An emblematic spirit from southwest France, Armagnac is often enjoyed neat as a digestif. Yet, much like Cognac, it lends itself beautifully to mixology. Its fruity character, along with woody and sometimes spicy notes, makes it an ideal base for reimagining classic cocktails or crafting original creations. Here are 10 must-try cocktails made with Armagnac.
1. Armagnac Sour
A variation of the famous Whisky Sour, the Armagnac Sour highlights the perfect balance between acidity and sweetness.
Recipe:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously, and serve in an old-fashioned glass over ice.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Armagnac
- 25 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- 1 egg white (optional)
- Ice cubes
2. Gascon Sidecar
Inspired by the classic Sidecar, this cocktail swaps Cognac for Armagnac, offering a richer and more aromatic twist.
Recipe:
Shake all ingredients in a shaker with ice, then strain into a sugar-rimmed cocktail glass.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Armagnac Bordeneuve VSOP
- 20 ml triple sec (Cointreau)
- 20 ml fresh lemon juice
- Sugar for rimming the glass
3. Armagnac Old Fashioned
A Gascon twist on the famous American Old Fashioned.
Recipe:
In an old-fashioned glass, muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters, then add the Armagnac and ice cubes. Stir gently, and finish with an orange zest.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Armagnac Marquis de Montesquiou VSOP
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange zest
4. Gascony Mule
A variation of the classic Moscow Mule, featuring Armagnac as the base spirit.
Recipe:
Pour the ingredients into a copper mug filled with ice, top up with ginger beer, and stir gently.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml Armagnac Laballe 3 ans ICE 3
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- Ginger beer (to top up)
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge
5. Armagnac Collins
Recipe:
Combine the Armagnac, lemon juice, and sugar syrup in a shaker. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice, then top up with sparkling water.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml Armagnac Bordeneuve 3 Étoiles
- 20 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- Sparkling water
- Ice cubes
6. French Manhattan
A tribute to Gascony: armagnac replaces whisky, creating a fruitier take on the Manhattan.
Recipe:
Stir the ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice, then strain into a cocktail glass.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Armagnac Marquis de Montesquiou VSOP
- 25 ml sweet vermouth
- 1 dash of Angostura bitters
- Ice cubes
- Cherry for garnish
7. Armagnac Tonic
Simplicity and freshness define this easy-to-make aperitif cocktail.
Recipe:
Pour the armagnac into a large glass filled with ice, top up with tonic, and add a lemon zest.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Armagnac Bordeneuve 3 Étoiles
- Tonic (to top up)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon zest
8. Gascon Mojito
A revisited Mojito, where armagnac replaces rum, bringing more roundness and depth to the cocktail.
Recipe:
Muddle the mint leaves with sugar and lime juice, add the armagnac, then top up with sparkling water and crushed ice.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Armagnac Marquis de Montesquiou VS
- 8 mint leaves
- 20 ml lime juice
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Sparkling water
- Crushed ice
9. Armagnac Negroni
A Gascon twist on the Negroni, where armagnac replaces gin.
Recipe:
Stir all ingredients with ice and serve in an old-fashioned glass with an orange zest.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Armagnac Marquis de Montesquiou VSOP
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 30 ml Campari
- Ice cubes
- Orange zest
10. Gascony Espresso Martini
A French twist on the classic Espresso Martini, where armagnac enhances the coffee’s richness.
Recipe:
In a shaker, combine all ingredients with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into a cocktail glass.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Armagnac Bordeneuve VSOP
- 30 ml coffee liqueur
- 30 ml freshly brewed espresso
- Ice cubes
To go further in discovering Armagnac
La Maison du Whisky has three boutiques in Paris:
In each of these boutiques, you'll find a wide selection of whiskies, rums, sakes, and other fine spirits.
Because a whisky can be described in a thousand words, our experts will be delighted to guide you through the must-try whiskies at La Maison du Whisky.
Follow our tasting calendar for upcoming events, or visit the Golden Promise Whisky Bar, which offers an extensive selection of whiskies and other spirits by the glass.
