Do-it-yourself homemade cognac drinks

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

For many, cognac is a strong alcoholic drink with the addition of exclusive extracts. So it is, if it is produced according to the right technology. It is always light or dark brown in color with a pleasant smell.

What is the main indicator of quality? Often people think that the richer the color of cognac drinks, the better they are. It's not like that at all. Even if the producers make this alcohol from high quality alcohol, then it can be painted over with soaked oak chips or burnt sugar. And herbal flavors are added for taste. Only true connoisseurs can recognize a fake.

A bit of history

As the legend says, when a certain French merchant went to distant countries to trade, there were several barrels of white wine in his holds. While he was sailing, the contents deteriorated, it was no longer possible to sell it. But the stingy merchant did not pour out the wine, but brought it back. At home, he decided to overtake the drink in order to get rid of the unpleasant smell and taste. The resulting product has since been considered cognac. Here is such a legend.

First mention of this drinkdates back to 1411. The then naming of cognac - eau de vie, which means "water of life". This ancient designation accurately reflected its properties in those days.

After many years, the now well-known cognac "Armagnac" appeared. Its origin originates from the city of the same name in the French province of Gascony. The best white dry wine at that time was produced near this settlement.

During the years of an overabundance of the drink, in order to save it from spoilage, winemakers began to use distillation of it in the then available way. The resulting alcohol was stored in oak barrels. From long-term storage, it absorbed the aroma of wood, which also painted it brown. This is how cognac was born. And this is no longer a legend, but history.

How cognac distillate is mined

What is cognac distillate is not difficult to guess. But only experts know all the subtleties of its production. The recipe has always been kept in the strictest confidence, which is even protected by the internationally recognized technology protection law.

If you describe this process in general terms, then this is a double distillation of dry white wine to a certain strength. In addition, an important factor is the grape variety from which the wine is made, as well as the time of harvest. They are especially scrupulous about the technology of obtaining juice, its fermentation and distillation. A significant factor is the storage of the drink and its aging in containers specially made for this purpose.

Legal production today

True and now known to allthe alcoholic drink is produced by French winemakers in only six of its regions. But only the one produced in the Charente region has the right to be called cognac. During production, the strictest technological process is observed. All cognac drinks produced by this technology in other places are called brandy.

Cities such as Cognac and Jarnac are internationally recognized centers of cognac and cognac products. Their lands are rich in various minerals and the favorable climate favors the fertility of special grape varieties:

• Ugni Blanc,
• Folle Blanche,
• Colombard.

The climate of the Charente, as the French say, is no doubt a gift from God. Unique soil, cool summers and warm winters without strong winds. This contributes to large yields and plant resistance to vineyard diseases.

Homemade cognac with your own hands

Not everyone can afford to buy real French cognac. But you can put several components together yourself, let them brew a little, then cognac or cognac drink will be no worse than an expensive store-bought one. And definitely safer than a cheap fake.

Further in the article, a recipe for cognac homemade drinks is presented.

Classic alcohol technology

This is the simplest cognac drink recipe. All ingredients are designed for 1 liter of food alcohol diluted to 40 °. If desired, all ingredients can be increased in proportion to this base.

For cooking you will need:

• alcohol- 1 l;
• sugar - 1 tsp;
• tea - 1 tsp;
• bay leaf - 1 pc;
• vanillin - 1 pinch;
• black pepper - 2 peas;
• carnation - 2 inflorescences;
• lemon or orange peel.

A few simple manipulations with the ingredients:

1. Pour sugar and vanillin into alcohol. Stir until the additive dissolves.
2. Then we throw tea, cloves, bay leaves, black pepper and zest into this solution. Shake the jar tightly.

The container must be placed in a dark, cool place for at least 10 days. If you stand for 30 days, you will get a good cognac drink with a delicate aroma and light brown color.

Cognac from moonshine on oak bark

This recipe brings the taste of homemade alcohol as close as possible to cognac. After the completion of the process, the smell of moonshine is not felt at all, and the taste is difficult to distinguish from good cognac.

Prepare these ingredients:

• moonshine - 3 l;
• sugar - 3 tbsp. l.;
• oak chips - 2 tbsp. l.;
• cardamom - 1 pinch;
• ground nutmeg - 1 pinch.

Now start combining the ingredients:

1. In a three-liter jar, dissolve sugar in a small amount of moonshine. Add the rest of the ingredients and top with the remaining drink.
2. Close the jar tightly and shake everything well. Place the container in a dark place or cover carefully. Infuse for no more than a month, otherwise the moonshine will absorb too much tannins.
3. Then filter and bottle. Close them tightly and hide them again in a dark place for at least six months.

After such exposure, you will get a cognac drink of excellent quality. It will acquire a rich taste, aroma and softness.