Hennessy Margarita Cocktail Recipe

Hennessy Margarita Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:16g

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 Hennessy Margarita is a delightful twist on the classic Margarita, substituting the traditional tequila with Hennessy, a well-known cognac. This cocktail is a favorite among cognac lovers who also enjoy the citrusy tang of a Margarita. It's a great choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy experimenting with unique flavor combinations.

How Hennessy Margarita Tastes?

The Hennessy Margarita is a complex blend of sweet, sour, and strong. The sweetness of the Hennessy pairs perfectly with the sourness of the lime, while the strength of the cognac gives the cocktail a robust and full-bodied flavor.

Interesting facts about Hennessy Margarita

  • The Hennessy Margarita is a modern twist on the classic Margarita, which originated in Mexico.
  • Hennessy is a type of cognac, which is a variety of brandy named after the town of Cognac in France.
  • Despite the name, the Hennessy Margarita doesn't contain any tequila.

Ingredients

Hennessy

Why: Hennessy is a renowned cognac that brings a rich, oaky flavor with hints of vanilla and dried fruit to the cocktail. At 2 oz, it provides the right balance of alcohol without overpowering the other ingredients. Without It: You'd miss the core warmth and sophistication of the drink. Using less can make the cocktail too light; more might mask the other flavors. Alternatives: Other cognacs could work, but may alter the depth of flavor, or you could use a good quality bourbon for a different twist.

Emma Rose

Lime Juice

Why: It brings a necessary acidity to balance the sweetness of the drink. 1 oz is just enough to add a citrusy zing without turning your drink into a pucker-fest. Without It: The cocktail would lose its refreshing edge. Too little, and it's overly sweet; too much, and it's like a face contortionist's exercise. Alternatives: Lemon juice could work but would slightly change the citrus profile.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

Why: At 1 oz, simple syrup softens the acidity of the lime juice and complements the cognac's natural sweetness. Without It: You'd have an astringent cocktail frowning at you from the glass. Uneven amounts can skew the balance towards too sweet or too tart. Alternatives: Honey syrup or agave nectar can be substituted for a more complex sweetness.

Alex Green

Orange Liqueur

Why: It adds a fruity and floral undertone that intertwines gracefully with the cognac. At 1 oz, it provides balance without taking center stage. Without It: You'd lose layers of flavor—a margarita without the mystery. Too little, and the drink becomes one-dimensional; too much, and it's a fruit basket of a mess. Alternatives: Triple sec or Cointreau are common substitutes, but may alter the sweetness profile.

Emma Rose

Ice

Why: It chills the beverage, melds the flavors, and dilutes the drink ever so slightly for perfect sipping. Without It: You'd have a room-temperature concoction that might as well be a sad, boozy soup.

Mary Mitkina

Salt

Why: The salt rim accentuates the sweet and sour flavors and provides a flavor contrast that is delightfully tactile on the lips. Without It: The drink would still be good, but it wouldn't have that 'party-on-the-beach' vibe.

Alex Green

Lime Wheel

Why: A lime wheel is the cocktail's dashing hat—it's about style, aroma, and the promise of citrus inside. Without It: The cocktail is naked—still delicious, but missing that final flourish.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Hennessy Margarita Drink

  1. Rim the glass with salt.
  2. Fill a shaker with ice.
  3. Add the Hennessy, lime juice, simple syrup, and orange liqueur to the shaker.
  4. Shake well until chilled.
  5. Strain the mixture into the glass.
  6. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill the glass before serving for an extra refreshing drink.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Plates: A variety of cheeses, particularly those that are aged, can complement the complexity of the Hennessy.
  • Spicy Foods: The sweetness of the simple syrup and orange liqueur can balance out the heat from dishes like spicy wings or jalapeño poppers.

Main Courses

  • BBQ Ribs: The smoky flavors of barbequed meats pair wonderfully with the caramel notes of Hennessy.
  • Grilled Seafood: The citrus notes in the margarita enhance the flavors of grilled fish or shrimp.

Desserts

  • Chocolate Desserts: Dark or bitter chocolates can provide a nice contrast to the Hennessy's sweetness.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings

  • Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips, keeping the flavors fresh.

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What you could change in Hennessy Margarita

  • You can substitute the Hennessy with another type of cognac.
  • If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving sugar in hot water.
  • If you don't have orange liqueur, you can use triple sec or Cointreau.

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And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Margarita

  • Replace the Hennessy with mezcal to infuse the drink with a smoky flavor.
  • Follow the original recipe but use 2 oz of mezcal.
  • The taste will shift from the sophisticated sweetness to a more robust, earthy profile. Perfect for those who enjoy the smokier side of spirits.

Spicy Margarita

  • Add a slice of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the shaker.
  • Follow the rest of the original recipe.
  • This version will tingle your taste buds with a playful kick, a fantastic choice for spicing up your evening.

Fruity Margarita

  • Add muddled berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries) into the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
  • Follow the original recipe.
  • The fruit will add a sweet and tart dimension, making the cocktail more refreshing and a great choice for summer afternoons.

In case you forgot basics how to make Hennessy Margarita

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

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

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 Hennessy Margarita

Is Hennessy Margarita suitable for vegans?

Yes, all ingredients in a Hennessy Margarita - Hennessy, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Orange Liqueur, Ice, Salt and Lime Wheel for garnish - are suitable for vegans.

Can I pair Hennessy Margarita with food?

While Hennessy Margarita pairs well with most foods, it especially complements spicy dishes and Mexican cuisine.

How do I store leftover Hennessy?

After opening, a bottle of Hennessy should be stored upright in a cool, dark place. It should be consumed within 6-8 months for optimum flavor.

Is Hennessy Margarita a summer drink?

The Hennessy Margarita, with its citrusy flavor, can be enjoyed as a refreshing summer drink, although it can be savored at any time of the year.

Are there non-alcoholic versions of Hennessy Margarita?

There isn't a direct non-alcoholic substitute for Hennessy, but you can make a similar cocktail using non-alcoholic cognac alternatives and skipping the Orange Liqueur.

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