Gourmet-Alcohol

Images Courtesy of Total Wine and More Whether you’re looking to enjoy Cognac as a digestif or mix it into a cocktail , it never hurts to have a bottle on your bar cart. Here’s a look at what this spirit actually is, how it’s made, the best bottles for every type of drinker and more.  What Is Cognac? Cognac is a type of brandy that must be produced in the Cognac region of France . Think of it like Champagne : Champagne is a sparkling wine , but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Similarly, Cognac is a brandy , but not all brandy is Cognac. The primary grape used in Cognac is Ugni Blanc . But small amounts of Picpoul (known in France as Folle Blanche), Colombard and a few other varieties are also used. If you’re familiar with French wine, you probably know that it’s often identified by producers or estates. However, Cognac is recognized by brands—Hennessy, Courvoisier, Rémy Martin and Martell are the four biggest houses. How Is Cognac Made?   Cognac is made from distilled

It's a Wonderful Life Cocktail/ Photo by Ren Fuller for Chronicle Books This recipe is adapted from   Very Merry Cocktails ,  a new cookbook featuring cocktail recipes by lifestyle taste writer   and author Jessica Strand. If only George Bailey could have sipped one of these smooth, creamy cocktails , he would have known right away what a wonderful life he had. How to Make a “It’s a Wonderful Life” Cocktail Ingredients 3 oz [90 ml] half-and-half 1½ oz [45 ml] Irish cream liqueur ½ oz [15 ml] crème de menthe Ground cinnamon, for garnish Directions Fill an old fashioned glass halfway with ice. Pour the half-and-half, Irish cream liqueur, and crème de menthe into an ice-filled shaker. Shake until cold, then strain into the prepared glass. Dust with ground cinnamon.