June 4th is National Cognac Day, and what’s a better way to end the week than with a little cognac. Holidays are all about upholding traditions and making new ones, so if you haven’t celebrated National Cognac before, this is the year to start – after all, the French spirit saw unprecedented growth last year, up a whopping 62% in sales by the end of 2020. The category is quickly shedding its reputation as an “old world” nightcap of choice and gaining popularity with both classic and creative cocktail drinkers.

Leading the charge is D'USSÉ, which saw a 109% increase in sales last year, making it the fastest growing modern cognac brand. For years, cognac was relegated to neat serves or traditional cocktails, but today’s drinkers are finding that its warmth and depth of flavor is ideal for a variety of different palates. With a complex, layered tasting profile coupled with modern sensibilities, D’USSÉ appeals to both longtime cognac connoisseurs and the newest generation of inquisitive imbibers.

After a year of enduring the great indoors, let’s relish in summer days outside with friends and toast to National Cognac Day with these D'USSÉ cocktail recipes:

For a more modern twist on an easy-to-make classic, the D'USSÉ Splendid Sidecar rebalances the depth and sweetness of VSOP with orange blossom water and bright citrus flavors to invigorate the senses. This serve honors the timeless legacy of cognac with that contemporary D'USSÉ (and lemon) twist, for today’s drinker.

D’USSÉ Splendid Sidecar

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac

• 1 oz Orange Liqueur

• ¾ oz Lemon Juice

• 1 Bar Spoon Orange Blossom Water

Method

Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and double strain into a coupe glass.

Have you mastered the bartending basics over the past year? Put your mixology skills to the test with the Paradise Gem. The creative cocktail is a true celebration of Cognac terrior, using ingredients commonly found in the French region. In a frosted coupe, enjoy flavors of D’USSE VSOP with Sauvignon Blanc, homemade Marigold syrup to enhance the cognac’s floral notes, and muddled coffee beans to play with D’USSE’s woody notes, adding another layer of complexity.

D’USSÉ Paradise Gem

Ingredients

• 1 oz D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac

• 1 oz Marigold Syrup*

• ¾ oz Sauvignon Blanc

• 1 Coffee Bean

Method

Muddle coffee bean in a mixing glass. Add D’USSÉ, marigold syrup and Sauvignon Blanc and fill with ice. Stir and double strain into a frosted coupe glass.

*Marigold Syrup: Heat 34 oz of water in a saucepan until it reaches a boil. Add 34 oz of white sugar, 1 oz of citric acid and ¼ lb of dehydrated marigold flowers. Let stand for 24 hours. Double strain into a bottle for storage.