The best appetizer for cognac: simple options and quick recipes. What is cognac served with?

Authentic French cognac has a rather long and entertaining history, and there is nothing to say about its aristocracy and nobility. A real drink has repeatedly turned out to be good even for the most famous kings, so you and I should show respect and figure out how to drink cognac correctly so as not to lose face at an official reception or even just visiting friends. Real gourmets and connoisseurs of sophistication and nobility can give a lot of advice on how and with what to drink cognac correctly, let's listen to their words.

Subtleties and features of the drink

Not so long ago, few people wondered how to drink brandy and what to eat it with. Even a second-rate drink in eateries was considered the most real cognac, which was usually poured into glasses and savoryly eaten with lemon or even a piece of ordinary herring from a barrel. Such a custom was formed a very long time ago, back in the days of the last Russian Tsar, when the disgusting taste of the liquor had to be muffled and softened with something. If the meaning of drinking is just to get drunk, then this option is just right, but if the drink is purchased for a considerable amount, then you want to enjoy and discover all the taste qualities of cognac to the maximum, feel the aroma and emphasize it even more.

Interesting

Today, many already know that only the drink that is produced in France, in the vicinity of the town with the same name, can be considered authentic and natural. The drink cannot have an alcohol content of less than forty percent and must be aged in oak barrels for at least two years, otherwise it will be considered unaged and quality control will not pass.

Ordinary varieties of cognac are made from wine spirits aged in barrels for at least three years, but not more than five. Such a drink usually has a light golden, sparkling color and a pleasant, slightly perceptible aroma.

Vintage cognac has an exposure of six years. Its shades are much richer and darker, and the smell is thicker and stronger. Usually such cognacs have their own names, and their strength reaches 47% when aged for up to ten years.

Collection varieties of cognac additionally remain in barrels for at least another five years. This is already a truly elite drink, the cost of which can easily be compared with a small plane.

Drinking culture: how to drink cognac according to all the rules

True French people have their own opinion about what they drink cognac with and what they eat such a noble and aristocratic drink with. It would not be bad to take into account their advice, as they are aimed precisely at getting the maximum possible pleasure from an unusual drink.

Cognac is drunk in a certain atmosphere of sophistication, which can be created anywhere, from an expensive restaurant or work office, to a quiet corner of the house by the fireplace. It does not hurt to dress specially for cognac, so that slippers, curlers and a bathrobe do not spoil the whole impression. This is exactly the case when the entourage plays a colossal role, so you should definitely think about how to drink cognac, so as not to regret the wasted money on an elite drink later.

The right glasses play a role

It is very important to understand from which glasses cognac is drunk, because a lot really depends on the right choice. Special cognac glasses, with a wide bottom and rather narrowed at the top, even have a special name Snifter. Translated from English, this word means "sniff", since this is precisely the main essence of the form of such drinking utensils. The capacity of such a glass is fixed and is 0.84 liters, and it must also be on a short stem.

Another option on how to drink brandy: for this you need to choose an amazing glass called Wobble. It is a spherical product, the bottom of which has a conical shape, because of which the vessel, as it were, is reclining on its side. In the people, such glasses are called "tumblers".

However, recently people have ceased to be so strict about all the subtleties and rules, so they began to drink the drink from other dishes. There are tasting glasses that are tulip-shaped and have a capacity of no more than 0.14 liters. Now many people prefer to drink cognac from such glasses, as they are much more convenient, and they will definitely be found among the set of dishes of almost any housewife. Such a "tulip" will reveal the smell of the drink much better if you do not have time to follow the entire traditional drinking procedure.

Temperature: warm or cool

A very important question is at what temperature cognac is drunk, since every little thing plays a huge role in creating the right entourage. And the action itself will be completely different if you follow all these rules and recommendations, many say that they managed to feel like real aristocrats in French vineyards tasting elite varieties of cognac. It makes sense to understand and understand exactly how to do it right, and which options it is better to immediately refuse.

As to whether cognac is drunk warm or cold, disputes have been going on for more than one hundred years, and everyone has their own opinion, which has a right to exist. There is an old rule that would not hurt to voice. Before drinking cognac, the glass needs to be slightly warmed up, then it will fully reveal its bouquet and aroma. However, everyone knows that consuming alcoholic beverages warm is a bad form, in no way similar to the behavior of aristocrats.

This strange thing has been happening right from those ancient times, when not everyone could afford to heat their homes with high quality, and even the French king suffered from the cold and complained about frozen fingers. Even sitting by the fireplace, I had to warm up the glass so that it could be held in my hands at all, because the wine, cognac and glass of the glass that had just been brought from the cellar were very cold.

So what temperature is cognac drunk at and is there a special rule for this? It turns out that there is such a recommendation. First, a bottle of drink, still uncorked, must be kept for several hours in the very room where you will drink it so that it reaches room temperature. The optimum serving temperature is 19-22 ºС, but this drink does not like special heating. Its smell becomes sharp and it strongly reeks of alcohol.

Sediment in a bottle

It is very important to understand what to do if you suddenly find a precipitate in cognac, whether it is possible to drink such a drink and whether it will harm human health. There can be quite a few reasons for the occurrence of sediment, so it’s worth talking about only the most fundamental ones. At significantly lower storage temperatures during blending, due to the precipitation of excess iron and calcium, flaky precipitates may form.

This sediment is light to light gray flakes that partially dissolve when you shake the bottle and cloud the liquid. All precipitates are removed by gentle filtration. That is, if you have expensive natural cognac, then despite the sediment, you can and even need to consume it, there will be no harm from this. If you have brandy in front of you, the label of which says “Cognac”, and there is sediment on the bottom, then it is better to refuse to drink such a drink.

But how to find out whether the real grape alcohol is the basis of cognac or ordinary vodka rectified, in the sediment of which there can be anything? Everything is quite simple, French and Armenian cognac, if you are sure that the drink is original, is guaranteed to be made according to all the manufacturing rules. In France, this is monitored by law, but in Armenia, quality control is carried out by Pernod Ricard (“Pinot Ricard”). If the country of manufacture of the drink is any other, then it can significantly damage health in the presence of sediment.

What is the best way to drink cognac?

Quite an important issue can be considered what to drink cognac with to make it tasty, since everyone really wants to get the maximum pleasure from a drink that cost a fabulous amount. Many cultures of many peoples of Europe have their own thoughts on this matter, but it still makes sense to listen to the French, since this is their national drink. They use it as a digestif, that is, to complete the meal.

Important

When figuring out what you can drink cognac with, you should listen to the true French rule of three "C" - Cofe, Cognac, Cigar. This means that after lunch or dinner, they first drink a cup of strong quality coffee, then they savor cognac, after which they smoke a good expensive cigar.

If you figure out what brandy is drunk with besides cola, then the first thing that comes to mind is such a sour citrus as lemon, which we already talked about at the beginning of our conversation. Such an appetizer is suitable for cheap swill from the nearest supermarket, but for elite varieties it will turn out to be almost a crime, the French would definitely not understand such an attitude and take it as an insult.

It is permissible to eat cognac with fruits, for example, grapes, apples, cherries, plums, pears. It is optimal that these are just the same fruits that grow in your area.

Hard varieties of expensive cheese are perfect for a drink.

Not bad sets off the taste of cognac and chocolate. The main rule here is simple - it must be dark and bitter, but by no means milky.

Oysters and olives are good choices.

Snacks for cognac should never be spicy or fatty, as they can clog the taste of the drink, which is completely unacceptable. Seafood should also be chosen with great care, the most fragrant and unusual, exotic, should be left for another occasion, since cognac should become the main dish for you, and not an appetizer for it.

Photo from the site: spirtok.ru

Any person should understand that noble spirits also imply appropriate culinary design, otherwise it will hardly be possible to fully reveal all their taste qualities and properties. One of the most popular aristocratic drinks of our time can be considered French cognac, which has a unique bouquet of unsurpassed grape aroma and rich taste. That is why many are wondering what appetizer for cognac on the festive table is best to choose, how to cook it correctly and with what this drink will become truly ideal.

Drinking traditions: what appetizer is served with cognac

To fully appreciate the incredible taste of expensive cognac, it will not be enough just to buy it and pour it into shot glasses or glasses. It is necessary to arrange this “diamond” in a worthy frame in order to figure out why the noble drink is so valued not only in its homeland, but throughout the world. What is served with cognac for a snack and how exactly it is customary to use it according to all the rules, we will discuss in our article. The drink came to us from French antiquity, this should not be overlooked, therefore, for recommendations and advice, it is better to turn to the traditional cuisine of this country, and the French, as anyone knows, are practically the most outstanding culinary experts in the world.

Photo from the site: Xcook.info

The list of what can be served with cognac is quite wide, due to the variety of French cuisine. The most important requirement related to it is the feature not to interrupt the taste and smell, since this noble drink must be tasted, not drunk. Cognac itself has a unique aroma and while drinking, you need to fully appreciate the bouquet so that it opens up and delivers incomparable pleasure.

Etiquette regarding cognac

According to the rules of etiquette, brandy is not served immediately, but at the very end of the meal, when the main dishes are already completely eaten and the plates are empty. Therefore, expensive cognac, the exposure of which has exceeded ten years, is drunk without snacks, according to the rule of three "C" - Cafe, Cognac, Cigare (coffee, cognac, cigar).

• The French say that the best appetizer for cognac is a variety of hard cheeses, which France is also famous for. Cheese "knows how" to set off the aroma of the original drink, and also does not allow the taste to be "hammered" for a sufficiently long time.
• An excellent choice would be fruits that grow in the same place as the vineyards grown for the purpose of making the drink. Apples, cherries, pears, strawberries and wild strawberries and even grapes will do.
• A variety of nuts, from walnuts to peanuts, are a good choice for snacking on cognac.
• Poultry and rabbit, veal or other non-fatty meat boiled or dried, fried or baked is also suitable for cognac.
• It perfectly diversifies the taste of cognac, emphasizes and makes it sharper fish and a variety of seafood, including caviar, both red and black.
• There is an opinion that a good appetizer for cognac is honey, but here the issue is rather controversial and such an unusual combination is definitely not for everyone.

Photo from the site: spirtok.ru

When figuring out which appetizer is suitable for cognac, it is worth understanding that the stereotype that the drink should and can be consumed with sliced ​​​​lemon has developed exclusively in our country. Citrus has an extremely intense and bright taste, which clogs the taste and smell, and, along with them, the aftertaste of the original product. That is, using it, it will hardly be possible to enjoy all the qualities of cognac. They say that the last emperor of Russia, Nicholas II, started a similar tradition, while others argue that the low quality of cognac in our country is to blame, which is why they wanted to soften it somehow. Let's take a closer look at what kind of appetizer is needed and what brandy is drunk with, so as not to miscalculate.

Cognac appetizer: quick recipes and more

Photo from the site: RussianFood.com

The question of what to serve with cognac for a snack worries all fans of this amazing drink, which cannot be called simple. But food for him should by no means be complicated. Ornate culinary delights should be left for some other occasion, and cognac loves simplicity in order to better express itself and open up, showing its true taste and aroma in all its glory. We invite you to prepare simple appetizers for cognac, the recipes with photos of which are given below, and enjoy the drink the way it is done in its homeland.

Sandwiches with sprats

It would seem, well, what else can be “pulled out” from such a dish as banal sandwiches with sprats, but it wasn’t there. They can be a really great appetizer for cognac, if you show a little imagination, especially since there is nothing complicated about it.

Photo from the site: gold-recepty.ru

Composition and ingredients

• Bread black or white. You can take a baguette, toast and other baked goods that you like best.
• Sprats in oil - 1 can.
• Fresh tomatoes - 1-2 pieces.
• Fresh cucumber - 1 piece.
• Mayonnaise is low calorie.
• Greens and lettuce.

Cooking

Carefully, using a special knife, cut the bread into thin slices so that it is convenient for you to make small sandwiches, laying them on a dish, which will be placed on the table. Cucumbers and tomatoes are cut into thin slices along the plane. The jar of sprats must be opened, and the fish themselves removed from the oil and put on a paper towel so that the remaining fat drains.

Photo from the site: varivkusno.ru

• It is enough to generously spread mayonnaise on slices of the selected bread, distributing it evenly over the entire plane.
• Put a piece of cucumber and tomato on top to make it look beautiful.
• For each sandwich, and bread needs to be cut into small pieces, lay out one or two fish.
• From above, you can decorate a sandwich with a branch of dill, cilantro or parsley, and send it to a common dish.

At the end of cooking, a plate with such an appetizer for cognac in a hurry is decorated with washed lettuce leaves and served at the table.

Unexpected rolls of crab sticks

Thinking about what kind of appetizer to serve with cognac, you should learn how to cook a dish that is not at all complicated, which will turn out to be somewhat more intricate than simple sandwiches, but also quite affordable. To prepare such an original appetizer, you don’t need a culinary education, and you don’t need much practice.

Photo from the site: cooksa.ru

Composition and ingredients

• Crab sticks - 1 large package (240 grams).
• Boiled chicken eggs - 2 pieces.
• Any hard cheese of your choice - 150-200 grams.
• Mayonnaise - 1 pack (200 grams).
• Garlic - 1-2 cloves.
• Dill or parsley - optional.

Cooking

To get started, just look at the recipe with a photo of this cognac appetizer to get an idea of ​​what you are cooking. Such a dish looks extremely appetizing, and anyone can cope with cooking, even a beginner.

Photo from the site: gotovim-doma.ru

• Defrost crab sticks beforehand, for which they can be put together with the packaging in cool water.
• Hard-boil chicken eggs, peel and cool.
• Grind hard cheese on a fine grater. Add finely chopped dill, mayonnaise, and crushed or mashed garlic to it. All this must be gently, but thoroughly mixed.
• Eggs also rub and add to the total mass with mayonnaise.
• Unroll the crab sticks so that they turn into a rectangular thin layer. Put the filling on top, then roll everything up into small rolls.

The resulting rolls are very carefully cut into portions with an extremely sharp knife and beautifully laid out on a plate, garnished with any herbs, olives or pickled berries of your choice.

Sandwiches with cheese, tomatoes and herbs

If you need to act extremely quickly, there is already a misted bottle of cognac on the table, and the guests are undressing on the threshold, it makes sense to cook very quick sandwiches with cheese and tomatoes, which will definitely please everyone, and will be an excellent appetizer for cognac, the recipe of which we now we will provide you.

Photo from the site: kapushka.ru

Composition and ingredients

• Bread black or white as desired. You can use a loaf, baguette, toast and more.
• Melted cheese - 200 grams.
• Tomatoes - 1-2 pieces.
• Vegetable oil.
• Garlic - 2-3 cloves.
• Greens to taste and desire.
• Mayonnaise - 100 grams.
• Salt pepper.

Cooking

Even a child can make such sandwiches, so do not worry, you will definitely have time, even if you need to act by emergency methods. Cut the bread into thin slices that will be convenient to lay out on a dish for serving. Wash the greens and tomatoes, crush the garlic with a special crusher and mix with mayonnaise.

Photo from the site: tvoirecepty.ru

• In a preheated frying pan, lightly fry the slices of bread with a little oil.
• Three melted cheese on a grater, mix with mayonnaise and garlic. After that, you need to let the mixture brew so that it is saturated with a bright garlic aroma and taste.
• On the toasted and cooled slices of bread, we spread the cheese filling over the entire plane.
• Cut the tomatoes into circles and spread on sandwiches.

It remains to sprinkle the tomatoes on top with salt and pepper, as well as decorate with herbs and the cognac appetizer is completely ready. As you can see, there is nothing complicated, and the cost of such sandwiches is quite low, but the taste is very harmonious and pleasant, with its spiciness, perfectly shading the cognac notes.

Mozzarella with tomatoes and basil

This recipe uses Italian mozzarella cheese, which is the best match for such a French drink as cognac. The only thing that may seem unusual to you is that a kind of sandwich is prepared completely without bread. But you always need to try something new, so let's experiment, especially since real cognac does not tolerate fuss.

Photo from the site: grukhina.ru

Composition and ingredients

• Tomatoes - 2-4 pieces. You need to choose dense and fleshy varieties that will be easy to cut into slices.
• Basil - half a standard bunch.
• Mozzarella - 150-200 grams.
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon.
• Balsamic sauce - 2 tablespoons.
• Salt, pepper - to taste.

Cooking

Preparation, and indeed the whole dish, is very easy to do at home, without putting any effort at all, while getting the perfect Italian appetizer for cognac. Cut the tomatoes and mozzarella into round slices, wash the basil and dry it in a towel.

Photo from the site: harbour-art.ru

• Put the tomato rounds on a plate to make it nice and even.
• Top the slices with balsamic sauce, salt and pepper to taste. You can use any spices you like.
• Mozzarella is laid out on each piece of tomato.
• All this is lightly sprinkled with olive oil on top.

This is where all the cooking ends, and the appetizer can be immediately served at the table. The taste of such an impromptu sandwich without bread is simply wonderful, and most importantly, it is ideal for any, even the most expensive cognac.

Eggs with garlic and cheese

Another ideal appetizer for cognac on the festive table, as well as for every day, if necessary, is stuffed eggs stuffed with cheese and garlic. Everyone can cook such a dish, it will not cost much, but it tastes extremely pleasant and fits perfectly into the concept of cognac and the discovery of its taste by contrasting methods.

Photo from the site: kedem.ru

Composition and ingredients

• Chicken eggs - 3-6 pieces, depending on the number of guests.
• Hard cheese of any variety to choose from - 120-150 grams.
• Mayonnaise - 80-120 grams.
• Bulgarian pepper - 1 piece.
• Greens for decoration (cilantro, parsley, dill, basil, etc.).
• Garlic - 2-4 cloves.

Cooking

Cooking here does not take much time, just some fifteen to twenty minutes and your dish can be put on the table. But first you have to boil hard-boiled eggs, wash the greens and prepare a plate or dish.

Photo from the site: russianfood.com

• Boil the eggs, peel and cool completely, then cut exactly in half lengthwise.
• Remove the yolk and mash with a fork until a homogeneous mass without lumps is formed, and prepare the protein for stuffing by laying it on a plate, notch up.
• Grate the cheese on a fine grater, pepper lightly and mix with mayonnaise, as well as crushed garlic.
• Add egg yolks to the cheese-garlic mass and mix it all thoroughly.
• The filling is placed in halves of egg whites with a slide, laid out on a dish, and then decorated with bell peppers, as well as greens.

Thus, we can safely say that a quick cognac appetizer really exists and anyone can cook it. There is nothing complicated, the main thing is to approach the matter correctly. It also does not hurt to make cheese or nut-cheese plates, on which you need to beautifully arrange diced cheese and nuts. It will be an ideal snack after a meal, when everyone is already full, but you still want to drink good cognac. Such dishes are eaten by hand or pricked with skewers, so it does not hurt to get them in advance.

Photo from the site: alkorules.ru

How to snack on cognac - learn about the rules for drinking an elite drink and the requirements for a snack!

Cognac is a noble drink of amber-golden color, which is strongly associated with respectability and an expensive cigar. Its bright and at the same time harmonious taste reveals even more deeply, accompanied by properly selected dishes.

Before deciding on a decent snack, let's figure out how to drink brandy in order to fully experience its rich taste.

Each variety has a unique bouquet and in order to fully enjoy all the nuances, it is recommended to adhere to the traditions of tasting.

The rules for drinking this strong alcohol have long been known to connoisseurs of the drink.

The ceremony of acquaintance with cognac is a real magical ritual, which includes several important points:

• This is a very atmospheric drink, it is customary to savor it slowly in a pleasant atmosphere, sitting by the fireplace or in a cozy living room, enjoying every sip.
• It is recommended to uncork the bottle half an hour before drinking, in which case the exquisite aroma of the drink will spread throughout the room.
• It is very important to choose the right glass. Cognac is drunk from the so-called "snifters" - classic glasses with narrowed edges - it is this form that allows you to fully experience all the shades of the indescribable cognac aroma.
• Cognac can not be cooled, the optimum temperature for serving a drink is 20-25 ° C.
• To feel all the subtleties of the bouquet, you should not immediately try cognac. First, enjoy its aroma: the first fragrant notes - vanilla tones are noticeable at a distance of 5-10 centimeters from the edge of the glass, you can catch warm floral and fruity shades near the edges. Taking a deep breath from the glass, you will feel the third wave of aroma - woody notes and deep tones of port wine.
• After enjoying the elegant aroma, you can sip the drink. Take a small sip. Taste the second sip in your mouth, feeling the whole range of velvety taste.

It is better to drink a high-quality branded drink of many years of aging without snacking. This self-sufficient drink is good in its purest form: true connoisseurs believe that an appetizer will only get in the way of appreciating its original taste. Nevertheless, cognac can and should be eaten, especially if it is served at the table as the main drink.

Let's take a closer look at what cognac is drunk with.

What to eat cognac: snack traditions

Traditions of cognac snacking in different countries are different.

France

In exquisite France, the birthplace of a noble drink, the rule of three “Cs” is popular: coffee (café), cigar (cigare) and high-quality dark chocolate (chocolate), in the opinion of the French, the most worthy snack for cognac. Initially, it is recommended to drink a cup of coffee, and then enjoy the drink by smoking a fragrant cigar.

In the United States of America, there is an unexpected tradition of drinking young varieties of cognac as an aperitif - Americans often drink it before serving, diluting it with soda.

Russia

But the popular Russian tradition of eating a drink with slices of candied lemon is not the best option. The combination of sour citrus and sugar completely distorts the perception of an exquisite cognac bouquet.

In the case of a long feast, the following dishes are preferred:

• Various types of cheese- one of the best options for snacks for cognac. The only exceptions are cheeses with a pronounced taste and smell - they can interrupt the cognac aroma.
• The perfect addition to cognac will be sweet fruits. Juicy peaches, pears, strawberries and grapes that grow in the area where the drink came from are especially good. Fully compatible with flavored drink and others desserts- ice cream, sweet pastries or soufflés can be easily served to the table.
• fresh seafood- mussels, scallops and oysters are ideal as an appetizer.
• lean meat- veal and poultry dishes perfectly complement the taste and aroma of the drink. Tartlets and pate sandwiches are also considered a good snack.
• Olives or olives.
• Good for soft drinks light grape juice and still mineral water.

The options for what to eat cognac are very diverse and wide. The main thing is to follow the rule: the taste of the dishes served should not interrupt or drown out the alcohol, but set it off favorably.

Cognac is a high-quality and elite alcohol that requires respect and attention to drinking traditions. By adhering to simple rules and recommendations, you can fully appreciate the depth and richness of the taste of this wonderful drink.

Strong, fragrant, noble alcohol. These epithets refer to French cognac. True connoisseurs of a strong drink believe that the king of alcohol does not tolerate any neighborhood next to him. But not everyone shares this opinion. The article presents recipes - how to cook a delicious original appetizer for cognac without spending a lot of time on it.

What appetizer is traditionally served with cognac

According to etiquette, cognac is usually served at the end of the feast, for dessert. Snacks should be appropriate - light, shading the aroma of a strong drink, allowing it to be appreciated. Elite cognac, whose age exceeds 10 years, is really accepted to be consumed without a snack, following the “3 C” rule - Сafe, Сognac, Сigare. First, drink a cup of coffee, then drink cognac, and finally smoke a fragrant cigar. Snacks can be served with more “younger” alcohol.

Traditional cognac appetizer (list of main products):

• fruit;
• dried fruits;
• various nuts;
• seafood;
• hard cheeses;
• olives;
• chocolate.

If a feast with cognac is foreseen, you can’t do without more serious snacks.

In this case, fit:

• meat and cheese cuts;
• stewed or baked meat dishes;
• cutting of lightly salted fish;
• canape;
• sandwiches on toast;
• stuffed eggs.

Fruit slices in combination with cheeses and several types of chocolate will also be appropriate on the table.. Be sure to serve a plate with chopped lemon. This is considered not quite a suitable company for a noble drink, but most Russians prefer sour lemon with sugar to a glass of strong drink.

Classic appetizer for cognac

Speaking of classic snacks, first of all, we should mention hard cheeses. It is believed that this product is great for cognac, because it prolongs the aftertaste. Olives can be served in addition to cheese slices.

The exception to this rule is fatty cheeses with a spicy flavor, as they will kill the taste of alcohol.

Fruit slices will be a good addition to a strong drink.

Cognac is combined with the following products:

• apples;
• pears;
• strawberries
• grapes.

On a large buffet table, fruit dishes can be supplemented with sliced ​​gourds - watermelon and melon.

Paradoxically, in a country where strong alcohol is consumed in fairly large quantities, the culture of tasting them remains at a low level. Everyone knows what they eat, but how to do it right and what drinks are appropriate to serve with it is worth figuring out.

The better to eat cognac

Connoisseurs and gourmets who have the opportunity to consume high quality cognac believe that eating this drink is blasphemy. The best appetizer for cognac is its absence. After all, almost any dish with which a drink is eaten affects the taste buds and simply clogs the taste of the drink. And since aftertaste is highly valued in good quality cognac, it makes sense to keep it, and not to kill it. The French, after a glass of Martell or Hennessy, traditionally allow only smoking a good cigar, but not culinary products.

However, in the post-Soviet space, the tradition of snacking on this drink has steadily taken root. Everyone here knows the better to eat cognac - a lemon or a slice of cheese. And, since Russian-speaking consumers do not know another way to use it, it’s worth figuring out what they eat with cognac where it was created. The French prefer to serve pate and chocolate for the feast. These products do not interfere with the taste bouquet of drinks that have been aged for more than 10 years. Less aged can be served with hard cheeses, seafood, olives, fruits.

Light snacks in a hurry

If a feast is expected, preference should be given to snacks for cognac in a hurry. It is suitable for light dishes that do not create heaviness and do not leave a long aftertaste. From meat dishes, lean meats served in the form of a pate or slices are appropriate. One of the common options is canapes or tartlets (possible with caviar), feta cheese mixed with herbs, mixtures based on nuts and honey are also suitable. A combination with oysters or mussels, scallops or squid will be especially piquant.

To the question of what to eat cognac according to etiquette, the answer is simple: chocolate, nuts, olives and cheeses. If the jamming of a drink with any product is provided for in the traditions of the event at which the tasting takes place, then it is best to prefer these dishes. Expensive restaurants often serve honey in bowls, nuts, sliced ​​apples and grapes. However, the answer to the question of what to eat cognac correctly, provided that an expensive aged drink is served, remains unambiguous - nothing. To preserve the precious aftertaste and set it off, it is only appropriate to light the cigar.

The better to drink cognac

And what to eat is an interesting question. Firstly, this alcohol is not so much drunk (to get drunk), but sipped (to enjoy). It is worth saying what they drink cognac with and what they eat in his homeland, in France. The French, who know a lot about drinking a noble drink, often serve brandy with a cup of good coffee. Moreover, coffee should not be drunk after drinking alcohol, but immediately before it. This sequence helps to best reveal the taste of good aged alcohol.

There are situations when mineral water is served with a drink. But this option is appropriate when a tasting of several varieties is provided and there is a need to refresh the taste buds between tasting sessions.

Otherwise, fruit juice can be served, preferably from white grapes. The main condition is that the juice should contain a small amount of sugar, that is, not be sweet. You can serve apple, pomegranate, pear juice, or their blend with grape. Win those who do not know what is served with cognac for a snack, because. in best case- nothing. At worst, nuts, cheese and chocolate.

How to choose the right cognac

It’s clear which appetizer goes with cognac, but choosing a quality product is not so easy. The main criterion for the benchmark is the cost. It is clear that the place of purchase must be appropriate. Expensive aged alcohol is rarely sold in small grocery stores and even in large supermarket chains. You should rather look for it in large alcohol stores or stores specializing in the sale of alcohol. Cognac is often faked, hoping that the average consumer can hardly distinguish expensive alcohol from a fake in design.

It is important to pay attention to the price. An aged product at a low price should alert. Do not ignore the way it is designed. A well-designed label, a tight-fitting lid, and possibly gift wrapping are good signs. To ensure the quality of exposure, the bottle can be turned upside down. Pay attention to how the drops flow down from the bottom of the bottle. Drops that fall heavily and slowly indicate good exposure, while rapidly flowing liquid indicates poor exposure.

What not to serve with cognac

There is a small list of products that are inappropriate to serve with expensive alcohol. An appetizer for cognac should not be cheap and rough. Budget products such as crab sticks, low-quality cheeses, river fish are unacceptable. The drink is not too harmoniously combined with noble fish. Shellfish would be a much better option. To serve or not to serve lemon is a moot point. Many are so accustomed to it at any feast that they cannot imagine drinking strong drinks without such an appetizer.

If fruits are served, then a simple rule is observed: for an alcoholic product produced in a cold climate, appropriate fruits and berries should be served - strawberries, apples, grapes, or pears, for alcohol produced in a hot climate, citrus fruits, figs, peaches are suitable. You should not serve at the table, where expensive alcoholic drinks are offered for tasting, such products as fatty meats, sausage, cream confectionery. It is inappropriate to put sweet soda and cheap wines on such a table.