Hennessy, one of the world’s most recognized cognac brands, offers versatile options for creating delicious cocktails at home.
Whether you prefer something simple like Hennessy and ginger ale or more complex mixed drinks, this French cognac serves as an excellent base for various flavor combinations.
You can transform your drinking experience by learning how to mix Hennessy properly in classic recipes like the Old Fashioned and Sidecar, or in modern variations that highlight its smooth, rich character.
From special occasions to casual gatherings, these cocktail recipes provide different ways to enjoy the distinct flavor profile of Hennessy while impressing your guests with your mixology skills.
1. Hennessy Sidecar
The Hennessy Sidecar is a classic cocktail that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. This elegant drink combines Hennessy cognac with orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 1.5 oz of Hennessy V.S.O.P, 0.5 oz of orange liqueur (Cointreau or Orange Curaçao), 0.75 oz of lemon juice, and 0.25 oz of simple syrup.
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a sugar-rimmed cocktail glass if you prefer a sweeter touch. Garnish with a lemon or orange twist for a finishing touch.
2. Vieux Carrè
The Vieux Carrè is a classic cocktail that showcases Hennessy cognac beautifully. Named after the French Quarter in New Orleans, this drink perfectly balances woody and bitter flavors.
To make this sophisticated cocktail, you’ll need Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège cognac, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine liqueur. Add a few dashes of both Angostura and Peychaud bitters for complexity.
The proportions are typically equal parts cognac, whiskey, and sweet vermouth, with a smaller amount of Bénédictine.
Mix these ingredients with ice, stir well, and strain into a rocks glass.
This cocktail offers a rich flavor profile that cognac enthusiasts appreciate alongside classics like the Sidecar.
3. Hennessy Old Fashioned
The Hennessy Old Fashioned is a sophisticated twist on a classic cocktail. This drink blends Hennessy cognac with sweet and spicy notes for a rich flavor experience.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège cognac, sugar, bitters, and an orange peel. The combination creates a perfect balance of warming spice and subtle sweetness.
Simply muddle a sugar cube with bitters, add ice and Hennessy, then stir until chilled.
Garnish with an orange peel for a touch of citrus aroma.
This legendary drink works well as an evening sipper or when entertaining guests who appreciate refined flavors.
4. Hennessy Manhattan
The Hennessy Manhattan offers a sophisticated twist on the classic cocktail by replacing traditional whiskey with cognac. This variation dates back to 1874 and creates a smoother, more refined drinking experience.
To make this elegant cocktail, combine 2 oz of Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège cognac with ½ oz sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters.
Stir with ice until chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a cherry or orange twist for a perfect finishing touch. The cognac brings rich, fruity notes that complement the vermouth beautifully.
5. Hennessy Mule
The Hennessy Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule that substitutes vodka with Hennessy cognac. This cocktail delivers a perfect balance of spicy ginger beer and smooth cognac.
To make your own Hennessy Mule, you’ll need 1.5 oz of Hennessy Very Special, 3.5 oz of ginger beer, 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice, and ice cubes.
You can garnish with a lime wedge or fresh ginger slices.
Pour the Hennessy and lime juice into a copper mug filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir.
The copper mug isn’t just for show—it helps keep your drink perfectly chilled.
6. Between the Sheets
Between the Sheets is a classic cocktail that boldly combines two base spirits. This potent drink mixes cognac and rum with citrus flavors.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 1 oz Hennessy Very Special, 1 oz rum, 1 oz orange curaçao, and 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice.
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist to complete this sophisticated drink.
This cocktail is perfect for special occasions when you want something with more complexity than single-spirit drinks.
7. Strawberry Honey Island Ice
The Strawberry Honey Island Ice is a refreshing Hennessy cocktail that blends the rich cognac with sweet strawberry flavors. This drink has become popular for its fruity profile and smooth finish.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need Hennessy cognac, strawberry vodka, and fresh strawberry puree. Some recipes also include Malibu rum for a coconut undertone.
Mix these ingredients with ice in a blender until smooth.
For extra sweetness, add honey instead of simple syrup. This gives the drink its distinctive flavor and name.
Serve in a chilled glass and garnish with a fresh strawberry. It’s perfect for warm weather gatherings or whenever you want a fruity twist on traditional Hennessy drinks.
8. Hennessy Margarita
The Hennessy Margarita puts a unique twist on the classic cocktail by substituting cognac for tequila, or sometimes blending both together. This drink combines 1.5 oz of Hennessy V.S with 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz orange liqueur, and 0.25 oz agave syrup.
To make this cocktail, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
You can serve it in a salt-rimmed glass with a lime wedge for garnish.
The bold notes of the cognac blend beautifully with the citrus tang, creating a sophisticated yet refreshing drink that works well for special occasions.
9. Hennessy Berry
The Hennessy Berry is a simple but flavorful cocktail that combines the rich notes of cognac with refreshing fruit juices. This drink brings together Hennessy V.S. with cranberry juice for a tangy kick.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 2 oz of Hennessy V.S., 1 oz cranberry juice, 1 oz orange juice, and 1 oz triple sec. The mix creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
The fruity profile of this drink makes it ideal for brunches or casual gatherings. You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less juice to suit your taste.
10. Hennessy Ginger Ale
Hennessy Ginger Ale is one of the simplest yet most refreshing Hennessy cocktails you can make. The combination brings together the rich flavor of Hennessy V.S cognac with the spicy sweetness of ginger ale.
To prepare this drink, pour 2 ounces of Hennessy V.S into a highball glass filled with ice.
Top it with 4 ounces of ginger ale and stir gently to combine.
You can garnish with a lime wedge for a citrus accent. This cocktail works well any time of day and needs no special equipment or techniques.
For a slight variation, you can try using Hennessy V.S.O.P for a more complex flavor profile.
11. Hennessy Lemonade
Hennessy Lemonade is a refreshing cocktail that balances the rich notes of cognac with bright citrus flavors. This simple yet sophisticated drink requires just Hennessy VS, fresh lemonade, and ice.
To make this cocktail at home, mix 1.5 oz of Hennessy VS with 4 oz of lemonade in a glass filled with ice.
Stir gently to combine. You can use store-bought lemonade like Simply Lemonade or make your own for a fresher taste.
For a creative twist, try the Mango Basil Lemonade variation. Add mango puree, simple syrup, fresh basil, and a splash of soda water to elevate the classic recipe.
12. French 75 with Hennessy
The French 75 cocktail gets a sophisticated twist when made with Hennessy cognac instead of the traditional gin. This elegant drink combines the rich flavors of cognac with the effervescence of champagne.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 40 ml (or 1.5 oz) of Hennessy Very Special, 15 ml of simple syrup, and 25 ml of fresh lemon juice.
Shake these ingredients with ice, then strain into a champagne flute.
Top with champagne or sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon twist. The result is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and bubbly that looks as good as it tastes.
13. Hennessy Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic cocktail with roots in New Orleans that originally used French brandy before switching to rye whiskey. Today, many bartenders are returning to its origins by using Hennessy cognac.
To make a Hennessy Sazerac, you’ll need Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège cognac, a barspoon of simple syrup, 5 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and a small amount of absinthe.
The absinthe imparts flavors of anise and fennel, while the cognac provides warmth. For a unique variation, try the Roasted Sazerac, which adds smoky flavors and spicy undertones to this traditional drink.
14. Hennessy Hot Cocoa
Hennessy Hot Cocoa combines rich chocolate with the smooth warmth of cognac. This comforting drink is perfect for cold evenings when you want something sweet with a kick.
To make this cocktail, mix hot chocolate with Hennessy cognac, add a dash of spices, and top with whipped cream. The cognac adds depth to the sweet chocolate flavor.
You can customize your Hennessy Hot Cocoa by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of chili powder. For extra indulgence, drizzle chocolate syrup on top or add a splash of cream liqueur.
This drink works well as an after-dinner treat or as a warming cocktail for winter gatherings.
15. Hennessy Chocolate Martini
The Hennessy Chocolate Martini is a luxurious cocktail that combines the rich warmth of cognac with indulgent chocolate flavors. This drink offers a perfect balance of sophistication and sweetness.
To make this martini, mix 1.5 oz of Hennessy VS with 1 oz chocolate liqueur and 0.5 oz vanilla vodka.
Shake with ice until chilled, then strain into a martini glass.
For an extra special touch, rim your glass with chocolate syrup and garnish with chocolate shavings. You can also add a dash of cream for a smoother texture.
This cocktail works wonderfully as an after-dinner drink or for special celebrations where you want something decadent yet refined.
16. Hennessy Pineapple Smash
The Hennessy Pineapple Smash brings together the rich flavors of cognac with tropical sweetness. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a fruity twist on your Hennessy.
To make this drink, muddle fresh pineapple chunks with mint leaves in a shaker.
Add 2 ounces of Hennessy V.S, 1 ounce of pineapple juice, and a splash of lime juice. Shake well with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
You can garnish with a pineapple wedge and mint sprig for an extra touch of elegance.
The combination of spicy cognac notes and sweet pineapple creates a balanced cocktail that’s both sophisticated and approachable.
17. Hennessy Raspberry Delight
The Hennessy Raspberry Delight combines the rich oak notes of Hennessy cognac with fresh raspberry flavor. This cocktail offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
To make this drink, mix 2 ounces of Hennessy Very Special with 1 ounce of raspberry liqueur and a splash of lemon juice.
Add ice to a shaker and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
Garnish with three fresh raspberries on a cocktail pick. For extra flavor, you can muddle a few raspberries in the shaker before mixing.
This vibrant red cocktail works well for spring gatherings or summer evenings when you want something refreshing yet sophisticated.
18. Hennessy Orange Breeze
The Hennessy Orange Breeze is a refreshing cocktail that combines the rich flavors of cognac with bright citrus notes. You’ll need Hennessy VS, fresh orange juice, and a splash of tonic water.
To make this drink, fill a highball glass with ice, add 1.5 oz of Hennessy VS, and pour in 3 oz of orange juice.
Top with tonic water for a slight fizz, then stir gently to combine.
The orange juice complements the cognac’s warm notes while the tonic adds a refreshing quality. This cocktail works well for casual gatherings or game nights with friends.
19. Hennessy Amaretto Sour
The Hennessy Amaretto Sour adds a nutty twist to the classic cognac sour cocktail. You’ll find this drink combines the smoothness of Hennessy with the sweet almond flavor of amaretto.
To make this cocktail, mix 40 ml Hennessy Very Special, 8 ml amaretto, 30 ml simple syrup, and 20 ml fresh lemon juice.
Add 4 dashes of Angostura Bitters for complexity. Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a lemon twist for a hint of citrus aroma that complements the drink’s flavor profile.
This cocktail balances sweet and sour notes perfectly while letting the cognac shine through.
20. Hennessy Apricot Tea
Hennessy Apricot Tea combines the rich flavors of cognac with refreshing tea and sweet apricot notes. This cocktail offers a perfect balance of strength and fruitiness.
To make this drink, brew some black tea and let it cool. Mix 2 ounces of Hennessy V.S with 4 ounces of cold tea and 1 ounce of apricot nectar or syrup.
Add ice to a tall glass and pour in your mixture. Garnish with a fresh apricot slice or orange wheel.
The result is a sophisticated yet refreshing cocktail that works well for afternoon gatherings. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less apricot syrup according to your taste preferences.
21. Hennessy Peach Punch
Hennessy Peach Punch is a refreshing cocktail that blends the rich notes of cognac with sweet peach flavors. This drink is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a fruity, sophisticated beverage.
To make this punch, combine 1-2 oz of Hennessy with peach schnapps and a mix of fruit juices. Pineapple and cranberry juices work well as the base, while a splash of lemon juice adds brightness.
You can serve this punch in a large bowl for parties or make individual servings. Add ice and garnish with fresh peach slices for an extra touch. For a sweeter version, include simple syrup to taste.
A Brief History of Hennessy
Hennessy stands as one of the world’s most recognized cognac producers with a rich history spanning over 250 years. The brand has shaped cognac production standards while becoming deeply embedded in global culture.
Origins of Hennessy
Hennessy began in 1765 when Irish military officer Richard Hennessy established a distillery in the Cognac region of France. After serving in Louis XV’s army, he recognized the potential of the local eaux-de-vie (water of life) spirits.
The company quickly gained a reputation for quality. The Hennessy family developed strict production standards that would later become industry benchmarks.
By the late 18th century, Hennessy had begun expanding internationally, shipping their cognac to aristocrats and royalty across Europe.
The cognac house made history on December 28, 1859, when they fulfilled their first order from China – 25 cases containing 12 bottles each – marking the beginning of their Asian market presence.
Hennessy’s Evolution in Cocktails
Hennessy transformed from a sipping spirit to a cocktail staple during the 20th century. The brand’s versatility allowed it to feature in classic recipes like the Sidecar and Vieux Carré, which remain popular today.
In more recent decades, Hennessy gained prominence in hip-hop culture, inspiring signature drinks and countless musical references. This cultural adoption helped introduce cognac to younger generations.
The brand continued innovating with modern cocktails like the Hennessy Ginger (with ginger ale) and variations of the Old Fashioned and Manhattan specifically crafted for cognac.
Today, Hennessy offers diverse expressions that bartenders utilize differently – VS for mixing, VSOP for elevated cocktails, and XO primarily for sipping experiences.
Understanding Flavors in Hennessy Cocktails
Hennessy’s rich cognac flavor profile creates a versatile base for cocktails. The spirit offers notes of oak, vanilla, fruit, and spice that can be enhanced or complemented by various ingredients.
Balancing Sweet and Bitter
Hennessy contains natural sweetness from aged grapes, making it important to balance this with other elements. Too much added sugar can overwhelm the cognac’s subtle flavors.
When mixing Hennessy cocktails, consider using bitter elements like Angostura bitters or Campari to create depth. These ingredients cut through sweetness and highlight the cognac’s complexity.
A classic Old Fashioned with Hennessy works well because the small amount of sugar enhances the cognac without overpowering it. The orange twist adds aromatic oils that complement the fruit notes.
For a balanced drink, try a ratio of 2 oz Hennessy to ¼ oz simple syrup and 2-3 dashes of bitters. This maintains the cognac’s character while creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Enhancing with Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients elevate Hennessy cocktails by adding brightness and complexity.
Citrus fruits particularly complement cognac’s rich character. The Sidecar demonstrates this perfectly, combining Hennessy with fresh lemon juice and orange liqueur.
The citrus cuts through the cognac’s richness while highlighting its fruit notes.
Herbs like mint or basil add aromatic freshness. Try muddling 6-8 mint leaves with Hennessy and adding ginger ale for a refreshing summer drink.
Seasonal fruits work wonderfully too. Fresh berries in summer or poached pears in winter can transform your Hennessy cocktail.
Always use ripe, quality produce for the best results.
Avoid artificial mixers when possible. Natural ingredients preserve and enhance the quality of the cognac rather than masking it.
