Q&A for How to Drink Cognac

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I drink cognac with ginger ale?
    Tom Blake
    Professional Bartender
    Tom Blake is a Bartending Expert and the creator of the Crafty Bartending website. He has over 10 years of experience in the industry as a professional bartender, bar manager, and traveling bartender. Throughout his career, he’s worked in all sorts of venues & positions, and notably traveled his way through Europe, the UK, South-East Asia and Australia, all while bartending. He is the author of “The Bartender’s Field Manual”, which covers a myriad of topics, including bartending as a profession, the composition of alcohol and spirits, and craft cocktail recipes.
    Professional Bartender
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you could do that. Ginger ale is a common mixer and works well with cognac.
  • Question
    Should I drink it after dinner?
    Community Answer
    It is a personal choice.
  • Question
    Is cognac good with a cup of coffee?
    Dave Monroe
    Community Answer
    Yes it is. Especially a cup of good, hot, black coffee. No cream or sugar.
  • Question
    Can I drink cognac with tea?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it's fine to drink cognac with tea.
  • Question
    How should cognac be stored?
    Community Answer
    It must be stored in a dry, dark place, and the bottle should be kept upright.
  • Question
    When is the best time to serve cognac?
    Community Answer
    The best time to serve cognac is after lunch or dinner.
  • Question
    Can I get drunk on cognac if I drink enough of it?
    Community Answer
    Yes, just like any other liquor, it contains alcohol and can make you drunk in large quantities.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to serve cognac with ice?
    Community Answer
    Nope. It’s actually better when you warm it with your hands without the ice.
  • Question
    Would it be good to drink cognac with Coke and ice?
    Community Answer
    No, I wouldn't recommend drinking cognac with Coke.
  • Question
    Can I drink cognac before dinner with tonic water?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
  • Question
    Once opened, how long will it last?
    Community Answer
    It’s recommended that you drink it within the first 12 months after opening the bottle.
  • Question
    Is it okay to have Cognac XO with a lemon twist?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that's fine.
  • Question
    What is a good price for cognac?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what brand you want, and where you are geographically located. The prices of cognac will vary depending on these factors.
  • Question
    Can I warm the glass before drinking cognac?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as the most and best flavor of XOs is very warm. The candle is one technique. I prefer to submerge the glass in very warm water, then add cognac while in water so it warms. Once you've enjoyed good cognac this way, you will drink it no other way!
  • Question
    Can I drink cognac with honey?
    Community Answer
    No, do not have cognac with honey, as this will take away the flavour and fragrance of a good cognac.
  • Question
    Can I drink cognac without dilution of water or soda?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely! In fact, this is the recommended way, particularly for more expensive bottles.
  • Question
    How do I warm a glass of cognac with a lighter?
    Community Answer
    Carefully! Don't hold the flame in one place too long or too close to the glass.
  • Question
    Is mixing XO with some warm water recommended?
    Community Answer
    Some prefer a splash of hot water in cognac, saying it helps to isolate the flavor notes better. It's completely up to you, try it and see if you like it. I would use a cheaper cognac than an XO to experiment with, however. If you find you like it with a cheaper option, go ahead and try it with your XO!
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article