On Saturday, May 21, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilege celebrated Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theater Company’s 12th annual gala at the Millennium Gate Museum in Atlanta. Attendees were treated to an enchanted evening that included food, Hennessy V..S.O.P cocktails (see recipes below) a live band a deejay on deck. Notable guests included Julius “Dr. J” Erving, actors Elijah Kelly, Jasmine Guy, Glynn Turman, Tichina Arnold, Tory Kittles, Flex Alexander, Leon (with his daughter Noelle Robinson), Roland Martin and “Property Brothers'” Drew Scott, among others.
(Photo Credit: Shine Huang)
Saturday, June 4, is National Cognac Day. Celebrate with some of the original classic cocktails from Hennessy, the world’s No. 1 Cognac, and taste what the stars were drinking at the Gala. Hennessy established the now booming V.S.O.P category in 1817 when the future King George IV of England asked the House of Hennessy to supply him with a special Cognac, a blend then described as a “Very Superior Old Pale.” Hennessy Privilège is a Cognac that celebrates character and smoothness and is a great expression of mastery. It is recognized for its harmonious and well-structured blend, the perfect base for a classic cocktail.
Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège is one that easily matches every occasion and style — on the rocks or accompanied with your own special mix.
Jerry Thomas Brandy Punch
1.5 liters of Water
1 liter Hennessy V.S.O.P
5 oz of Lightly Aged Rum
2 cups of simple syrup or 3 cups of sugar
9 oz of lemon juice
2 oz Grand Marnier
4 oz of Hibiscus Grenadine
½ a pineapple sliced
2 oranges sliced into wheels
1 package of Raspberries
The first cocktail in the first cocktail book created in 1862 by Jerry “The Professor” Thomas.
French 75
1 1/2 ounces Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège
1/2 ounce Simple syrup
3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
top with sparkling wine or champagne
Garnish: Lemon Twist
Glass: Flute
Though originally thought to be a Gin based Classic, The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks by David Embury, claims that the French 75 is a Cognac-based drink. Either way the combination of Hennessy and champagne is a classic that will continue to delight.
The Hennessy Sazerac
2 1/2 ounces Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège
1/8 ounce Absinthe
1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
5 Dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
Garnish: Lemon Twist
Glass: Rocks
In 1850, Aaron Bird of the Sazerac House Bar in New Orleans created this iconic cocktail. To taste it is to taste the culture that only exists in the Big Easy.
Between the Sheets
1 ounce Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège
1 ounce Ten Cane Rum
1 ounce Orange Curacao
1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
Garnish: Lemon Twist
Glass: Coupe
Between the Sheets was created in 1930 by Harry MacElhone, head bartender at the eponymous Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. It is a take on the iconic Sidecar, the addition of rum helps to add to the complexity and elegant balance.
V.S.O.P was Inspired by a Cognac created in 1817 in response to a request from the future king of England, George IV, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège has built its reputation across nearly 2 centuries.
