Winter is a time for warmth, comfort, and indulgence. As the temperature drops and the snow falls, there's nothing quite like curling up with a cozy blanket and a delicious drink.
And when it comes to winter cocktails, few spirits are as perfect as cognac.
Cognac is a type of brandy that is produced in the Cognac region of France. It is made from grapes and aged for at least two years in oak barrels, giving it a rich, complex flavor profile.
Cognac is often associated with luxury and sophistication, making it the perfect choice for a special winter cocktail.
But what makes a great winter cognac cocktail? For one, it should be warm and comforting, with flavors that evoke the season.
Think spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, as well as ingredients like honey, chocolate, and cream. It should also be balanced, with the cognac shining through without overpowering the other flavors.
In this post, we'll be exploring some of the best winter cognac cocktail recipes out there.
From classic drinks like the Hot Toddy and the Brandy Alexander, to more modern creations like the Spiced Pear and the Cognac Hot Chocolate, there's something for every palate. So grab a snifter, light a fire, and let's get mixing!
1. Cognac Apple Cider
Looking for a cozy winter cocktail to warm you up on a chilly evening? Look no further than the Cognac Apple Cider. This delightful drink combines the rich, smooth flavor of cognac with the sweet, tangy taste of apple cider and orange liqueur. Perfect for sipping by the fire or enjoying with friends, this cocktail is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
And if you're not a fan of cognac, don't worry – you can easily substitute brandy or whiskey for a delicious twist on this classic recipe. So why not give the Cognac Apple Cider a try and see for yourself why it's one of the best winter cocktails around?
2. Hot Toddy
If you're looking for a comforting cocktail to warm you up on a cold winter night, the Hot Toddy is a must-try.
Made with hot water, honey, lemon, and a spirit such as Cognac, bourbon, whiskey, or brandy, this soothing drink is perfect for relaxing and uplifting your mood.
While there's no real "cure" for a cold, the Hot Toddy can offer relief to your symptoms, ease congestion and runny noses, and taste good while doing it.
Plus, using a high-quality spirit like Cognac can make all the difference in the flavor of the cocktail.
If you're in the mood for a classic, comforting drink this winter, give the Hot Toddy a try.
It's a timeless recipe that's sure to warm you up from the inside out.
3. Apple Cider Sidecar
The Apple Cider Sidecar is a perfect cocktail for the winter season. Made with crisp apple cider and smooth cognac, this seasonal take on the classic Sidecar is a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts. The addition of Cointreau and a splash of lemon juice gives this cocktail a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.
The garnish of a lemon peel and Luxardo Orginal Maraschino Cherries adds a touch of luxury to this already delightful drink. This cocktail is perfect for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving gatherings and is sure to impress your guests. If you're looking for a unique and delicious winter cocktail, the Apple Cider Sidecar is definitely worth a try.
4. Chocolate Cherry Cognac Old Fashioned
The Chocolate Cherry Cognac Old Fashioned is a perfect Winter Cognac Cocktail for those who enjoy a strong and spirit-forward drink. This cocktail is made with high-quality crème de cacao and top-notch brandy, which gives it a rich and authentic chocolate flavor. The cherry bitters add a fruity twist to the drink, making it a perfect Valentine's Day cocktail.
The cocktail is served in a brandy balloon, which adds to its elegance and sophistication. The Chocolate Cherry Cognac Old Fashioned is a perfect choice for those who prefer a less sweet and more robust cocktail. It is a must-try for any cognac lover who wants to enjoy a strong and flavorful drink during the winter season.
5. Classic Stinger Cocktail
The Classic Stinger Cocktail is a two-ingredient cocktail that features Cognac and white crème de menthe. It's a lesser-known classic that deserves a revival. The combination of Cognac and crème de menthe creates a sophisticated and intriguing taste that's perfect for sipping during the winter months. The Stinger cocktail reached its height of popularity in the 1970s and was widely known during Prohibition.
Cognac, a type of French brandy, is the main ingredient in this cocktail, and there are several grades of Cognac that designate how long it's been aged. The Stinger is easy to make and perfect for sipping as an after-dinner drink. If you're looking for a new winter cocktail to try, the Classic Stinger Cocktail is definitely worth a taste.
6. Vieux Cocktail
The Vieux Carré Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a rich and complex Winter Cognac Cocktail. This cocktail is named after the famous French Quarter in New Orleans and was created in the 1930s by Walter Bergeron of the historic Hotel Monteleone. The cocktail consists of cognac, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, Peychaud's and Angostura bitters, which creates a perfect balance of sweetness, bitterness, and herbal notes.
It's a little sweet, a little bitter, and a little herby – it has everything. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a cold winter evening, and it's so good that you might want to have seconds. If you're looking for a unique and delicious Winter Cognac Cocktail, the Vieux Carré Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
7. Fig Sidecar
The Fig Sidecar is a delightful twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail, perfect for the winter season. Made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, this cocktail is lightly sweetened with a homemade fig simple syrup, giving it a refreshing and unique flavor. The sweeter notes of cognac are prevalent, making it a great choice for those who are not typically fans of cognac-based cocktails.
The addition of cinnamon makes it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings. The fig syrup is easy to make and adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cocktail. Overall, the Fig Sidecar is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and unique winter cognac cocktail.
8. Vieux Carre Cocktail
If you're looking for a sophisticated and complex whiskey cocktail to warm you up this winter, look no further than the Vieux Carre Cocktail. Originating from the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, this classic cocktail is essentially a fancy Manhattan, but with added complexity from the use of two types of bitters and the herbal liqueur, Benedictine.
The combination of spicy rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and cognac make for a strong and alcohol-forward drink that is perfect for sipping slowly. The Vieux Carre Cocktail is a must-try for whiskey lovers who want to add a little New Orleans flair to their winter cocktail repertoire.
9. The Popinjay
"The Popinjay" is a Winter Cognac Cocktail that is a variation of the classic Boulevardier. This cocktail swaps bourbon for Cognac and Campari for the complex and herbal Cynar, while keeping the sweet vermouth component in the form of Punt e Mes.
The result is a simple, equal-parts stirred cocktail that uses the richness and gentle sweetness of the Cognac and Punt e Mes to balance the bitter edges of the Cynar. The name "Popinjay" is a near-synonym for Boulevardier, and it's a splendid word that we simply don't have enough excuses to say. If you're a fan of bitter amari, this cocktail is a lovely way to celebrate their complexity in a rich, smooth package.
10. Sidecar Cocktail
The Sidecar Cocktail is a classic cocktail that is perfect for the winter season. Made with Cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice, this cocktail is both sweet and sour, with a warm and cozy feel that's perfect for sipping on a cold winter night.
The cocktail is traditionally served in a coupe glass, which adds to its sultry and sophisticated feel. The Sidecar Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves Cognac or is looking for a new winter cocktail to add to their repertoire.
11. Blood Orange Sidecar
The Blood Orange Sidecar is a winter version of the classic Sidecar cocktail, which is a simple and balanced combination of a spirit, a sour, and a sweet. This variation uses blood orange juice, which adds a deep rich red color and intense orange flavor to the drink, along with a hint of raspberry flavor.
The base spirits are brandy and rum, which are complemented by orange liqueur to balance the tartness of the citrus. The Blood Orange Sidecar is a favorite for its simplicity, gorgeous color, and elegance, making it a striking drink to add to any dinner table. If you're looking for a delicious and unique winter cognac cocktail, the Blood Orange Sidecar is definitely worth trying.
12. Incredible Hulk Drink
The Incredible Hulk Drink is a must-try for any Marvel fan looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail. This winter cognac cocktail features a blend of Hennessey cognac, Hpnotiq liqueur, and bitters, resulting in a fruity yet balanced drink with a vibrant green color.
The use of high-quality cognac allows the drink to have a smooth and rich taste that complements the sweetness of the Hpnotiq. While the cocktail packs a punch, it is easy to make and perfect for parties. Overall, the Incredible Hulk Drink is a fun and delicious addition to any winter cocktail list.
13. Vin Chaud
Vin Chaud is a French mulled wine that is perfect for the holiday season. This warm and cozy drink is lightly spiced and sweetened, and spiked with a splash of Cognac to keep you extra warm. The smooth and supple red wine used in this recipe is balanced and flavorful, making it a great choice for a winter cocktail.
Vin Chaud is a must-try for anyone who loves the festive feel of Christmas and wants to create cozy memories of their own. It's a classic winter cocktail that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
14. The Japanese Cocktail
The Japanese Cocktail is a classic American cocktail made with brandy, orgeat syrup, and bitters. It has a nutty and citrusy flavor with an herbal finish.
The cocktail was first published in an 1862 book by Jerry Thomas and is thought to be inspired by the first Japanese diplomatic mission to come to the US in 1860. If you're looking for a sophisticated and versatile drink to try this winter, give The Japanese Cocktail a try.
