What is it?

Produced in the town of Cognac in France, Cognac is an iconic type of brandy that is distilled from a specific blend of grapes. Related to Armagnac, Cognac is aged in oak barrels for at least two years, but unlike Armagnac, which is only distilled once, Cognac is distilled twice. Grades of Cognac include VS (Very Special, or at least two years old), VSOP (Very Special Old Pale, or at least four years old,) or Napoleon, XO (Extra Old, or at least six years old). Although it can be enjoyed alone, it is a culinary staple in both sweet and savory dishes. Use Cognac to enrich luxurious sauces and pair in meat recipes, or to add complex flavor to both sweet and savory dishes involving rich ingredients such as cheeses, nuts, figs, apples, pears, brown sugar and olives. Cognac also compliments chocolate desserts very well.

Don’t have it?

Armagnac, which is slightly drier and more flavorful, or American brandy can be used in the place of Cognac.

Recipes

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  Recipe

  Sangria

  This is more of a formula than a specific recipe: it starts with a base of simple syrup, orange juice, brandy, and a dash of bitters. To that you can…

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  Recipe

  Tagliatelle with Shrimp, Asparagus, and Coconut Milk

  Shrimp and asparagus are often paired in pasta, but the addition of creamy coconut milk adds a fresh twist to the classic combination.

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  Recipe

  Chocolate Cognac Truffles

  Truffles always feel like a special treat, but these are straight-up lavish. Cognac gives them intriguing notes of spice and wood, plus the spirit’s signature warming flavor.

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  White Wine & Elderflower Gløgg

  Throughout December, Scandinavians meet outside to drink the hot spiced wine punch known as gløgg (pronounced "gleug") and sing carols—it’s like a cocktail party in the snow. Red wine is…

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  Recipe

  Sear-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Cognac-Peppercorn Cream Sauce

  Sophisticated yet comforting, this sauce is a sure-fire crowd pleaser.

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  Steak Diane

  Classically made with filet mignon, this version of steak Diane uses less pricey flank steak. The beefier nature of the cut holds its own against a bold sauce featuring sherry,…

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  Recipe

  Pumpkin-Pecan Cake with Brown Sugar and Bourbon Glaze

  This cake’s warm spices are complemented by bourbon or Cognac and the crunch of sweet candied pecans. Bake the cake at least a day ahead to let the flavors deepen.

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  Recipe

  Gingerbread-Brandy Trifle

  This luscious dessert marries layers of gingerbread cake, chopped crystallized ginger, and a creamy filling spiked with brandy, sparkling wine, and black tea.