H by Hine, Frapin 1270, and Courvoisier VSOP Exclusif.
FAQs
What is the most popular Cognac cocktail?
The Sidecar is probably the most popular Cognac cocktail due to its balanced, classic flavor.
Can Cognac be used in a Manhattan cocktail?
Yes, it can replace whiskey in a Manhattan for a smoother, richer version. Cognac also makes for a great replacement for gin in a classic Negroni!
What’s a good beginner-friendly Cognac cocktail?
The Stinger is simple yet delicious, combining the Cognac with white crème de menthe for a refreshing sip.
Can Cognac be used in tiki-style cocktails?
Yes, the Fog Cutter and Fish House Punch are examples where Cognac fits perfectly with tropical or fruity flavors.
How strong are Cognac cocktails typically?
Cognac cocktails can vary in strength ranging between 15% and 30% ABV (Alcohol by Volume). Classics like the Vieux Carré and Sazerac often fall on the stronger side, around 25-30% ABV due to their combination of spirits. Lighter, more playful options like the French Riviera or the Fish House Punch tend to have a lower ABV, usually around 15-18%, especially when mixed with sparkling wine or liqueurs.
What type of Cognac is commonly used in cocktails?
VS (Very Special) is perfect for cocktails as its younger age makes it more affordable and versatile.
What kind of Cognac should I use for a high-end cocktail?
Opt for a VSOP or XO for more depth and complexity in premium cocktails like the Vieux Carré.
Can Cognac be mixed with coffee?
Yes, it pairs well with coffee, and variations of Coffee Brandy Alexander can feature a mix of the two.
Are there sparkling Cognac cocktails?
Definitely, the Champagne Cocktail is a good example of adding sparkling wine to a Cognac base.
Which Cognac cocktail is best as an after-dinner drink?
The Brandy Alexander or Stinger works well as a dessert or after-dinner drink.
Can Cognac be used in a punch?
Yes, it’s a traditional ingredient in punches like the Fish House Punch, offering a depth of flavor that complements other spirits.
Should I shake or stir Cognac cocktails?
It depends: usually, shake cocktails with fruit juices (e.g., Sidecar), and stir those with spirits only (e.g., Vieux Carré). In case of doubt, check the recipe to figure the perfect method of preparation for each cocktail.
