Dec 22, 2011

Pépa (Cognac and Vodka Cocktail)

Named for Pépa Bonafé, a French starlet of the 1920s, this cocktail combines brandy and vodka in one bracing drink. This recipe first appeared in the 2012 SAVEUR 100, with the article Cognac Cocktails.

Credit: Michael Kraus

MAKES 1 COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

1½ oz. dry vermouth, such as Noilly Prat
1 oz. cognac, such as Ferrand Ambre, Rémy Martin VSOP, or Hennessy Black
1 oz. vodka, such as Stolichnaya
1 dash Angostura bitters

Twist of lemon peel, to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

In a cocktail shaker filled with cracked ice, stir together vermouth, cognac, vodka, and bitters with a bar spoon until chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass; garnish with lemon twist.

This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #144

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Ratings & Reviews (1)

by ANDREWMCBURNEY on 2013-03-22

After making it per the instructions, my reaction was, "Wow, that's a glass of vermouth--not very dry (predictably), but not rosso certainly, but nevertheless vermouth." However, I recommend letting it sit and stew for a bit, and it will get a cleaner taste. On the other hand, if you like the taste of vermouth, by all means knock it back.

I have a suggestion though: instead of a cocktail glass, strain into a collins glass or a flute and top off with ginger ale. In the spirit of a French 75, call it a "Self-Propelled 105". It will hit harder, so please take care.

Pépa (Cognac and Vodka Cocktail) Reviewed by ANDREWMCBURNEY on Jan 6. After making it per the instructions, my reaction was, "Wow, that's a glass of vermouth--not very dry (predictably), but not rosso certainly, but nevertheless vermouth." However, I recommend letting it sit and stew for a bit, and it will get a cleaner taste. On the other hand, if you like the taste of vermouth, by all means knock it back.

I have a suggestion though: instead of a cocktail glass, strain into a collins glass or a flute and top off with ginger ale. In the spirit of a French 75, call it a "Self-Propelled 105". It will hit harder, so please take care. Rating: 3