Cognac or brandy cocktails

Cognac Julep

A truly deliciously refreshing cocktail. Woody rancio notes in the cognac are freshened by the mint. Those with a dry palate may want to reduce the sugar

MGM Grand

Nail the perfect balance and this cognac-based cocktail sings on the palate with cognac, richly subtle cherry, and zesty lemon acidity.

Bombay No. 2

A smooth, complex, Sazerac-style Martini. I revisited my rendition of this cocktail in July 2021 to bring it a little nearer to that in The Savoy Cocktail

Brandy Crusta

This old classic zings with fresh lemon and is beautifully balanced by the cognac base.

Brandy Flip

A serious alternative to advocaat for those without raw egg inhibitions.

Brandy Manhattan

Cognac is sweeter than the rye whiskey (or even bourbon) on which the Manhattan is classically based. Cognac is also usually slightly lower in alcohol,

Brandy Sour

After the Whisky Sour, this is the most requested sour. Try it and you'll see why - but don't omit the egg white.

Call Me Old-Fashioned

An Old-Fashioned made with cognac instead of whiskey. Works well.

Combustible Edison

The variation, the non-combusted merely Edison or The Edisonian, which calls for all the ingredients (inc. brandy) to be stirred together with ice, is

Lady's Sidecar

The addition of orange juice and an orange zest twist supposedly gives this otherwise classic Sidecar a feminine twist. Classically, this cocktail does

Manhattan Island

A twist on the classic Harvard, or brandy-based Sweet Manhattan.

Sidecar

Spirituous and just on the sour side, the sugar rim is considered by some to be integral to this classic cocktail. Dilution is key to perfecting a Sidecar

Zoom

Cognac is smoothed with honey and softened with milk and cream in this classic cocktail.

Black Feather

Spirit-forward but with rounded cognac and a hint of orange. For dry palates only. Some may prefer orange curaçao in place of triple sec.

Brandy Smash

Sweetened cognac flavoured with mint. Simple but beautiful.

Delmonico

A Sweet Manhattan with cognac substituted for the whiskey.

Eggnog (hot)

A warming, spicy and filling meal in a glass.

Harvard

Old-school, but approachably so. Dry and herbal. A great apéritif.

Hoopla

Not far removed from a Sidecar.

Pierre Collins

A Tom Collins made with cognac. Cognac's character shines through.

Sidekick

Rich ripe pear (actually, there's no pear in this cocktail) and orange with a stabilising and cleansing hint of sour lime.

Unicar

A mismade but fabulously balanced Sidecar inspired this drink.

Brandy Blazer

One way to warm your winter nights.

Carrol Cocktail

Aromatic wine and cognac - dry yet easy.

Dreamsicle

Sweet coffee and orange smoothed by a creamy top. A veritable dessert in a glass. (Better when made with a dry coffee liqueur.)

Fancy Brandy

This appropriately named brandy-based cocktail benefits from dilution, hence my addition of a splash of water. Modern bartending convention might lead

Hot Toddy (brandy & lemon)

Warms the cockles with cognac and a good dose of citrus.

Eggnog (cold)

Lightly flavoured alcoholic egg custard. Also try swapping dark rum for the cognac.

Frank Sullivan Cocktail

If you like Sidecars, then you'll love the Frank Sullivan. Just on the tart side with a touch of quinine bitterness which makes sipping through a sugar-crusted

The C&C

The initial heat of brandy is chased and extinguished by sweet orange liqueur.