Cognac

All Cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is Cognac — it must come from the Cognac region of France and follow strict production rules. Cognac is classified by age: VS (two years), VSOP (four years), and XO (ten years). For cocktails, VS or VSOP is the sweet spot — save the XO for sipping. A Sidecar is the classic Cognac cocktail, and a Brandy Alexander uses it with creme de cacao and cream. Hennessy dominates the market, but Remy Martin and Courvoisier are equally solid for mixing. It’s warm, fruity, and slightly floral.

Last modified on October 15, 2026