Cognac is commonly perceived as a drink for cold weather, typically featured in classic cocktails like the Vieux Carré and Brandy Alexander. However, this summer, it’s gaining recognition as a refreshing ingredient in warm-weather cocktails, as more bartenders craft creative concoctions for outdoor gatherings.
Dan Nicolaescu, bartender at Le Coucou in New York City, has introduced a cocktail called Midsummer Magic. He designed it to complement the fresh produce of summer and the joyful ambiance of backyard dinners. "The perfect occasion for the Midsummer Magic cocktail is a weekend dinner in the company of friends, with the sunset as the backdrop," he shares, highlighting its accompaniment to a menu rich in seasonal flavors.
The popularity of Cognac cocktails is reflected in the growing global market, projected to expand from $14.97 billion in 2024 to $15.79 billion in 2025, with further growth expected to reach $19.79 billion by 2029. Consumers can expect to see more Cognac-based drinks throughout the year.
Here are six refreshing Cognac cocktail recipes to try this summer:
Fleur de Feu
Adam Robinson, bartender, created this cocktail for backyard gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz peach-infused Cognac VS
- 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
- 0.75 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 0.5 oz honey syrup
- 0.25 oz Licor 43
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1.5 oz soda water
Method: Combine all ingredients except soda water in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a Collins glass, add soda and ice, and garnish with mint.
Midsummer Magic
This cocktail enhances the joy of outdoor dining.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Cognac VS
- 0.75 oz Pineau des Charentes rouge
- 0.5 oz strawberry syrup
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- Half an egg white
- Absinthe spray
Method: Shake the ingredients (excluding absinthe) with ice, strain into a glass, spray with absinthe, and garnish with a strawberry.
The Rémy Riviera Collins
Poured at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, this cocktail is a summer twist on the Tom Collins.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal cognac
- 2/3 oz lemon juice
- 2/3 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
Method: Shake cognac, lemon juice, and syrup with ice, strain into a highball glass with ice, top with soda, and garnish with a lemon wheel.
The Pear-Fect Spritz
A refreshing spritz featuring Belle de Brillet, a pear and cognac liqueur.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Belle de Brillet
- 3 oz dry sparkling wine
- 2 oz soda water
- Squeeze of lemon
Method: Mix ingredients together in a glass with ice and garnish with a lemon slice.
Southern Barbecue Spritz
A cocktail inspired by summer barbecues, using leftover apple scraps.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Cognac VS
- 0.75 oz Granny Smith honey syrup
- 0.5 oz Amontillado sherry
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 2 oz dry sparkling wine
- 1 oz soda water
Method: Shake Cognac, syrup, sherry, and lemon juice with ice, strain into a glass, then top with sparkling wine and soda. Garnish with a lemon wheel and apple slice.
The Rémy Mojito
A Cognac twist on the classic mojito.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz sparkling water
Method: Shake the ingredients with ice, strain into a Collins glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish with mint.
These cocktails combine the elegance of Cognac with the lightness of summer, offering delightful options for outdoor entertaining and refreshing sips during sunny days.