the before-mentioned 'Sidecar' is always a popular choice.
The Classic Champagne cocktail. very sociable indeed.
A simple but likeable - 'Brandy milk punch'. similar to the alexander minus
the cacao, with a touch of vanilla syrup.
to the slightly more complex and unknown to some bartenders - an authentic
'Sazerac'. Also try it with equal parts rye and see if you like it.
You can also try it in Flips/Crustas/Juleps
To warm up in the winter - 'Keoki Coffee' - Irish coffee with brandy instead.
Also try cognac in a Hot Toddy replacing whisky.
Personally, have been suffering from a horrible cold since thursday and this
helped me see through the weekend. -
muddle chopped up 1cm of fresh ginger
2 barspoons honey
15ml lemon juice
50ml cognac
add boiling hot water and stir well and serve.
Also a personal creation a while ago works great as an after dinner drink
40ml Hennessey Rare
20ml white creme de cacao
10ml Mandarine Napoleon (if unavailable sustitute with Grand Marnier)
5ml Monin chocolate syrup (if required)
Stir over ice and fine strain into a room temperature Martini glass (a
chocolate rim using a slice of orange is appreciated) The vanilla and
chocolate notes of the Hennesey Rare work well with the nutty characteristics
of the white cacao. Before I claim it as an original, I'm pretty sure I've
seen something similar like a Vodka Chocolate Orange floating around somewhere.
Hopefully its given you a few ideas.
Enjoy!
--
As a great bartender once said: "I don't mix drinks, I mix people"