Cognac Highball Cocktail Recipe

The Cognac Highball is a classic cocktail that dates back to the late 19th century. It is believed to have originated in the United States and was a popular choice among the upper class during the golden age of cocktails. The drink is a simple yet elegant combination of cognac and ginger ale, served over ice in a highball glass.

Origins

• The Cognac Highball is said to have been created by American bartenders who were looking for a way to showcase the rich flavors of cognac.
• The drink gained popularity in the early 20th century and was often enjoyed by the elite at high society events.
• Today, the Cognac Highball remains a timeless classic that is enjoyed by people all over the world.

The Cognac Highball is a smooth, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of spice from the ginger ale. The rich, fruity flavors of the cognac are perfectly balanced by the effervescence of the ginger ale, creating a delightful and sophisticated drinking experience.

The Cognac Highball is sometimes referred to as a 'Horse's Neck' when served with a long spiral of lemon peel as a garnish.

• Cognac is a type of brandy that is produced in the Cognac region of France, and it must meet strict production standards in order to be labeled as such.
• The highball glass, in which the Cognac Highball is traditionally served, was designed specifically for serving tall, mixed drinks over ice.

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add 2oz of cognac to the glass.
3. Top with 4oz of ginger ale.
4. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
5. Gently stir the drink to combine the ingredients.
6. Garnish with a lemon peel twist.

• Use high-quality cognac for the best flavor.
• Chill the ginger ale before use to keep the cocktail cold longer.
• Add the bitters last to allow the flavors to spread throughout the drink.

Appetizers

• Cheese Platters: A good cognac highball pairs beautifully with a cheese platter, especially with aged cheeses such as Gouda or Cheddar, as the nuttiness of the cheese complements the warmth of the cognac.
• Sushi: The effervescence of ginger ale and the citric twist of lemon make sushi a refreshing companion, balancing the rich flavors of fish with the lightness of the cocktail.
• Charcuterie: The savory flavors of cured meats are a classic matchup with the boldness of cognac and the spices from the bitters.

Main Courses

• Grilled Chicken or Pork: These lighter meats, when seasoned well, can stand up to the cocktail's flavors without overpowering them.
• Salmon: The richness of salmon harmonizes well with the deep flavor profile of cognac.

Desserts

• Dark Chocolate: For those who love to end their meal with a sweet note, the bitterness of dark chocolate is an excellent counterpoint to the sweet and spicy notes of the cognac highball.

• Brandy can be used as a substitute for cognac.
• Club soda can replace ginger ale for a less sweet version.
• Orange peel can be used instead of lemon peel for a different twist.

Cognac Highball with a Touch of Apple

• Substitute 1 ounce of cognac with apple brandy.
• Add 1/2oz of fresh apple juice. The classic highball gets a fruity twist with the infusion of apple. It brings a crisp sweetness and an orchard-fresh flair that will have you thinking of autumn evenings.

Honeyed Cognac Highball

• Mix 1/2oz of honey syrup with the cognac before adding ginger ale.
• Garnish with an orange peel instead of a lemon peel. The addition of honey syrup adds a velvety sweetness that softens the sharpness of the cognac, and the orange peel adds a new dimension of citrus that pairs remarkably well with the honey's warmth.

Spicy Cognac Highball

• Muddle a slice of fresh ginger in the glass before adding ice.
• Use a spicy ginger beer instead of ginger ale. A spicy update that's not for the faint of heart. The fresh muddled ginger and the kick of a strong ginger beer bring the heat for an invigorating, bold experience.