Cognac

Cognac is a double-distilled brandy from Cognac, France. Cognac is graded by aging, 3, 5, or 7 years. According to Sharon Tyler Herbst "Label terms X.O., Extra and Reserve usually indicate a Cognac is the oldest a producer distributes."

Where To Buy Cognac

You can purchase Cognac in most liquor stores or grocery stores with a well stocked liquor section.  Additionally you can purchase this online at Bevmo.com. Courvoisier is a well-known brand that ranges in price from $25.00 to over $500.00 a bottle.

Substitute For Cognac

If you don't have Cognac you select one of these substitutes:

For Drinking

• You could select a good-quality Brandy OR for a non-alcohol substitution in cooking try using equal parts of juice from peaches, apricots or pears.

For Cooking If you use alcohol

• Again, Brandy is a good substitute if your recipe calls for Cognac.
• If you want to vary the flavor, you could use rum

No-alcohol Substitute

• You can use 1/2 teaspoon of brandy extract per 1 to 1/2 tablespoons of cognac needed.