📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Cognac
Alcohol 15%
Calories 180 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 6g
Prep time 5 minutes
Imagine you’re at a fancy dinner party, and you want to impress everyone with a super classy drink. That’s where the Cognac Old Fashioned comes in! It’s a drink that mixes sweet, bitter, and fruity flavors, making it taste really special. We’ll explore its history, what it tastes like, and how to make it right at home, so you can become a junior mixologist too! ⬇️
History
The Cognac Old Fashioned is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. It swaps out the usual whiskey for cognac, a type of fancy French brandy. This change makes the drink smoother and gives it a little bit of a fruity kick.
- The name “Old Fashioned” originally referred to the old way of making cocktails with just spirits, sugar, water, and bitters.
- Cognac, the star of this drink, comes from a region in France known for its world-class brandy.
- Switching whiskey for cognac in an Old Fashioned became popular as people explored new flavors.
The taste of a Cognac Old Fashioned?
A Cognac Old Fashioned tastes sweet and fruity with a little spicy kick from the bitters. It’s like a warm hug in a glass that starts sweet and ends with a little bit of a zing.
I think Cognac Old Fashioneds are awesome because they feel fancy and have a smooth taste that’s perfect for sipping slowly.
Interesting facts about Cognac Old Fashioned
- The drink is a favorite in upscale bars because of its rich flavor and elegant presentation.
- Some mixologists use a flamed orange peel to add a smoky aroma to the Cognac Old Fashioned.
- The cocktail is often associated with cool weather due to its warming qualities.
Ingredients
- Cognac: 2 oz (60ml)
- Simple syrup: 1/4 oz (7ml)
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Ice cubes
- Orange twist: for garnish
A rocks glass is the best type of glass to use when serving a Cognac Old Fashioned because its wide brim allows the aroma to enhance the tasting experience. Alternatively, a lowball glass could also be fitting for its classy look.
Recipe. How to make Cognac Old Fashioned
- Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 1/4 oz of simple syrup into a rocks glass.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and pour over 2 oz of Cognac.
- Stir the mixture until it’s well chilled.
- Garnish with an orange twist to add a citrus aroma.
Cognac Old Fashioned might look fancy, but like any sugary drink, it’s a treat. To make it a bit healthier, you could use natural sweeteners instead of syrup. Just remember, even fancy drinks are best enjoyed in moderation!
Food Pairings
Some foods are like best friends with certain drinks, making the flavors even better when together. Here are some perfect matches for a Cognac Old Fashioned:
Dark Chocolate
The smoothness of cognac and the sweet syrup in the cocktail blend wonderfully with the rich bitterness of dark chocolate.
Grilled Steak
The smoky, savory flavors of a grilled steak complement the warm, spicy notes of the Cognac Old Fashioned.
Blue Cheese
The strong, tangy flavor of blue cheese pairs nicely with the sweet and fruity undertones of the cocktail.
I just love Cognac Old Fashioneds! They’re smooth and a bit fancy, which makes me feel like I’m at a swanky party.
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Bartender Advice
- Always use high-quality cognac for the best flavor experience.
- Experiment with different bitters to find your favorite twist.
- For an extra flair, try flaming the orange peel before garnishing.
Now that you’ve gotten to know the Cognac Old Fashioned, let’s see how you can mix things up a bit and try some different twists on this classic cocktail.
What you could change in Cognac Old Fashioned
- Simple syrup: Try honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
- Bitters: Use orange or chocolate bitters for a new flavor profile.
- Garnish: Swap the orange twist for a lemon or grapefruit peel to change the aroma.
Cognac Old Fashioned Variations
Spiced Cognac Old Fashioned
- Ingredients: Add a cinnamon stick and star anise to the original recipe.
- Recipe: Stir the spices with the cognac before adding ice to infuse the flavor.
Herbal Cognac Old Fashioned
- Ingredients: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the mix.
- Recipe: Muddle the herbs with the syrup before adding the cognac and ice.
Fruit-Infused Cognac Old Fashioned
- Ingredients: Include a slice of pear or a few fresh cherries.
- Recipe: Muddle the fruit with the syrup and bitters before adding the cognac and ice.
For a non-alcoholic version, mix 2 oz of non-alcoholic spirit with simple syrup and bitters. Garnish with an orange twist to keep it looking classy.
Q&A
Can I make a Cognac Old Fashioned without bitters?
Bitters are like the salt and pepper of cocktails; they add depth to the flavor, so it’s best to include them. However, if you’re out, the drink will still be tasty, just a bit less complex.
Is it okay to use regular brandy instead of cognac?
Sure, you can use regular brandy. Cognac is just a fancy type of brandy from France, but any good-quality brandy will work well in this recipe.
How long should I stir the cocktail?
Stirring for about 30 seconds is usually enough to chill the drink and mix the flavors without diluting it too much.
What does ‘flaming the orange peel’ mean?
It’s a cool trick where you squeeze an orange peel over a flame above the drink. It makes a little fire show and adds a smoky flavor!
Can I make a batch of Cognac Old Fashioned for a party?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix it in a big pitcher. Remember to add ice just before serving to keep it fresh and cool.
What’s the best way to garnish a Cognac Old Fashioned?
A simple orange twist works great, but you can get creative with a cocktail cherry or a slice of lemon, too. Just make sure it looks pretty!
Remember, the key to a great Cognac Old Fashioned is to enjoy the process of making it as much as you enjoy drinking it. Cheers!
