Hennessy is a popular brand of Cognac, which is a type of brandy made from grapes. While Cognac is often enjoyed on its own as an after dinner drink, many people like to mix it with juices or use it as an ingredient in cocktails. The fruitiness and oak notes of Hennessy pair particularly well with certain fruit juices. Here is a look at some of the best juice options to mix with Hennessy.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is one of the most popular mixers for Hennessy and Cognac in general. The tart sweetness of cranberry juice balances the spice and warmth from the Cognac. The pairing creates a drink with layers of flavor – the crisp berry taste upfront followed by the mellow oak undertones. Cranberry juice cuts through the strength of the spirit while complementing its profile. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for an approachable and refreshing Cognac cocktail.
To make this simple cocktail, fill a rocks glass with ice and add 1.5 oz Hennessy Cognac. Top with 4-6 oz of cranberry juice, then gently stir to combine. Garnish with an orange slice or cranberries if desired. The drink can be served straight up or over fresh ice.
Other Cranberry Juice Cocktail Ideas
- Hennessy cranberry juice with a squeeze of lime
- Hennessy cranberry juice with a splash of club soda
- Hennessy cranberry juice with ginger ale
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is another excellent match for Hennessy Cognac cocktails. The tropical sweetness helps balance the oak aging flavors in the spirit. Pineapple also has enough acidity to cut through the richness of Cognac. The pairing works well in simple two or three ingredient drinks.
To make a basic Hennessy pineapple juice cocktail, combine 1.5 oz Hennessy, 3-4 oz pineapple juice, and shake over ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or leaves. The natural flavor pairing makes this a go-to tropical cocktail.
Other Pineapple Juice Cocktail Combinations
- Hennessy, pineapple juice, splash of coconut water
- Hennessy, pineapple juice, dash Angostura bitters
- Hennessy, pineapple juice, lemon juice
Apple Juice
For a fall-inspired cocktail, try mixing up Hennessy with apple juice or cider. The apple notes enhance the fruitiness in the Cognac and give it a nice autumnal flavor profile. As a bonus, apple juice cuts the alcohol proof, making for a lighter cocktail.
A simple Hennessy apple juice cocktail can be made by shaking together 2 oz Hennessy, 4-6 oz apple juice, and ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an apple slice. For extra flavor, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Other Ways to Use Apple Juice
- Hennessy, apple cider, splash of ginger beer
- Hennessy, spiced apple cider, lemon wedge
- Hennessy, apple juice, squeeze of lemon
Grapefruit Juice
The slight bitterness of grapefruit juice works nicely with Cognac like Hennessy. The grapefruit tempers the sweetness of the spirit and makes for a well-balanced drink. Grapefruit brings out fresh citrus aspects while complementing the rich warmth.
Mix up a Hennessy grapefruit cocktail by combining 1.5 oz Hennessy, 3-4 oz grapefruit juice, and a dash of lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Other Grapefruit Juice Ideas
- Hennessy, grapefruit juice, tonic water
- Hennessy, grapefruit juice, mint leaves
- Hennessy, grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur
Orange Juice
Fresh orange juice is a bright, flavorful mixer for Hennessy Cognac. The citrus notes in the juice accentuate the fruit in the Cognac and create a sweet, tangy flavor profile. Orange juice also adds body and smooths out the spirit.
To make a simple Hennessy orange juice cocktail, shake 1.5 oz Hennessy with 5-6 oz fresh orange juice over ice. Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange slice or wheel.
Other Orange Juice Cocktail Variations
- Hennessy, orange juice, club soda
- Hennessy, orange juice, lemon-lime soda
- Hennessy, orange juice, ginger ale
Pomegranate Juice
The rich, tart flavor of pomegranate juice goes nicely with the warmth of Hennessy Cognac. Pomegranate adds a touch of sweetness to balance the oaky notes in the spirit. Its ruby red color also makes for an eye-catching cocktail.
For a Hennessy pomegranate cocktail, shake 1.5 oz Hennessy with 3-4 oz pomegranate juice and ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with pomegranate seeds or a lime wheel.
Other Pomegranate Juice Cocktail Ideas
- Hennessy, pomegranate juice, sparkling water
- Hennessy, pomegranate juice, lemon twist
- Hennessy, pomegranate juice, ginger beer
Mango Juice
The tropical flavor of mango pairs nicely with Hennessy Cognac. Mango juice has enough sweetness to balance the oak in Cognac and makes for a flavorful, fruit-forward cocktail. Its orange hue also resembles that of the spirit.
Mix up a mango Hennessy cocktail by shaking 1.5 oz Hennessy with 3-4 oz mango juice and ice. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a mango slice or mint leaves.
Other Mango Juice Cocktail Combinations
- Hennessy, mango juice, coconut water
- Hennessy, mango juice, ginger beer
- Hennessy, mango juice, lime wedge
Cranberry Apple Juice
For the best of both worlds, try mixing Hennessy Cognac with cranberry apple juice. This gives you the balanced sweet-tart flavor of cranberry plus the mellow fruitiness of apple. The combo nicely rounds out the Cognac.
Shake 1.5 oz Hennessy with 4-6 oz cranberry apple juice and ice. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with apple and cranberry skewers.
Grape Juice
Since Cognac is distilled from grapes, it makes sense that grape juice complements it well. Concord grape juice has enough sweetness to balance the oakiness in Hennessy Cognac. Its purplish color is also eye-catching in cocktails.
For a simple cocktail, stir together 1.5 oz Hennessy and 4-5 oz concord grape juice over ice. Strain into a wine glass or coupe. Garnish with grapes on a skewer.
Other Grape Juice Cocktail Recipes
- Hennessy, grape juice, tonic water
- Hennessy, grape juice, ginger ale
- Hennessy, grape juice, lemon-lime soda
Conclusion
Hennessy Cognac pairs beautifully with a variety of fruit juices. Choices like cranberry, pineapple, grapefruit, and orange juice complement the fruit notes in the spirit while smoothing out its oakiness. For fall flavors, apple cider and grape juice are ideal options. Tropical juices like mango and pineapple also work well. Mix up Hennessy with your juice of choice or get creative and combine a few for a signature cocktail.