A refreshing twist on classic cocktails brings together the smoothness of cognac with the bright flavors of lemonade. This blend creates a perfect drink for warm afternoons or elegant evening gatherings.

The simple mix of 2 ounces of cognac with 4 ounces of fresh lemonade makes a balanced cocktail that tastes both refined and approachable.

Many people think cognac is just for sipping neat, but this drink proves it mixes well with casual ingredients. The sweet and tart notes of lemonade bring out the best in cognac’s rich taste, creating a drink that works for both new and experienced cocktail fans.

Cognac & Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

A refreshing mix of smooth cognac and zesty lemonade creates a perfect summer drink. The blend offers a balance of sweet and tart flavors with a gentle warmth from the cognac.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

2 oz cognac
4 oz fresh lemonade
1 cup ice cubes
Lemon wheel for garnish
Optional: 1-2 mint leaves

Fresh lemonade recipe:

1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup sugar
4 cups water

Instructions

Fill the highball glass with ice cubes until 3/4 full.
Pour 2 oz cognac into the glass using a jigger.
Add 4 oz fresh lemonade and stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds.

Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint leaves if desired.

For fresh lemonade:

Mix sugar with 1 cup hot water until dissolved
Add 3 cups cold water

Stir in fresh lemon juice
Chill before using

Notes

Store fresh lemonade in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Choose a VSOP cognac for best results – its aged flavor adds depth to the drink.

The drink can be made stronger or weaker by adjusting the cognac-to-lemonade ratio.

For a sweeter version, add 1/4 oz simple syrup.

In winter months, serve warm by heating the lemonade before mixing with cognac.

Tasting Notes

This refreshing cocktail combines the rich warmth of cognac with bright citrus notes. The smooth, oak-aged spirit brings hints of vanilla and dried fruit to the mix.

Fresh lemonade adds a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The citrus complements the cognac’s natural orange and apricot undertones.

Key Flavor Notes:

Sweet vanilla and caramel
Orange zest and dried apricot
Bright lemon
Light oak
Honey

The drink starts sweet and finishes with a gentle warmth. Its light amber color sparkles in the glass, making it both pretty and tasty.

Ice helps blend the flavors while keeping the drink cool and crisp. The mix creates a smooth texture that’s easy to sip.

This cocktail works well in both warm and cool weather. The cognac provides comfort while the lemonade keeps it light and fresh.

Must Have Ingredients

Image	Title	Buy
	Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack	Buy On Amazon
	Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer	Buy On Amazon
	Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave	Buy On Amazon
	Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale	Buy On Amazon
	Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave	Buy On Amazon
	Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt	Buy On Amazon
	WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint	Buy On Amazon
	Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar	Buy On Amazon
	Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Original Bloody Mary Mix	Buy On Amazon
	Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit	Buy On Amazon
	Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners	Buy On Amazon
	1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer	Buy On Amazon
	Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker	Buy On Amazon
	Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails	Buy On Amazon

Substitutes

You can replace cognac with brandy in this cocktail. Any VS or VSOP brandy works well as a budget-friendly option.

No cognac or brandy? Try bourbon or dark rum instead. These spirits add similar warm, oaky notes to the drink.

For a non-alcoholic version, mix apple juice with a splash of white grape juice. This combo mimics cognac’s fruity elements.

Want to skip the lemonade? Mix equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup as a substitute. Or use store-bought sour mix in a pinch.

Pro tip: When using fresh lemon juice, add an extra 1/4 ounce of simple syrup to match the sweetness of traditional lemonade.

Quick Substitution Guide:

Cognac → Brandy, bourbon, or dark rum
Lemonade → Lemon juice + simple syrup

Store-bought lemonade → Fresh lemon juice + water + sugar
Alcoholic → Non-alcoholic: Apple juice + white grape juice

Each substitute creates a unique flavor profile while keeping the drink balanced and refreshing.

Cognac & Lemonade Cocktail Recipe