Cognac & Blackberry Smash
A vibrant summer cocktail bursting with fresh blackberry tartness and the smooth elegance of cognac, perfect for garden gatherings. This recipe, ready in about 8 minutes, brings together Cognac, Fresh blackberries, 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
- 1/2 cup Fresh blackberries
- 1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup
- 2 oz Club soda
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 1/2 cup fresh blackberries with 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice until the berries release their juice and are crushed (about 30 seconds).
- Step 2: Add 2 oz cognac and 1/2 oz simple syrup to the shaker, then fill with ice cubes.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled, strain into a chilled coupe glass, top with 2 oz club soda, and stir gently for 5 seconds to combine. Garnish with a fresh blackberry and a lemon twist.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cognac & Blackberry Smash take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 & Blackberry Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover cognac & blackberry smash 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 & Blackberry Smash?
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 & Blackberry Smash 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 & Blackberry Smash?
Cocktails 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
