Henny Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

Henny Sunrise Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:35g

Alcohol content:14%

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 Henny Sunrise is a twist on the classic Tequila Sunrise, substituting cognac for tequila. This cocktail likely evolved from the desire to create a cognac-based drink with visual appeal and a balance of sweet and sour flavors that could be enjoyed at any time of day.

  • Popularity: It's particularly popular among cognac enthusiasts and those who enjoy a sweeter cocktail.
  • Occasions: Ideal for evening gatherings or as a nightcap.
  • Variations: It has inspired various adaptations, often with different syrups or sodas.

How Henny Sunrise Tastes?

The Henny Sunrise offers a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and robust flavors. The grenadine provides a deep sweetness, while the sweet and sour mix adds a refreshing tartness. The Hennessy cognac delivers a smooth, oaky backbone with hints of vanilla and fruit.

Interesting facts about Henny Sunrise

  • The Henny Sunrise is a versatile cocktail that can be adapted for different seasons by changing the garnish or the type of soda used.
  • Hennessy, the cognac of choice for this drink, is one of the most famous cognac houses in the world.
  • The visual gradient created by the grenadine is reminiscent of a sunrise, hence the name.

Ingredients

Grenadine Syrup

Grenadine syrup brings the sweetness and the signature sunrise effect with its vibrant red color. If you skip it, you lose the sunrise effect and the cocktail's sweet balance. For a twist, try raspberry syrup for a fruitier note!

Emma Rose

Cola

Cola adds the fizz and a familiar sweetness, as well as the characteristic color gradation. Without it, the drink will lack its bubbly charm, and the overall flavor will be too strong. Use a diet cola for a lighter version.

Mary Mitkina

Hennessy Cognac

The star of the show, Hennessy, brings a bold, smooth flavor with woody and fruity undertones. If you skimp on the Hennessy, the drink will feel flat, less complex. Alternatively, another brand of cognac could be used, but it can slightly change the flavor profile.

Alex Green

Sweet and Sour Mix

Sweet and sour mix balances the drink, giving it a tangy twist which plays well with the Hennessy. Leave it out, and the cocktail could be overly sweet from the other components. A homemade mix of lemon/lime juice and simple syrup can act as a replacement.

Emma Rose

Orange Slice

The fresh orange slice offers a zesty aroma and garnish, adding to the sensory experience. Without it, the drink loses a fresh citrus accent. Lime could be used for a sharper citrus note.

Mary Mitkina

Cherry

Finally, the cherry on top! It provides a sweet finish and a playful visual touch. If you omit it, you'll miss the extra burst of sweetness. Try a brandied cherry for a boozy kick!

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Henny Sunrise Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour 2 oz of Hennessy Cognac over the ice.
  3. Add 3 oz of sweet and sour mix.
  4. Slowly pour 3 oz of cola to maintain layering.
  5. Drizzle 1 oz of grenadine syrup over the concoction; it will sink and create the sunrise effect.
  6. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry on a cocktail stick.

Pro Tips

  • To create the perfect sunrise effect, pour the grenadine slowly against the side of the glass.
  • Chill the glass beforehand to keep the drink colder for longer.
  • Use fresh ice to avoid diluting the drink too quickly.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • BBQ Chicken Wings: The sweet and smoky flavors of the wings complement the richness of the Hennessy.
  • Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses, especially aged ones like Gouda or Cheddar, can balance the sweetness of the cocktail.

Entrees

  • Grilled Steak: The robust flavor of steak pairs well with the boldness of the cognac.
  • Blackened Fish: The spices in blackened seasoning echo the complex notes in the Hennessy.

Desserts

  • Chocolate Cake: The richness of chocolate pairs nicely with the depth of the cognac and the sweetness of the grenadine.
  • Citrus Sorbet: For a refreshing contrast, the sharp citrus notes can cleanse the palate after the sweet cocktail.

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What you could change in Henny Sunrise

  • Cognac: If Hennessy is not available, any quality VS or VSOP cognac can be used as a substitute.
  • Sweet and Sour Mix: Homemade sweet and sour mix can be made with equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup for a fresher taste.
  • Grenadine: Pomegranate syrup can replace grenadine for a more natural sweetness.

Explore all drinks starting with H here

And of course - twists🍹

Henny Sunset

Swap the cola for pineapple juice and grenadine for raspberry syrup. The tropical pineapple flavor creates a 'sunset' theme with a more pronounced fruity note.

Henny Berry Bliss

Mix in a splash of cranberry juice and use blackberry brandy instead of Hennessy. A berry delightful twist that's a little tart and a lot sweet.

Henny Herbal

Add a touch of herbal liqueur like Benedictine and top with ginger beer instead of cola. The herbal notes and ginger spice create a warmer and more complex profile.

In case you forgot basics how to make Henny Sunrise

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 Henny Sunrise

Can the Henny Sunrise cocktail be prepared in advance?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can premix the Hennessy, sweet and sour mix, and cola. Add grenadine just before serving to achieve the sunrise effect.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Henny Sunrise?

Yes, you can substitute the Hennessy with a non-alcoholic spirit or peach juice for a booze-free variant.

What type of glass is best for serving a Henny Sunrise?

A highball glass is traditionally used to accommodate the layers and provide the best visual effect.

How can I customize my Henny Sunrise cocktail?

Try experimenting with different types of soda or add a splash of lime juice for a zesty twist.

Is Hennessy the only cognac you can use for this recipe?

While Hennessy is recommended for its taste profile, any quality VS or VSOP cognac can be used in this cocktail.

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