Grand Hennessy Cocktail Recipe

Grand Hennessy Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:7g

Alcohol %:40

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Grand Hennessy is a luxurious cocktail that is a favorite among cognac lovers. It is named after the famous Hennessy cognac, which is a key ingredient in this cocktail. The Grand Hennessy is a modern cocktail, and it is popular in high-end bars and restaurants. It is a perfect choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

  • Who would like it?
    • If you are a fan of cognac, this cocktail is for you. It is also a great choice for special occasions.

How Grand Hennessy Tastes?

The Grand Hennessy is a rich and complex cocktail. It has a strong, warm cognac base, which is balanced by the sweetness of the Grand Marnier. The lemon juice adds a hint of sourness, which complements the sweetness perfectly. The cocktail is smooth, with a long, lingering finish.

Interesting facts about Grand Hennessy

  • The Grand Hennessy is named after the Hennessy cognac, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious cognac houses in the world.
  • The cocktail is often served in a snifter glass, which is designed to concentrate the aromas of the cognac.
  • The Grand Hennessy is a perfect after-dinner drink, as it is strong and warming.

Ingredients

Hennessy Cognac

  • Why: The cornerstone of the drink, Hennessy provides a rich, woody backbone. At 2 oz, it stands proud without overpowering the cocktail.
  • Without It: You'd miss the heart and soul, leaving an unbalanced and weak concoction.
  • Alternative: Try a different brand of cognac or even Armagnac for a twist, but expect a change in the flavor profile.

Emma Rose

Grand Marnier

  • Why: This orange-flavored liqueur brings sweetness, depth and a hint of citrus to harmonize with Hennessy. 1 oz is just the right amount to balance without tipping the scales into too sweet territory.
  • Without It: You'd lose the grandeur, and the drink would be less complex.
  • Alternative: An alternative like Cointreau could work, though it's a bit drier and less rich.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

  • Why: It cuts through the sweetness, providing a bright, refreshing acidity. At 1 oz, it's perfectly tuned to keep things crisp, not sour.
  • Without It: The drink could become cloying and heavy.
  • Alternative: Lime juice may be used for a tarter profile, though it alters the drink's character.

Alex Green

Ice Cubes

  • Why: They chill the mixture, making for a smooth and refreshing experience.
  • Without It: The drink would be room temp, less appealing, and potentially stronger-tasting.
  • Alternative: Chilled mixing glasses and pre-frozen snifter could substitute, but the act of stirring over ice also dilutes the cocktail slightly, which is desirable for balance.

Emma Rose

Lemon Twist

  • Why: Primarily for aroma and a touch of elegance, it subtly suggests more citrus on the nose.
  • Without It: The drink would lack the olfactory component that rounds out the experience.
  • Alternative: An orange zest could be used, offering a different but complementary citrus note.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Grand Hennessy Drink

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add 2 oz of Hennessy cognac, 1 oz of Grand Marnier, and 1 oz of lemon juice.
  3. Stir well until the mixture is well chilled.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a snifter glass.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

Make sure to use fresh lemon juice, as it makes a big difference in the taste.

  • The cocktail should be served in a snifter glass to concentrate the aromas of the cognac.
  • The Grand Hennessy is best enjoyed slowly, to savor the complex flavors.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Cheese Plate: A selection of aged cheeses like Gouda or Brie complements the nutty and woody notes of the cognac.
  • Dark Chocolate: Its bitterness and the richness can balance the sweet warmth of the Grand Marnier and lemon's acidity.
  • Roasted Almonds: The toasty and salty flavors can enhance the nutty notes of the Hennessy.

Drink Pairings

  • Espresso: The intensity of a good espresso pairs well with the Grand Hennessy's complex flavors.
  • Still Water: To cleanse the palate between sips and fully appreciate the cocktail's nuances.

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What you could change in Grand Hennessy

If you don't have Hennessy cognac, you can use any other high-quality cognac.

  • Grand Marnier can be replaced with another orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec.

Explore all drinks starting with G here

And of course - twists🍹

Hennessy Sour

  • Ingredients: Substituting simple syrup for Grand Marnier and adding a dash of bitters.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe but include 0.5 oz of simple syrup and a dash of Angostura bitters.
  • Taste: This results in a less potent citrus flavor and adds a herbaceous complexity from the bitters.

Grand Citrus Snap

  • Ingredients: Add a splash of soda water and substitute the lemon juice with fresh grapefruit juice.
  • Recipe: Use 0.75 oz of grapefruit juice and top with soda after stirring the original ingredients.
  • Taste: A bubblier, more refreshing take with a slightly bitter grapefruit edge that’s perfect for spring.

Hennessy Old Fashioned

  • Ingredients: Introduce a sugar cube and bitters, omitting the Grand Marnier and lemon juice.
  • Recipe: Muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of bitters and stir with 2 oz of Hennessy. Serve with a large ice cube.
  • Taste: This twist offers a sturdier, more spirit-forward drink that respects the nobility of cognac.

In case you forgot basics how to make Grand Hennessy

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Grand Hennessy

What is the best time to enjoy a Grand Hennessy?

The Grand Hennessy is a very versatile cocktail. It is a great choice as an after-dinner drink or for special celebrations. However, it can be enjoyed at any time.

What snacks pair well with a Grand Hennessy?

Cheese, especially rich, creamy ones like brie or camembert pair well with cognac. It can also be paired with dark chocolate, fruit like apples and pears, or nuts like almonds and hazelnuts.

What's the origin of the Hennessy cognac?

Hennessy cognac is produced in Cognac, France. The Hennessy house was founded in 1765 by an Irish officer named Richard Hennessy who was serving in the French army.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Grand Hennessy?

Yes, you can substitute the cognac and Grand Marnier with non-alcoholic versions or use a combination of tea, lemon juice, and orange extract to mimic the flavors.

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