SPECIAL SECTION
COGNAC
Cognac
mixing with ASK A BARTENDER
What makes Cognac interesting to you as a cocktail ingredient? Cognac is such an exceptional spirit. There's an exquisite elegance about it. All cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac. Only brandy produced in the Cognac region made from specific grapes (mainly ugni blanc), double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged at least two years in Limousin or Troncais oak barrels can be called cognac. Distilling cognac is a time-honored and very arduous process. There's such a variety of styles and aromas. If the barrels were toasted or if they were stored in humid or dry cellars. The master blender is the genius behind each brand, and each blend varies. Every brand has its own style. As a cocktail ingredient, cognac is a wonderful spirit to work with. Very versatile. Since cognac is a fruit-based spirit, I can add a variety of different ingredients to enhance my cocktail. The possibilities are endless!
Many classic cocktails use Cognac—any tips on riffs? There's a huge variety of bitters, and just a few drops can enhance your cocktail. Try adding savory content that you'd use in cooking or an exotic fruit or juice. Edible flowers make a beautiful garnish. I'm always a big fan of herbs in cocktails. Sometimes a combination that sounds like it wouldn't work together actually makes a fabulous cocktail! I watch a lot of cooking and baking shows and get inspiration from them.
What about developing a cocktail with Cognac? The first step for creating any cocktail is balance. I love creating cocktails with cognac because it has a significant amount of depth to it. Cognac is rich yet complex. I'll first figure out the flavor profile that I'm looking for and then combine the other ingredients before I add it to the cognac. Since cognac is made from grapes instead of grain, the mixability factor is endless.
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CHILLED MAGAZINE
Paula Lukas | Photo by Greg Rhein
What kinds of flavors do you think work best? Orange, banana, lemon, cherry, honey, chocolate, vanilla, saffron, cinnamon, rosemary. Honestly, there aren't too many flavors that wouldn't enhance cognac! If you have an idea for a cognac cocktail and aren't sure it would accentuate the taste of cognac, give it a try anyway. You can create the next modern classic!
Any advice for bartenders mixing with Cognac? Don't be afraid to experiment. I know some purists think cognac shouldn't be mixed with anything, but I say don't be afraid to go for it. Cognac is such a wonderful base for a myriad of cocktails.
