7 Different Ways You Can Enjoy Cognac Aside From Drinking

Cognac is popularly known as a luxurious spirit from France, especially since it has very strict requirements. It’s not easy to qualify as a cognac, as it must be a French brandy made from white wine grapes, grown in Cognac, double-stilled in copper pot stills, and aged in oak barrels for at least two years. It’s a popular choice among connoisseurs, but that doesn’t mean it is only great for drinking. From cooking and deserts to syrups and coffee, let’s find out what you can do with cognac.

Enhance Your Cooking

Cognac can make a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece. Its warm, nuanced flavors pair beautifully with both sweet and savory recipes. In savory cooking, a splash of cognac can elevate sauces, stews, and marinades, especially those involving beef, chicken, or shellfish. Classic dishes like steak au poivre or coq au vin often need a bit of cognac to deepen the flavor profile.

In baking, XO Cognac can enrich desserts such as chocolate truffles, fruitcakes, or caramel sauces. Even a small drizzle can add complexity to sauces or frostings, making your homemade creations far more sophisticated. You can even macerate your fruits in cognac for fruit based desserts, creating a delicate warmth and aroma.

Create Gourmet Infusions

Cognac is excellent for infusing other ingredients like herbs or spices, to create unique flavors. You can experiment by infusing cognac with vanilla pods, cinnamon sticks, star anise, or dried fruits to make a rich, aromatic base for desserts or cocktails. 

These infusions can be added to ice cream, custards, or syrups in small flavors. You can even give a friend or loved one a gift of infused cognac. A small jar of cognac infused with their favorite flavors is an elegant present for food enthusiasts. 

Elevate Coffee and Hot Beverages

Cognac pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Instead of drinking it straight, consider using it to flavor your favorite warm beverages. A few drops stirred into a cup of black coffee or a latte can create a rich experience.

Another idea is to add a touch of cognac to hot chocolate or spiced teas, as this brings out a lot of warmth. It’s perfect for winter events or holiday gatherings. You can enjoy the warmth of cognac without having to drink it neat.

Experiment with Aromatherapy

Cognac has a surprisingly therapeutic aroma. Although it’s not an essential oil, if you place a small glass of cognac near a cozy space, the rich scents will subtly infuse the air. You can enjoy the notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruits that can create an inviting atmosphere.

Some people even use cognac in small amounts when creating scented candles or potpourri. It easily captures its distinctive aroma for ambient enjoyment.

Make Sophisticated Syrups and Mixers

Cognac can be used to craft syrups and mixers for culinary and beverage applications. Simply syrup infused with cognac can be drizzled over pancakes, waffles, or desserts, imparting a refined flavor that ordinary syrups can’t match.

It can also be blended into cocktail mixers, soda floats, or sparkling juices for adults who want some luxury without drinking the alcohol straight up.

Add to Ice Cream or Gelato

Cognac is a pretty wonderful ingredient in ice cream or gelato, adding depth and richness to creamy desserts. Even a small amount can elevate vanilla, chocolate, or coffee-flavored ice cream. It pairs well with caramel, nuts and dried fruits for your desserts.

For a grown-up treat, try drizzling cognac over baked goods like bread pudding or creme brulee just before serving. The heat will release its aroma and improve the flavor without an overwhelming alcohol content. 

Craft Unique Culinary Gifts

Finally, cognac can be used in creative culinary gifts. These include infused chocolates and spice nuts. When you add cognac into edible gifts, this adds an elegant touch. 

Homemade jams or preserves that are spiked with cognac taste great when paired with artisanal bread or cheese. Even small batches of flavored sugar or caramel candies infused with cognac are a great handmade gift.

Conclusion

Cognac shouldn’t only be sipped slowly, but it should be used to enhance food, beverages, and even ambient experiences. So, if you’re a fan of cognac, you can use it in cooking, baking, infusions, or aromatic creations.