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NYC's 5 Best Brandy & Cognac Cocktails

Brandy, distilled from fruit wine, is not just for sipping--it has been a classic cocktail ingredient since the early days of cocktails. Pear, plum, apple, grape, apricot and more can all be used to make brandy, and Cognac is a type of brandy made in the region of Cognac, France. For a taste of the best brandy and Cognac cocktails in NYC, head to these bars. By Selena Ricks-Good.
Brandy Library
Credit: BrandyLibrary.com

Brandy Alexander

Naturally, a bar named Brandy Library would have a list of brandy cocktails. From classics such as the rich and luxurious Brandy Alexander (Cognac, dark creme de cacao and heavy cream) to creative twists such as the Summit (Cognac, Domain de Canton Ginger Liqueur, Lillet and Sprite), here the premiere brown spirit gives Scotch and rum some serious competition.

Red Rooster
Credit: Facebook.com/Red Rooster Harlem

Rooster Punch

The atmosphere at Marcus Samuelsson's Harlem restaurant is lively, warm and welcoming, with a bar scene to match. Pull up a stool at the circular bar and try the Rooster Punch (red wine, Navan liqueur, pear brandy and mango puree). Navan, a vanilla Cognac-based liqueur, balances the dry wine for an sweet sipper that could easily turn into a few rounds.

Saxon & Parole
Facebook.com/ Saxon & Parole

Pecan and Maple Sazerac

The original Sazerac recipe was made with Cognac before infestations of French vineyards in the late 19th century led to a switch to rye whiskey. Try the classic drink with both spirits in Saxon + Parole's Pecan and Maple Sazerac (Cognac, rye whiskey, absinthe, pecan sugar and Peychaud's Bitters). This strong sipper evokes pecan pie, making it a perfect digestif for the restaurant's rustic grillhouse menu.

Louis 649
Credit: Facebook.com/Louis 649

Pear Sunrise

Alphabet City cocktail lounge Louis 649 recently announced its fall/winter menu, which includes the Pear Sunrise (Purkhart Pear Eau-de-vie Brandy, lemon juice, Ferreira Ruby Port). Aromatic pear eau-de-vie from Austria blends with the young and fruity port and lemon juice for an elegant seasonal concoction.

JBird
Credit: Facebook.com/JBird Cocktails

The Imperial March

A speakeasy in Times Square? Hidden past the entrance to XVI nightclub, JBird is an oasis of tufted leather and culinary cocktails overlooking the bright neon lights. Exotic drinks include The Imperial March (Chinese black tea-infused Cognac, raspberry syrup, lime juice and Champagne). Sweet, spicy and bubbly, a few sips of this drink will transport you far from the Midtown madness.

For the latest on NYC's bar and nightlife scene, follow us on Twitter!Selena Ricks-Good writes about drinks and produces events as The Dizzy Fizz.
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