Celebrate World Cocktail Day with Martell

A well-made cognac cocktail isn’t just about mixing ingredients. It’s about creating an experience. Whether you’re raising a glass at a bar with your friends or playing bartender at your house party, World Cocktail Day on May 13th is the perfect excuse to appreciate the art behind every great drink. 

People often go for vodka or rum when making cocktails, but there’s a spirit that brings something different to the table – cognac. It’s rich, smooth, and surprisingly refreshing when mixed right. If you’re looking to upgrade your cocktail skills, here are a few insider tips, plus some easy cognac-based drinks you can make at home. 

What Makes a Great Cognac Cocktail? Keeping It Simple

You don’t need a bunch of fancy ingredients or bar tools to make a good cognac cocktail. Some of the best drinks come from just a few quality ingredients mixed the right way. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind:  

• Balance is everything. Too sweet? Too sour? The best cognac cocktails find that perfect middle ground between acidity, sweetness, and bitterness. 

• Use fresh ingredients. Fresh citrus, real fruit juices, and good spirits always beat artificial mixers.  

• Amount of ice matters. Small ice cubes melt faster and water down your drink. Bigger cubes keep things cold without making your cocktail taste weak.  

• The looks count. There’s this common cooking expression – “we eat first with our eyes.” It works with drinks, too. A nice glass and a simple garnish can make even a basic drink feel special.  

Once you’ve got these basics down, you can start experimenting with different flavors and combinations. 

Simple Bartender Hacks to Make Your Cognac Cocktails Taste Better 

You don’t need professional bartending skills to make a great cognac drink, but a few small tricks can take your cocktails from average to amazing:  

• Chill your glass. A cold glass keeps your drink crisp and refreshing longer.  

• Use fresh herbs and citrus. A little mint, basil, or fresh-squeezed lime juice can completely change a cocktail.  

• Shake or stir the right way. Shake drinks with juice or citrus; stir drinks that are just spirits.  

• Garnish with purpose. A lemon twist, a sprig of rosemary, or a few fresh berries make a drink look and taste better.  
• Experiment with infusions. Soaking cognac with vanilla, cinnamon, or even fresh herbs adds a fun twist to cocktails.       

The Story Behind World Cocktail Day

Every May 13th, the world raises a glass to World Cocktail Day, celebrating the history and craft of mixology. It all started in 1806, when a newspaper called The Balance and Columbian Repository first defined the word “cocktail.” Back then, it was simply described as a blend of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters – a formula that still is the backbone of many classic drinks today. 

Of course, since then cocktails have evolved in a major way. Today’s bartenders are constantly pushing the limits, creating new flavors and reimagining old favorites, including cognac-based recipes. One standout in the industry is Remy Savage, a mixologist known for his minimalist but deeply thoughtful approach. His philosophy? Only keep what truly enhances a drink – nothing more, nothing less. This minimalistic approach really came to life in 2019, when he released a menu of 22 cocktails, each based on only two ingredients. His idea won ‘Best Drinks List’ at the Class Awards in 2020.  

Try Something Bold: Martell Swift & Spicy

When trying cognac for the first time, choosing quality is key. And few do it better than Martell. Try Martell Blue Swift, the first-ever spirit drink made of cognac VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) and then finished in bourbon casks. Exceptionally smooth, with a rounded taste and unique character, it works great as a base to many flavorful cocktails. If you’re looking for a drink with a little heat and character, the Martell Swift & Spicy is a must-try. It combines cognac’s natural richness with a spicy, tropical aromas, making it a bold yet smooth choice for the occasion. Want to prepare one yourself? Check out our cognac cocktail recipes.