21 Best Cognac Substitutes For Cooking

Cognac is a French brandy distilled from grapes grown in the region around the city of Cognac.

The spirit has a rich history dating back to the 17th century.

Today, it’s produced in over 30 countries worldwide.


Cognac is often considered the king of spirits, but it’s also a very expensive drink.

If you want to enjoy its unique flavor without breaking the bank, try these 21 cognac substitutes instead.

There are plenty of other options out there besides cognac.

These alternatives include vodka, bourbon, rum, tequila, gin, whiskey, and even beer.

Each of them offers a unique taste profile that makes them perfect for cooking or drinking

Best Cognac Alternatives – Alcoholic

Cognac is a type of brandy produced from grapes grown in the Cognac region of France. It is distilled twice, giving it a higher alcohol content than other types of brandy. It is aged in oak barrels for several years, resulting in a rich flavor.
It is usually served neat, but can also be used in cocktails such as the martini. In addition to being used in cooking, cognac is also used in perfumes and cosmetics.
Here are some of the best alternatives to cooking with cognac:

1. Brandy

Brandy is similar to cognac, but it is not distilled twice. Instead, it is distilled only once. This results in a lower alcohol content.
2. Armagnac
Armagnac is another type of brandy produced in the same area as cognac. It is made from grapes grown in the Armagnac region of France. Like cognac, armagnac is distilled twice, resulting in a higher alcohol content.

2. Whiskey

Whiskey is a spirit made from fermented grain mash. It is usually aged in wooden barrels. Whiskey is typically made from corn, barley, wheat, rye, oats, or other grains.
3. Gin
Gin is a clear spirit made from juniper berries. It is used in cocktails such as gin and tonic, gin and ginger ale, and gin and orange juice.

3. Rum

Rum is a distilled beverage produced from sugarcane juice. It is usually aged for several years in oak casks.
4. Vodka
Vodka is a neutral spirit made from potatoes, cereal grains, or other starches. It is usually distilled twice and filtered.

4. Bourbon

Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey. It is generally made from corn, wheat, rye, barley, or a combination of these ingredients. It is typically aged in charred new barrels for two to eight years.
5. Gin
Gin is a clear alcoholic drink made from juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, citrus peels, and spices. It is distilled three times and filtered.

5. Sherry

Sherry is a fortified wine produced in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and other countries. It is usually made from fermented grapes usually white varieties and sweetened with sugar. Sherry is sometimes referred to as fino sherry, manzanilla sherry, amontillado sherry, oloroso sherry, palomino sherry, and Pedro Ximenez sherry.
6. Whisky
Whisky is a spirit distilled from grain mash, malted barley, or potatoes. It is usually matured in oak casks for several years.

6. Armagnac

Armagnac is a brandy produced in the Gascon region of southwest France. It is similar to Cognac but does not undergo a second distillation. Instead, it is aged in wooden barrels for many years, resulting in a mellower flavor.
7. Rum
Rum is a clear alcoholic beverage made from molasses sugar cane juice and yeast. It is typically aged in wood barrels for several months.

7. Coffee Liqueur

Coffee liqueurs are sweetened coffee drinks that originated in Italy during the late 19th century. They were originally created to mimic the taste of espresso. Today, they are popular around the world.
8. Whiskey
Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from fermented grain mash. In the United States, whiskey is usually referred to as bourbon, while Scotch whisky is called scotch. Whisky comes in various styles, such as single malt, blended, and rye.

8. Wine

Wine is a beverage made from grapes. It is produced worldwide and is available in many different varieties. Wine is generally classified according to grape variety, region where it was grown, winemaking method used, and style of wine.
9. Beer
Beer is brewed from malted barley, wheat, oats, or other cereals. It is typically served warm, but cold beer can be refreshing.

9. Red Wine

Red wine is usually made from red grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, and others.
10. White Wine
White wine is usually made from white grapes such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin blanc, and others.

10. White Wine

9. Red Wine
Red wines are generally richer and darker than white wines. They are typically aged longer, and are produced using higher alcohol levels. Red wines tend to be more robust and intense than white wines.
10. White Wines
White wines are generally lighter and fresher than red wines. They are typically younger, and produced using lower alcohol levels. White wines tend to be brighter and fruitier than red wines.

11. Port

Port is a fortified wine from Portugal. It is usually served chilled and is sweetened with sugar. It is traditionally used as a dessert wine but can be enjoyed as an aperitif or after dinner drink.
12. Sherry
Sherry is a type of dry wine produced in Spain. It is similar to port but slightly sweeter. Sherry is usually served chilled and can be drunk neat or with ice.

Nonalcoholic Substitutes for Cognac

Cognac is a brandy distilled from grapes grown in the region around the town of Cognac, France. It is aged in oak barrels for several years before being bottled.
There are many substitutes for cognac, however, none of these are quite as good as the real thing.
Here are some non-alcoholic alternatives for drinking cognac:

12. Fruit Juice

Fruit juice is a great substitute for alcohol. However, if you are looking for a drink that tastes similar to cognac, try using apple cider instead. Apple cider contains the same flavor profile as cognac.
13. Coffee Liqueur
Answer: Coffee liqueurs are a great alternative to cognac. Try adding a shot of espresso to your coffee liqueur. This gives the drink a slight kick.

13. Cooking wine + sugar

Cooking wine is a great way to add flavor to any dish. It is usually used in sauces and soups. Sugar helps bring out the flavors of the wine.
14. Chocolate Milk
Answer: Chocolate milk is a delicious treat. It is easy to make and very healthy. Just mix 1 cup of whole milk with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract. Stir well and enjoy!

14. Alcohol-Free Brandy

Brandy is a type of brandy that is distilled from fermented grapes. It is typically aged in oak barrels. It is a sweet alcoholic beverage that is served chilled. It is similar to port but stronger.
15. Coffee
Answer: Coffee is a drink that is enjoyed around the world. It is made from roasted coffee beans. It is brewed using hot water. It is a stimulant and can help wake people up in the morning.

15. Soy Or Worcestershire Sauce

Soy sauce is a salty condiment used in Chinese cuisine. It is made from soybeans and wheat. It is used as a seasoning and a marinade.
16. Apple Cider Vinegar
Answer: Apple cider vinegar is a sour tasting vinegar that is made from apples. It is used as an ingredient in salad dressings and other dishes.

Cognac Substitutes For Cooking

Cognac is a type of brandy distilled from grapes. It is used as flavoring agent in cooking.
17. Salt
Answer: Salt is a common table salt. It is used to season food.

16. General Cooking

Cooking is a process of preparing food using different methods.
15. Baking
Answer: Baking is a method of cooking food using heat.

17. French Onion Soup

French Onion soup is a type of soup prepared from onions cooked with beef broth and white wine. It is usually served with bread and cheese.
18. Chicken Pot Pie
Answer: Chicken pot pie is a dish consisting of meat usually chicken and vegetables baked together in a pastry crust.

18. Gravy

Gravy is a thick sauce used to serve with many dishes such as meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and gravy biscuits.
19. Mashed Potato
Mashed potato is a dish made from mashed potatoes. It is usually served as a side dish with roast dinners.

19. Steak au Poivre

Steak au poivre is a classic French steak dish made from thinly sliced beef cooked in butter, black pepper, garlic, and cognac.
20. Baked Beans
Baked beans is a dish made from dried kidney beans that are soaked overnight, drained, and simmered until tender.

20. Beef Bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a traditional French stew made from braised beef served with vegetables and mushrooms. It is usually prepared using red wine and tomatoes.
21. Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken cordon bleu is a dish consisting of chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese and baked in a pastry crust.

21. Cocktails

Cocktails are drinks mixed with spirits, liqueurs, juices, syrups, and other ingredients. A cocktail is generally defined as any drink containing alcohol. However, cocktails are not always alcoholic beverages; nonalcoholic cocktails exist.
22. Chocolate Cake
Chocolate cake is a dessert made from chocolate and eggs. It is usually moist and rich in flavor.