Cognac for Cocktails

In years past, the French brandy Cognac probably conjured images of tweed-clad gentlemen swirling swifters in a sea of cigar smoke. And today, an affection for the liquor is still a requisite for a certain, distinguished breed of individual. But it’s no secret Cognac today has acquired a younger, more diverse list of followers.

Another example today’s Cognac differs from that of yesteryear: the proliferation of Cognac-based cocktails, served in Rocks and martini glasses rather than swifters.

In recent months producers have been paying more careful attention to the Cognac cocktail. Mixologists from around the world recently met at the third annual International Cognac Summit in Cognac to refresh classic Cognac concoctions like the Sidecar and Sazerac and give them a more contemporary twist

An example of that is the locomotive Cocktail, a smooth and smoky twist on the Sidecar cocktail that has recently been released in Los Angeles to satisfy guests’ needs without sacrificing Old Hollywood’s romance. One of the finest examples of this attention to detail can be found in a martini glass.

11/2 ounces Johnny Walker Black Label
3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1/4 ounce Cointreau
Granulated sugar
Lemon twist

Wet half the rim of a chilled martini glass and dip in a plate of sugar. Combine first four ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into the glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.