Summer is finally here, and with it comes garden parties, barbecues and rooftop soirees – and with them comes a chance to mix up some deliciously refreshing cocktails. While the spritz might have become the new drink of the summer, in our eyes, a good mojito can’t be beaten, especially when it’s given a fresh twist. Meet the Hennessy Blueberry Mojito cocktail.
While the classic mojito recipe uses white rum, switching it out for cognac gives a richer flavor. It’s still light and refreshing but with an added depth that takes the cocktail to the next level.
This particular recipe calls for Hennessy VSOP Privilège – a balanced cognac that proudly takes the title of the first to ever receive the “very superior old pale” (AKA VSOP) eccreditation all the way back in 1818 at the request of The Prince of Wales and future King George IV of Great Britain. This particular Hennessy acted as the benchmark for all VSOP cognacs from then on.
[See also: Courvoisier XO Royal is a Cognac Fit for a King]
The categorization denotes this type of cognac as having a blend that contains an eau-de-vie (i.e. the colorless base brandy) that is at least four years old, though many opt for older.
Showcasing over 200 years of Hennessy’s cognac-making know-how, the liquid is revered in the industry for its impressive consistency and smooth palate. It’s versatility and comparative subtlety also make it great for stirring into a cocktail. For the Hennessy Mojito, it’s paired with bruised blueberries – the richness of cognac makes it a perfect match for the ever-so-slightly acidic fruits.
The recipe below makes one Hennessy cocktail but can easily be duplicated for easy serving for big groups – just batch mix and pour over fresh ice each time.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège
0.75 oz simple syrup
0.5 oz fresh lime juice
Soda water
Handful of blueberries
Mint sprig
Method:
Add all liquid except soda water to a cocktail shaker with four blueberries and shake until the blueberries are bruised. Strain into a Collins glass with fresh ice and top with soda water, before garnishing with a sprig of mint and more blueberries.
See more Cocktail of the Week recipes here