Spiked Coffee & 7 Best Cocktails To Whip Up With An Extra Kick Of Cognac
You'll never see cognac the same way again!
Published for Martell, 03 Jan 2017, 06:29 PM
With its top-notch quality and its solid spot as a favourite among hip hop royalty, it's no surprise that cognac is often thought of as a very atas drink
No other spirit is as heavily name-dropped by the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye and Ludacris!
The love for cognac stems from its stellar quality, the result of its strict distillation guidelines. You probably know that cognacs must originate from the French town of Cognac, but here are some lesser-known criteria for a spirit to be labelled as cognac:
- Only Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard grapes can be used
- The grapes must only have been harvested in October
- The distillation process can only be between November and March
Despite its premium feel, you don't have to be a billionaire to enjoy a cool glass of cognac. The new Martell NCF keeps it real with its competitive pricing as a treat to cognac lovers here in Malaysia!
Martell NCF is the first non-chill filtered cognac by the House. Filtered at room temperature, the result is an irresistibly smooth and velvety texture, with sensual hints of apricot jam and vanilla, and enriched with notes of mandarin and pink grapefruit.
Whether you're looking for a refreshing party drink or a cosy cuppa to serve up, here are some amazing cognac-infused cocktails you need to try:
1. Cognac Cuba Libre
This refreshing mix of cola and cognac, topped with a lemon wedge, is quick to prepare for a party and is a definite must-try!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cola
- ¼ cup cognac
- Lemon wedge
- Ice
Directions:
1. Pour the cola over ice.
2. Add cognac.
3. Squeeze in lemon wedge.
4. Give it a stir and serve.
2. Alexander
This creamy cocktail is an absolute treat when you're in the mood for a decadent drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cognac
- 2 tablespoons dark crème de cacao
- 2 tablespoons half and half
- Ice
- Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
Directions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, add the cognac, dark crème de cacao, and half and half.
2. Add ice and shake for 30 seconds until the drink is chilled and frothy.
3. Double strain through a fine mesh strainer.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and serve.
3. Cognac & Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
This rich Italian-style hot chocolate uses cognac and cinnamon to warm you right up!
Ingredients:
- ¾ tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 1/2 oz dark chocolate (60 - 70%), chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon cognac
Directions:
1. In a saucepan, mix the chocolate, cocoa powder, cinnamon, sugar and cornstarch over low heat.
2. Add the milk little by little and continue to whisk until well mixed.
3. Add the cognac and stir for 2 minutes until the hot chocolate thickens.
4. Serve.
4. Antebellum Julep
This julep recipe follows the traditional 19th century American style using cognac, and swaps out simple syrup for sorghum syrup for a little more oomph.
Ingredients:
- 8 - 10 mint leaves
- 2 bar spoons of sorghum syrup
- 4 tablespoons cognac
- 1 tablespoon rum
- Mint sprig
- Powdered sugar
Directions:
1. In a julep cup, lightly muddle mint leaves and sorghum syrup.
2. Pour in cognac to rinse off muddler; remove muddler.
3. Fill the cup three-fourths full with crushed ice and stir with a bar spoon.
4. Add a small dome of crushed ice, and pour rum over the top.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig and a dust of powdered sugar.
6. Serve.
5. Chai Martini
This twist on martinis packs a soulful punch with its simple mix of flavours, from the calming chai to the smooth cognac and sweet honey.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup chai
- ¼ cognac
- 1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
1. In a saucepan, mix chai, cognac and honey over low heat.
2. Once well mixed, turn off the heat and leave for 1 minute.
3. Pour into glass and serve.
jamieoliver.com
6. Spiked Coffee
While whiskey is generally the go-to for spiked coffees, cognac's naturally fruity notes lend a unique flavour to this brunch-friendly drink!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup coffee
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur
- 2 - 4 tablespoons cognac
Directions:
1. Pour the coffee liqueur and cognac into your coffee.
2. Give it a stir and serve.
7. Sidecar
Because no cognac cocktail list is complete without this classic! The citrus elements of the Sidecar beautifully highlight the sweet flavours of cognac.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
- 1 lemon wedge
- 3 tablespoons cognac
- 2 tablespoons triple sec
Directions:
1. Rub lemon wedge on the rim of a chilled martini or coupe glass.
2. Dip glass on a plate of sugar to lightly coat the rim.
3. In a cocktail shaker, add cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice.
4. Add ice and shake for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
5. Strain into sugar-rimmed glass and serve.
epicurious.com
8. Ginger Cognac
This refreshing drink pairs cognac with lime juice and ginger ale and is especially great for balmy outdoor parties!
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons cognac
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ tablespoon simple syrup
- Ginger ale to top
- Basil leaves
Directions:
1. In a rocks glass, muddle basil leaves and simple syrup.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice and add in the cognac, lime juice, and ginger ale.
3. Serve.
cocktails365.net
Tip: When making simple cocktails such as these, every ingredient used will be easily noticeable so go for the best quality to achieve that perfect flavour
