Difference between revisions of "Drink Cognac"
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==Steps== | ==Steps== | ||
===Enjoying Cognac Straight=== | ===Enjoying Cognac Straight=== | ||
| − | #Choose an older liquor. Younger, inexpensive cognacs don’t have the complexity or flavor of older cognacs. Instead choose a mid-range Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) cognac or a luxurious Extra Old (XO) cognac.<ref> http://www.liquor.com/articles/5-tips-cognac/#gs.uvgmRoQ</ref> | + | #Choose an older liquor. Younger, inexpensive cognacs don’t have the complexity or flavor of older cognacs. Instead choose a mid-range Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) cognac or a luxurious Extra Old (XO) cognac.<ref name="rf1"> http://www.liquor.com/articles/5-tips-cognac/#gs.uvgmRoQ</ref> |
#*VSOP cognacs are aged for a minimum of four years. | #*VSOP cognacs are aged for a minimum of four years. | ||
#*XO cognacs are aged at least six years. Higher end brands can be aged for twenty years or more. | #*XO cognacs are aged at least six years. Higher end brands can be aged for twenty years or more. | ||
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#*Balloon glasses have a large body and a short stem. These glasses allow you to evenly warm the cognac. | #*Balloon glasses have a large body and a short stem. These glasses allow you to evenly warm the cognac. | ||
#*Wobble glasses look like stemless balloon glasses. These glasses are hard to set down, forcing you to hold the cognac in your hand and bring it to temperature. | #*Wobble glasses look like stemless balloon glasses. These glasses are hard to set down, forcing you to hold the cognac in your hand and bring it to temperature. | ||
| − | #Warm the cognac. First, pour about 25 milliliters (0.85 ounces) of cognac into your glass.<ref>http://luxurylaunches.com/other_stuff/how_to_enjoy_a_cognac_in_a_perfect_style.php</ref> Next, hold the glass in the palm of your hand, allowing your body heat to slowly warm the cognac. This will elevate the flavors and intensify the aromas. Warm the cognac for 8 to 10 minutes before drinking it. | + | #Warm the cognac. First, pour about 25 milliliters (0.85 ounces) of cognac into your glass.<ref name="rf2">http://luxurylaunches.com/other_stuff/how_to_enjoy_a_cognac_in_a_perfect_style.php</ref> Next, hold the glass in the palm of your hand, allowing your body heat to slowly warm the cognac. This will elevate the flavors and intensify the aromas. Warm the cognac for 8 to 10 minutes before drinking it. |
#Examine the color. Look at the surface of the cognac to identify the colors you see. If necessary, tilt the glass under a light to see if the color changes. The more cognac you examine and drink, the more easily you will be able to identify quality cognac by sight. | #Examine the color. Look at the surface of the cognac to identify the colors you see. If necessary, tilt the glass under a light to see if the color changes. The more cognac you examine and drink, the more easily you will be able to identify quality cognac by sight. | ||
#*Light, one-dimensional straw colors indicate a younger cognac. | #*Light, one-dimensional straw colors indicate a younger cognac. | ||
| − | #*Dark, layered colors with notes of gold and amber indicate an older cognac.<ref>http://cognacguide.ru/eng/index.php?dept=drinkeng</ref> | + | #*Dark, layered colors with notes of gold and amber indicate an older cognac.<ref name="rf3">http://cognacguide.ru/eng/index.php?dept=drinkeng</ref> |
#Smell the cognac. Swirl the glass gently to agitate the cognac. Next, lift the glass to your nose and breathe in deeply. Try to identify the different notes you can smell. With practice, you will be able to easily identify a high-quality cognac by smell. | #Smell the cognac. Swirl the glass gently to agitate the cognac. Next, lift the glass to your nose and breathe in deeply. Try to identify the different notes you can smell. With practice, you will be able to easily identify a high-quality cognac by smell. | ||
#*Younger cognacs have strong floral or fruity notes with a hint of spice. | #*Younger cognacs have strong floral or fruity notes with a hint of spice. | ||
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#Choose an inexpensive cognac. If you use an expensive cognac in a mixed drink, the other ingredients will drown out the rich, mellow flavors. However, younger cognacs lack the depth of flavor that older cognacs have. Therefore, they are the perfect choice for mixed drinks. Choose a Very Superior (VS) or Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) cognac. | #Choose an inexpensive cognac. If you use an expensive cognac in a mixed drink, the other ingredients will drown out the rich, mellow flavors. However, younger cognacs lack the depth of flavor that older cognacs have. Therefore, they are the perfect choice for mixed drinks. Choose a Very Superior (VS) or Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) cognac. | ||
#*VS cognacs are aged for two years. These cognacs are the least expensive. | #*VS cognacs are aged for two years. These cognacs are the least expensive. | ||
| − | #*VSOP cognacs are aged for four years. These cognacs are inexpensive and can be mixed or enjoyed straight.<ref | + | #*VSOP cognacs are aged for four years. These cognacs are inexpensive and can be mixed or enjoyed straight.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Enjoy a French Connection cocktail. This cocktail is known for its bold almond flavors. First, choose a short old-fashioned glass. Next, fill the glass with the drink ingredients and add a few cubes of ice. Use a long spoon to stir the drink briefly before serving it. The drink ingredients are: | #Enjoy a French Connection cocktail. This cocktail is known for its bold almond flavors. First, choose a short old-fashioned glass. Next, fill the glass with the drink ingredients and add a few cubes of ice. Use a long spoon to stir the drink briefly before serving it. The drink ingredients are: | ||
#*1.5 ounces (44.3 milliliters) of cognac | #*1.5 ounces (44.3 milliliters) of cognac | ||
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#*¾ ounces (22 milliliters) of Cointreau | #*¾ ounces (22 milliliters) of Cointreau | ||
#*¾ ounces (22 milliliters) of lemon juice | #*¾ ounces (22 milliliters) of lemon juice | ||
| − | #*1.5 ounces (44.3 milliliters) of cognac<ref>http://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/recipes/a3774/sidecar-drink-recipe/</ref> | + | #*1.5 ounces (44.3 milliliters) of cognac<ref name="rf4">http://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/recipes/a3774/sidecar-drink-recipe/</ref> |
#Drink a Stinger. Stingers have deeply aromatic herbal flavors. First, [[Muddle|muddle]] two mint sprigs in the bottom of a large metal tumbler. Next, fill the tumbler with ice and add the drink ingredients. Cap the tumbler and shake it for a few seconds. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice and serve it with a mint leaf garnish. The ingredients include: | #Drink a Stinger. Stingers have deeply aromatic herbal flavors. First, [[Muddle|muddle]] two mint sprigs in the bottom of a large metal tumbler. Next, fill the tumbler with ice and add the drink ingredients. Cap the tumbler and shake it for a few seconds. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice and serve it with a mint leaf garnish. The ingredients include: | ||
#*1 ounce (29.5 milliliters) of Campari liquor | #*1 ounce (29.5 milliliters) of Campari liquor | ||
#*1 ounce (29.5 milliliters) of cognac | #*1 ounce (29.5 milliliters) of cognac | ||
| − | #*1/4 teaspoon of maple syrup<ref>http://magazine.foxnews.com/food-wellness/10-cognac-cocktail-recipes-make-now</ref> | + | #*1/4 teaspoon of maple syrup<ref name="rf5">http://magazine.foxnews.com/food-wellness/10-cognac-cocktail-recipes-make-now</ref> |
===Pairing Cognac=== | ===Pairing Cognac=== | ||
#Serve cognac with rich foods. The mellow floral notes in cognac pair wonderfully with rich foods, cutting through the richness to bring out bright flavors. When serving cognac, consider pairing it with: | #Serve cognac with rich foods. The mellow floral notes in cognac pair wonderfully with rich foods, cutting through the richness to bring out bright flavors. When serving cognac, consider pairing it with: | ||
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#*Pates, such as pate du foie gras | #*Pates, such as pate du foie gras | ||
#*Hearty tomato-based pastas | #*Hearty tomato-based pastas | ||
| − | #*Roasted meats<ref>http://experiencecognac.com/food-pairing/</ref> | + | #*Roasted meats<ref name="rf6">http://experiencecognac.com/food-pairing/</ref> |
#Serve a cheese plate. Cheese plates are excellent as appetizers, snacks, or even a savory “dessert.” There are different cheeses that taste good with different ages of cognac. Arrange the cheese plate with two or three cheeses, dried and fresh fruit, roasted nuts, crackers, and cured meats. | #Serve a cheese plate. Cheese plates are excellent as appetizers, snacks, or even a savory “dessert.” There are different cheeses that taste good with different ages of cognac. Arrange the cheese plate with two or three cheeses, dried and fresh fruit, roasted nuts, crackers, and cured meats. | ||
#*VS cognacs pair well with creamy mellow cheeses such as Roquefort and mascarpone. | #*VS cognacs pair well with creamy mellow cheeses such as Roquefort and mascarpone. | ||
#*VSOP cognacs taste wonderful with mature hard cheeses such as cheddar and aged gouda. | #*VSOP cognacs taste wonderful with mature hard cheeses such as cheddar and aged gouda. | ||
| − | #*XO cognacs pair wonderfully with a nutty aged Mimolette cheese and pungent Parmesans.<ref>https://www.matchingfoodandwine.com/news/wine_pros/pairing-cognac-and-cheese/?tag=cognac</ref> | + | #*XO cognacs pair wonderfully with a nutty aged Mimolette cheese and pungent Parmesans.<ref name="rf7">https://www.matchingfoodandwine.com/news/wine_pros/pairing-cognac-and-cheese/?tag=cognac</ref> |
#Enjoy a cigar with your cognac. Traditionally, expensive cognacs are enjoyed after dinner with a fine cigar. First, pour the cognac and warm it in your hand. Next, light the cigar. Smoke the cigar between sips of cognac. | #Enjoy a cigar with your cognac. Traditionally, expensive cognacs are enjoyed after dinner with a fine cigar. First, pour the cognac and warm it in your hand. Next, light the cigar. Smoke the cigar between sips of cognac. | ||
| − | #*When choosing a cigar, match the flavors in the cognac. For example, pair a mellow cognac with a mild-flavored cigar.<ref>https://www.cigarworld.com/education/how-to/how-to-pair-cigars-and-drinks/</ref> | + | #*When choosing a cigar, match the flavors in the cognac. For example, pair a mellow cognac with a mild-flavored cigar.<ref name="rf8">https://www.cigarworld.com/education/how-to/how-to-pair-cigars-and-drinks/</ref> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
*Drink cognac in moderation. Too much consumption could lead to alcohol poisoning and possibly death. | *Drink cognac in moderation. Too much consumption could lead to alcohol poisoning and possibly death. | ||
