Ingredient
Cognac
A French grape brandy aged in oak — silky, floral and indispensable in a Smoking Bishop, a champagne punch or a warm toddy at the end of a long evening.
Flavour profile
Cognac is brandy at its most refined — and surprisingly comfortable in warm serves once you accept that the heat will soften the longer-finish notes. A VS or VSOP is the sensible choice for a Smoking Bishop or hot toddy; XO is wasted on anything warmer than your hand. Used cold, it underpins classics like the Sidecar and French Connection that earn winter status purely by association.
Recipes featuring cognac
Smoking Bishop
A Dickens-era warmed punch of ruby port, red wine and roasted clove-studded oranges, sweetened with sugar and seasoned with allspice.
Sidecar
A polished, citrus-forward classic — cognac, Cointreau and fresh lemon shaken to a frost and served in a sugar-rimmed coupe.
French Connection
Two ingredients, one large ice cube — cognac and amaretto served over rocks for a quietly luxurious after-dinner drink.
Champagne Punch
A cold festive punch of champagne and brandy with fresh citrus, sugar and bright fruit, served from a chilled glass bowl for a winter celebration.