The legend of Cognac is one that’s shrouded in history. And for many, in mystery. The drink is so iconic that many mistake it as one that need to be consumed in a certain way. But in all honesty, nothing could be further from the truth. Because it’s one of the most versatile spirits you can think of. So if you ever wonder what to mix with Cognac, then let us introduce you to the wonderful world of Cognac mixed drinks; a place where the only limit is your imagination.
1. Cognac and Ginger Ale
We hear you ask – what soda to drink with Cognac? Well the spicy taste of ginger marries delightfully with certain Cognacs. In fact, there are many Cognac cocktails that use the strength of the spice to create a delicious long drink. If you fancy a long, refreshing thirst quencher, then pairing a quality VS or VSOP with ginger ale and ice is a great combination. Use a high ball glass, a shot of your favorite Cognac, and a generous portion of ginger ale. We particularly like it with Fever Tree Ginger Ale, or, for an exotic twist, use the Fever Tree Spiced Orange Ginger Ale, which combines sweet clementine and cinnamon. Together with the vintage brass casted cognac set with crystal glass, the flavour explosion is exotic and sensual, one that will really hit the spot for those who value a high end drinking experience.
2. Coca Cola
Now, they’ll still be a few purists out there who wouldn’t dream of such a mix. But when it comes down to Cognac mixers, the time-enduring taste of Coke combined with a powerful eau-de-vie creates a flavour infusion that millions enjoy. For us, we like a splash of the fizzy stuff, ice, and a slice of lemon. The combination is really good to drink with Cognac. A quality VS, VSOP, or Napoleon Cognac is a great choice, and one that leans towards the spicier range of the spectrum works best.
3. Iced Tea
Fans of the most famous Cognac in the world will be keen to know what to drink with Hennessy Cognac. Now, it might not sound the most obvious choice, but combining it with iced tea is an incredible twist on a drink that’s a favorite with millions around the world. Mix 1.5 oz of VS or VSOP Hennessy Cognac with 0.5 oz of Grand Marnier, 2 oz of unsweetened cold tea, 1 oz of simple syrup, and 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice. Shake it up with some ice in a cocktail shaker, garnish with a twist of orange, and voila—your drink is ready. Enjoy.
4. Infuse
We can highly recommend a heady infusion of Cognac with the aromatic beauty of vanilla or jasmine. It might sound a little complicated, but that’s really not so. Simply infuse the flavor of either plant into hot water, add the Cognac, and settle back to enjoy a rather special hot toddy.
5. Tonic
Never underestimate the humble tonic as a great way to mix and enjoy Cognac. It pairs perfectly and brings out the tones of fruit that Cognac is noted for. Fever Tree produce a range of different tonics that you can experiment with. From Premium Indian to Light Mediterranean, Refreshingly Aromatic to Elderflower, each adds a unique twist and is seriously good mixer to drink with Cognac.
Check out our tonic tasting to get a bit more of an idea of the difference between Schweppes and Tomr’s, as seen below in the photo. But there’s no need to stick to a particular brand, craft tonic is now a real thing. So relish the differences, and try them all.
Our Tonic Tasting session between Schweppes and Tomr’s.
6. With ice
Ice is a very underrated addition to mix with Cognac. A couple of rocks dilutes the Cognac in the glass, reducing the percentage of alcohol. This in turn reveals subtle differences in the aroma and taste. Expect to discover further fruits and spices, as well as the floral side of things.
