Cognac and Lemon Brandy Old Fashioned
A twist on the classic Old Fashioned featuring smooth cognac, lemon juice, and subtle sweetness for a rich yet refreshing sip. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together cognac, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz cognac
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 twist orange peel
- 1 large ice cube
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 large ice cube in a rocks glass to chill.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz cognac, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters over the ice.
- Step 3: Stir gently for 30 seconds to combine flavors and chill the drink without diluting.
- Step 4: Express oils from 1 orange peel twist over the glass by bending it, then rub the rim with the peel and drop it in as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cognac and Lemon Brandy Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Cognac and Lemon Brandy Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover cognac and lemon brandy old fashioned in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cognac and Lemon Brandy Old Fashioned?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cognac and Lemon Brandy Old Fashioned for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cognac and Lemon Brandy Old Fashioned?
General cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
