Strawberry-Rhubarb Cognac Sour with Elderflower
A bright and floral cocktail combining VSOP Cognac with tart strawberry-rhubarb cordial and fragrant elderflower liqueur for a perfectly balanced sour. This french-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 5 minutes pairs VSOP Cognac, strawberry-rhubarb cordial, elderflower liqueur for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 170 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz VSOP Cognac
- 0.75 oz strawberry-rhubarb cordial
- 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
- 0.5 oz ruby port
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 lemon twist (garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill. Add 1.5 oz VSOP Cognac, 0.75 oz strawberry-rhubarb cordial, 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, 0.5 oz ruby port, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 2 dashes of Peychaud's bitters.
- Step 2: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and the ingredients are well combined.
- Step 3: Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a fresh lemon twist by expressing the oils over the glass rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Strawberry-Rhubarb Cognac Sour with Elderflower take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Strawberry-Rhubarb Cognac Sour with Elderflower?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vsop cognac from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Strawberry-Rhubarb Cognac Sour with Elderflower?
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 Strawberry-Rhubarb Cognac Sour with Elderflower 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 Strawberry-Rhubarb Cognac Sour with Elderflower?
French cocktails & beverages 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
- ★★★★★
My family couldn't get enough of this cocktail. The recipe is spot-on.
- ★★★★★
Cognac and rhubarb? Yes! This sour is a game-changer at my dinner parties.
- ★★★★★
The elderflower really elevated the strawberry-rhubarb balance. Perfect for summer gatherings!
