Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:6g
Alcohol:15%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Cognac Old Fashioned is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, which dates back to the early 1800s. The original Old Fashioned was made with whiskey, but this version uses cognac as the base spirit, giving it a smoother, richer flavor. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of cognac and are looking for a sophisticated, timeless drink.
The Cognac Old Fashioned has a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet taste with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. The cognac provides a warm, full-bodied flavor, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
Cognac, a type of brandy hailing from the Cognac region in France, is the star here. We're using 2oz as it provides a robust base without overpowering. It's like the foundation of a house — too little and your cocktail is wobbly, too much, and you're basically just sipping cognac on the rocks (not necessarily a bad thing, but stay on track!). Going without it? You'd lose the richness and depth, effectively not making an Old Fashioned anymore. Want something similar? Armagnac or quality brandy could step in, but remember, it's like changing the lead actor in a movie — similar but never quite the same.
At 0.5oz, it's the sweetener keeping things smooth, like the sugar in your coffee it balances the strong flavor. More could mean oversweetening your drink (turning it into adult candy) and less might not cut it against the Cognac's boldness. If it's missing, you're in for a too-strong gulp that might have you making a face. Maple syrup could be an alternative for a deeper, autumn-like sweetness.
Two dashes might not seem like much, but bitters are like the spice of cocktails — a little goes a long way. It's like adding seasoning to your food; it's not the same without it. Without these dashes, you'd lose complexity and that hint of herbal intrigue. If you're adventurous, try orange bitters for a fruity twist.
With just one peel, it's all about the aroma. Express it (aka give it a good twist over the drink) and it's like a spritz of citrus perfume, adding an olfactory dimension that echoes in the flavor. Without it, your cocktail is like a gift without a bow — still nice, but not quite complete. Lemon peel could stand in, offering a different sort of citrus zing.
The garnish is like the cherry on top — literally. It's a classy, eye-catching finish that adds just a touch of fruity sweetness when you reach the bottom of the drink. Without it, no harm done, but the garnish often rounds out the final impression. Want to mix it up? Try an orange slice or even a Luxardo cherry to elevate your garnishing game.
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Ingredients: 2oz smoked cognac, 0.5oz demerara syrup, 2 dashes chocolate bitters, orange peel, garnish: orange twist.
Smoked cognac adds a new layer of depth, while demerara syrup contributes a molasses-like sweetness. Chocolate bitters play up the dessert vibe. Stir the ingredients, strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube, express the orange peel and use the twist garnish. It's a bonfire in a glass, with a slightly more complex and dessert-leaning profile.
Ingredients: 2oz cognac, 0.5oz cinnamon syrup, 2 dashes orange bitters, orange peel, garnish: cinnamon stick.
Cinnamon syrup and orange bitters make it a seasonal treat, perfect for fall. It's like wrapping your cocktail in a cozy sweater. Blend the ingredients, strain into a glass with ice, express the orange peel, and garnish with a cinnamon stick for added spice and scent. It has a warm, inviting spin while staying true to the original's charm.
Ingredients: 2oz cognac, 0.5oz honey syrup, 2 dashes herbal bitters, lemon peel, garnish: fresh herb sprig.
Honey syrup brings a naturally sweet taste and the herbal bitters introduce a botanical note. Using a lemon peel instead of orange provides a sharper citrus contrast. Stir everything, pour over ice, express the lemon, and add a spring garnish. It's an herb garden's take on a classic, offering a more nuanced and fragrant experience.
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupPlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Typically, the Cognac Old Fashioned, like other Old Fashioned drinks, is enjoyed during evening hours as a pre-dinner drink or after dinner sipping cocktail.
It is advisable to pick a VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) or XO (Extra Old) grade cognac. They have a richer spectrum of flavors which impact positively on the overall taste of the cocktail.
Yes, you can. The orange peel garnish adds aroma and a slight citrus flavor to the drink but omitting it won't drastically change the overall taste.
Traditionally, a short tumbler, also known as a rocks or old fashioned glass, is used for serving the Cognac Old Fashioned.
Usually, it can be done with your hands but for the best result, a cocktail zest peeler or chanel knife is used to peel the orange and a bar muddler can be used to express the oils.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
The Vieux Carré is a complex and well-balanced cocktail with a smooth, rich taste. It has a hint of sweetness from the cognac and herbal notes from the Bénédictine. The rye whiskey adds a spicy kick, while the vermouth and bitters provide a slightly bitter undertone.
The French Connection has a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of nuttiness from the Amaretto. The Cognac adds a depth of flavor and warmth, making it a perfect after-dinner drink.
The Alabazam cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. It has a rich, velvety texture and a complex, layered taste that evolves as you sip it. The combination of cognac, lemon juice, and orange liqueur creates a bright, citrusy base, while the sugar and bitters add depth and balance.
The Kir Royale is a delightful, elegant, and refreshing cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It has a rich, fruity taste from the crème de cassis, complemented by the crisp, effervescent bubbles of the Champagne or sparkling wine.
The French Martini has a rich, velvety texture with a sweet and fruity taste. The combination of pineapple juice, Chambord, and vodka creates a well-balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent.
The Rose cocktail has a delicate and floral taste, with a hint of sweetness from the raspberry syrup. It is light and refreshing, with a subtle complexity from the combination of vermouth and cherry brandy. The finish is crisp and clean, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a complex, smoky, and slightly sweet cocktail with a rich, velvety texture. The mezcal provides an earthy, smoky backbone, while the agave syrup adds a touch of sweetness and the Angostura bitters bring a subtle bitterness to balance the flavors.
The Oaxaca cocktail is a complex and well-balanced drink with a smoky, sweet, and slightly bitter taste. It has a rich and velvety texture, with a hint of spice and a lingering warmth.
The Woodford Reserve cocktail is rich, smooth, and slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness. The flavors of the bourbon are complemented by the sweetness of the sugar and the brightness of the citrus, creating a well-balanced and complex taste profile.
