Spirits
Cognac/Brandy
- Spirit
- 40% ABV
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You enjoy rich, grape-derived spirits with oak and dried fruit notes.
Skip if…
- ✗You prefer lighter, cleaner spirits.
At a Glance
Ingredient nutrition is approximate and varies by brand, recipe and preparation.
On this page
What is Cognac/Brandy?
Cognac/Brandy is mapped to the Spirits reference category. This page supports recipe discovery, ingredient context, flavor navigation and related drink-guide grouping across WhatDrink.
What does Cognac/Brandy taste like?
Fruity, complex, refined, balanced structure, aromatic finish, cocktail ingredient context
Cognac/Brandy profile
Best used for: tropical drinks, sours, highballs, stirred cocktails
- Has 2 common substitutes
- High-strength spirit (40% ABV)
Fruity, complex, refined, balanced structure, aromatic finish, cocktail ingredient context
Ways to use cognac/brandy
- Cocktail base
- Best with Orange liqueur
- Best with Citrus
Alternatives to try
Reviewed ingredient substitutions
These can sometimes replace cognac/brandy in a recipe, but each changes the result — treat them as starting points, not exact swaps.
Alternatives change flavour, aroma, strength or structure. Treat them as starting points rather than exact one-for-one replacements.
Nutrition per measure
Approx. values for per 30ml / 1 oz.
- Calories
- 67
- Sugar
- 0g
- Carbs
- 0g
Per 100ml — 224 kcal · 0g sugar · 0g carbs
Ingredient nutrition is approximate and varies by brand, recipe and preparation.
Drink counts and recipe data are based on published WhatDrink recipes. Figures may vary as new recipes are added.
Cognac/Brandy — common questions
- What is the ABV of Cognac/Brandy?
- Cognac/Brandy has an ABV of approximately 40%. The exact strength varies by brand and expression.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Intensity (light to bold), Sweetness (dry to sweet), Mixability (how versatile it is in cocktails) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare Cognac/Brandy with similar ingredients at a glance.
- How do I use the Cognac/Brandy sensory profile to find drinks I like?
- If you enjoy the intensity and flavour profile of Cognac/Brandy, look for other ingredients or cocktails with a similar profile. Compare Intensity, Sweetness and Mixability to find substitutes or discover new cocktails in the same flavour family.