By: Yolanda Shoshana
During Valentine’s Day season most people focus on Champagne. That’s totally understandable because it’s one sexy wine. I want to encourage you to try something other than sparkling wine. How about adding Cognac into your libation rotation? It’s that time of year, February, also known as the month of love. Though at Cupid’s Pulse we bring the love year-round.
Cognac is produced in a very charming city of the same name in France. French is the language of lovers so think of it as the spirit of “love in a bottle”.
For so long people have thought of Cognac as an older man’s drink, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. The spirit has a vibrant history of being the libation of choice by kings, queens, and aristocrats. Now, most people think of rappers when they see Cognac. It’s true than many famous singers/rappers love Cognac. However, it’s also enjoyed by men and women around the world, especially in Japan and the US. Besides being known for luxury, it’s rather seductive. It’s easy to find it as an ingredient in cocktails at fancy hotel bars and even dive bars have gotten into serving classy Cognac drinks. People have caught on to how delightful and versatile Cognac can be.
Related Link: Love & Libations: Autumn + Red Wine = Love
Ready to get it in? Here are some celebrity-inspired suggestions:
Branson Cognac
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is always up to something. If he isn’t posting leaks for his hit show, Power, he is trolling someone online. What you may not know about him is that he released a Cognac last year called Branson. If you go with the VSOP. it’s meant to be used in a cocktail. If you really want to turn it up, get the XO. It’s always a smooth move. When you get a whiff of citrus, tobacco, and honey, it starts the game of seduction.
50’s s love life has been bumpy throughout the years. He may not be the person look to for love advice; however, Branson would be the perfect selection to use in a hot drink to have a cozy night with your partner.
Café Amore Cocktail
1 ounce Branson Cognac
1 ounce amaretto
6 ounces coffee
Whipped Cream ( garnish)
Pour Cognac and amaretto into an Irish coffee glass. Fill with hot black coffee. Top with whipped cream.
Related Link: Love & Libations: The Love Of The Negroni
Conjure Cognac
When Conjure first came out it was a little rough around the edges. The spirit by Ludacris has stepped up its game. The tag line is “Conjure the Possibilities”. Sounds fun, but you may want to proceed with caution since some have called Cognac, “baby-making juice.” Or as Ludacris would put it, makes you a” lady in the streets, but a freak in the bed”
The aromas in this juice are cocoa, cedar, and hazelnut. Below is the recipe by Conjure for a sweet tea that would be perfect to pair with a romantic home-cooked dinner. It will get your senses going among other things.
Conjure Sweet Tea
4-5 mint sprigs
1 1/2 oz. Conjure
3/4 oz. freshly pressed lemon juice
1 oz. simple syrup
1 oz. iced tea
Fill glass with ingredients. Shake and strain over fresh ice cubes. Garnish with a spring of mint.
