Hennessy is the most widely sold and accessible cognac on the market. Its products can be consumed straight or as part of a mixed drink/cocktail. But what are the best mixers to pair with Hennessy?
Here are 8 delicious Hennessy mixers:
- Tonic water
- Club soda
- Lemon-lime soda
- Ginger ale
- Coca Cola
- Cranberry juice
- Ice tea
- Margarita mix
Let’s look at each of these options in further detail.
1. Tonic Water
The discovery of the antimalarial properties of the extract of quinine tree bark was pivotal in establishing the British and French Empires. And the pairing of bitter quinine tonic water with relatively sweet gin created one of the world’s most famous cocktails, the gin and tonic (G&T). Tonic water’s bitterness pairs well with any sweet liquor, including Hennessy.
The bitterness of tonic water complements Hennessy’s grapey sweetness. And the tonic water dilutes the alcohol sting of the cognac.
For a good drink, try one ounce (29 ml) of Hennessy with two ounces (59 ml) of tonic water with ice. Shaken or stirred, there’s really no difference. That said, the latest trend when making this drink is to use one large cracked ice cube.
2. Club Soda
Club soda is not just a stain remover – you can drink it as well!
It was originally invented as a substitute for naturally occurring carbonated spring water, which was believed to possess medicinal properties in the Victorian Era. Club soda is typically produced by mixing water with an acidic solution. Some such solutions include potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), potassium citrate (K3C6H507), potassium sulfate (K2SO4), or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). This creates a drink that is, basically, the carbonated water part that makes up most soda brands.
Mixing Hennessy and club soda will produce what is essentially an alcoholic grape soda. For a balanced drink, mix one ounce (29 ml) of Hennessy with two or three ounces (59 or 88 ml) of club soda.
3. Lemon-Lime Soda
What is better than straight carbonated water? Carbonated water with flavor! Like club soda, lemon-lime soda was invented in the Victorian Era. It combined the supposed medicinal properties of carbonated mineral water with the very real scurvy-preventing properties of citrus fruit.
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The first commercially produced lemon-lime soda, 7-Up, was introduced in 1929. Back then, every serving contained a strong dose of lithium – and it was around for about five minutes before people started mixing it with alcohol.
You can use your choice of lemon-lime soda to mix with Hennessy. I’m partial to Green River, but most people use the much more common Sprite or 7-Up. Use a ratio of one part Hennessy to three parts of lemon-lime soda.
4. Ginger Ale
Ginger is one of the very few fad healthcare foods that actually have some medicinal properties. However, this doesn’t apply to ginger ale because most brands of ginger ale do not contain any actual ginger.
Ginger ale was invented in 1851 by an Irish surgeon and apothecary (pharmacist) as a medicinal tonic for his patients. It was originally carbonated through fermentation, which gave the tonic a small alcohol content on its own. Modern ginger ale is carbonated through artificial means.
The Hennessy corporate website recommends 1.5 ounces (44 ml) of Hennessy to 3.5 ounces (103 ml) of ginger ale. That said, in my experience, a ratio of one part Hennessy to three parts ginger ale will work well if you’re pouring yourself a larger drink.
5. Coca Cola
Like ginger ale and 7-Up, Coca-Cola is a 19th-century medicinal tonic that once featured “fun” active ingredients. Modern Coke no longer features the extract of the coca plant but does feature more sugar in one can than you should consume in a week.
While the sugar content may not be what I (or anyone else) would call healthy, it does make Coca-Cola a great mixer for several different alcohols.
Coca-Cola is widely used as a mixer to blend its sweet but dark taste to counterbalance the alcohol sting of straight spirits. For example, rum and coke is a favorite worldwide, and many people find that using Coca-Cola as a mixer is a great option when they simply can’t figure out which cocktail they want.
For a good Hennessy and Coke cocktail, use a ratio of one part Hennessy to three parts coke. Serve cold and over ice.
6. Cranberry Juice
Cranberries are a natural astringent tasting fruit from the genus Vaccinium. Before being documented by Europeans in 1550, the Algonquin nation cultivated the fruit for thousands of years. Native to North America, it is grown in bogs rather like wild rice.
In their natural state, cranberries are bitter to the point of being unpalatable. But when sweetened, they can be rather delectable. Sweetened cranberries are sold as juice and as gelatin in a can.
The creatively named “Cran-Henny” cocktail uses one part Hennessy and three parts cranberry juice. Served over ice, the Cran-Henny is an adult version of CranGrape Juice.
7. Ice Tea
The first credible literary reference to tea cultivation dates back to China in the third century of the current era, but it had probably been consumed for centuries before that.
Like several previous mixers, tea was originally consumed as a medicinal tonic before its value as an enjoyable drink was discovered. It also contains the world’s most widely consumed stimulant – caffeine.
Combining Hennessy and iced tea creates a refreshing and interesting flavor combination. To avoid overpowering either the tea or the spirit, mix one-part Hennessy to three parts tea, with or without added sugar. This cocktail can be consumed either hot or cold.
8. Margarita Mix
The exact origin of the margarita is not known. The first mention of the tangy tequila cocktail was from an Iowa newspaper article dating back to 1936. If it had made its way to Iowa, it must have already existed for decades.
Traditionally, margaritas are some of the more complicated cocktails to make. But these days, you can buy pre-made margarita mixes. Just add your choice of tequila and triple sec to the mix (they’re usually available in either a powder or liquid form), and you’re good to go!
This convenience makes it easy to make a Hennessey margarita, which is a great variation of the traditional Jimmy Buffet favorite. This drink is best served blended.
To make this drink, put one ounce (29 ml) tequila, two ounces (59 ml) Hennessy, one ounce (29 ml) of triple sec, five ounces (147 ml) of margarita mix, and two cups of ice into your blender. Make sure the lid is secure, and use either the “Frozen Drink” or “Purray” setting. Serve in a tall glass or a margarita glass.
For 3 more easy Hennessy mixed drink ideas check out this video below.
