As temperatures drop, fruity cocktails give way to richer, bolder drinks that showcase cognac. Originating in France in the 15th century as a brandy aperitif, cognac soon became a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Sazerac and the Sidecar. Today, inventive bartenders across the United States are exploring different expressions of the spirit and introducing guests to both time-honored and modern cognac-driven libations.
Arnaud’s French 75, New Orleans
In the birthplace of the Sazerac, the French Quarter offers many venues celebrating cognac in varied forms. Arnaud’s, a storied establishment with a James Beard–recognized bar program, is a top choice for savoring an authentic Sazerac or an elevated French 75 made with Courvoisier VS. With its long history and attention to classic cocktails, Arnaud’s remains a go-to for cognac enthusiasts visiting New Orleans.
Coquette © Josh Jamison
Coquette, Boston, Massachusetts
Coquette is known for its thoughtful selection of European spirits and has chosen cognac as its house spirit. The restaurant’s permanent cocktail menu features creative takes on classic drinks, including an upgraded espresso martini built on cognac.
“Cognac and sherry are a great combination,” says Ray Tremblay, beverage director for COJE Management Group. “We’ve developed riffs on Sidecars, Stingers and a Vieux Carré. Our house espresso martini, with cognac as the base, has been especially successful: the sweet, baked-fruit notes from the brandy and the spice from maturation marry well with the berry and toasted flavors of coffee.”
© Mike Ando Photography
Bernard’s at The Waldorf Astoria, Chicago
Located inside one of Chicago’s most luxurious hotels, Bernard’s is a favorite among serious cognac drinkers. The Sidecar is a standout on the cocktail menu, featuring Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal as its base. The bar offers an extensive selection of premium brown spirits and an impressive lineup of cognacs—Courvoisier, Hennessy V.S.O.P., Hennessy X.O., Hennessy Paradis Imperial, Rémy Martin V.S.O.P., Louis XIII and Sazerac De Forge & Fils—available neat, on the rocks or in curated flights. Bernard’s also pours Bhakta Armagnac, a grape-distilled cousin to cognac that delivers sweet, fruit-forward notes and a subtle smokiness from aging.
Jane Jane, Washington, D.C.
For those seeking inventive cognac cocktails, Jane Jane in Logan Circle offers a contemporary, Southern-style living-room atmosphere and a menu of originals from owner and bartender J.P. Sabatier. Signature creations such as the Silk Chiffon, the Japanese Cocktail and Harmony showcase cognac in fresh, modern expressions.
© Donald Massingale III
Honorable Mention: Homemakers Bar, Cincinnati
With lower-proof cocktails gaining popularity, Homemakers Bar offers a Sangria Spritz that blends sangria-cognac with berries, white wine and soda. This lighter option highlights cognac’s nuanced flavors in a refreshing, easy-drinking format that’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the spirit with less intensity.
Whether you prefer classic preparations or contemporary reinventions, these bars demonstrate cognac’s versatility—from stirred, spirit-forward pours to bright, bubbly creations—making it a compelling choice for colder-weather sipping.