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Courvoisier is breaking free from the shackling ‘seriousness’ of cognac
When it comes to cognac brands, Courvoisier is considered to be one of the top ones and the distilled spirit is shrugging off its serious tag.
Courvoisier cognac event at Beechwood Gardens, Johannesburg. Picture: Supplied
This spring-into-summer time, we are reimagining how we spend our time outside. Many of us are seriously soaking up as much sunshine as possible, with a couple of drinks on hand and why not cognac.
As more events open up, people are reuniting and our celebrations and get-togethers are associated with drinks and French cognac brand Courvoisier wants to be part of your moments.
Producing a high-quality cognac for over two centuries, they want people to know cognac isn’t just for the affluent and serious. Hosting picturesque, floral style “moments” in the next five months, Courvoisier will host a series of #CourvoisierMoments at over 40 venues across Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Hosting one of these recently at Beechwood Gardens, Johannesburg, guests were treated to cognac cocktails paired with a surprise panic.
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Mixologist and Courvoisier brand ambassador George Hunter says cognac has had an air of seriousness for generations.
“The idea that we are pushing is a lighthearted blossom of cognac or cognac in blossom be in the moment and enjoy it. You don’t have to be super serious.”
The cocktails served were the Gala, a shot of Courvoisier with citrus tonic. A fun element was making our own cocktail, the French twist, which is on the sweeter side. It is mixed with orange curacao (citrus flavoured liquor), sirope de gomme (sugar syrup) and a squeeze of lemon to balance out the flavours.
Having researched and knowing a fair amount about the history of cocktails, Hunter says a lot of classic cocktails are made with cognac.
“A lot of cognac brands do their own type of cocktails. Cognac cocktails are quite fruity, boozy and citrusy. Cognac fits in a lot of categories when it comes to cocktails which many people don’t know about.”
For those who are interested in food pairings and love hosting, the mixologist says cognac pairs well with hard cheeses and specifically, Courvoisier works well with floral notes of food.
Chilli or spicy foods don’t really work as it affects the taste of the cognac. Hunter concludes that other food pairings are light snacks and light meats.
Just like other spirits, cognac’s resurgence is more than welcome.
