Name: Zephyr Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 2 ounces cognac; 2 dashes pineapple syrup; 1/4 ounce Maraschino liqueur; 2 dashes Triple Sec; 2 dashes Angostura bitters

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If you enjoy brandy-based cocktails, the Zephyr is a recipe you might want to get to know. It’s a strong drink that features cognac as its main ingredient, balanced with a few other flavors to soften its edge.

Unlike many pineapple-flavored drinks that tend to be very sweet, the Zephyr uses just a small amount of pineapple syrup to add a subtle touch without overpowering the brandy. It’s similar to the Hawaiian Brandy in flavor and mood.

What Does the Zephyr Taste Like?

The Zephyr cocktail has a strong, smooth character thanks to the cognac. When you take a sip, the warmth and richness of the brandy stand out first. This isn’t a light or overly sweet drink; it’s made for those who appreciate the flavor of good cognac but want a bit of variety.

The small amount of pineapple syrup adds just enough sweetness to balance the brandy without making the drink sugary. You’ll notice a faint fruity note that gives extra depth to the flavor without being overwhelming.

There’s also a subtle hint of orange from the Triple Sec, which adds brightness and lifts the overall taste. The Maraschino liqueur contributes a gentle cherry-almond flavor, which works well with the other ingredients.

Finally, the Angostura bitters bring a little spice to the mix. It sounds out the flavors and give the Zephyr a well-balanced finish that feels smooth and satisfying.

Breaking Down the Key Ingredients

Cognac: The Foundation

This type of brandy comes from a specific region in France and is known for its rich flavor and smooth texture. It provides the full-bodied taste you expect from quality brandy – notes of oak, vanilla, and fruitiness all come through clearly.

Because it’s such a strong base (usually around 40% alcohol), cognac makes the Zephyr a potent cocktail. If you like drinks that have some bite but also smoothness, you’ll appreciate how cognac sets the tone here.

The best brandy for your Zephyr cocktail is one that you enjoy drinking on its own. If you don’t have a favorite, try Hennessy VS (Very Special), which offers a good balance of fruity and woody flavors without being too expensive. Or Rémy Martin VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), which is richer and more complex, with notes of ripe fruit and spices.

Pineapple Syrup

Pineapple syrup is used sparingly in this recipe – just two dashes. That small amount is enough to soften the sharp edges of the cognac without making the drink taste overly sweet or fruity.

You can buy a bottled pineapple syrup or make your own homemade pineapple syrup, which will have a fresher, brighter flavor.

Maraschino Liqueur

Maraschino liqueur is made from Marasca cherries and has a distinctive flavor that blends cherry sweetness with mild almond undertones. This liqueur doesn’t overpower; instead, it complements the cognac and pineapple syrup by bringing subtle richness and depth.

Triple Sec

Triple Sec is an orange-flavored liqueur commonly used in cocktails. Here it adds just enough citrus flavor to lighten up the drink and balance some of the deeper notes from brandy and Maraschino liqueur.

You can substitute Cointreau or any other orange liqueur you love.

Angostura Bitters

A couple dashes of Angostura add complexity and balance the sweetness. In this case, they add mild spice notes that make each sip more interesting and help tie all the flavors together.

Why Try the Zephyr?

The Zephyr cocktail is perfect for anyone who appreciates brandy but wants something with more nuance than just plain neat spirits. It’s not overly sweet or complicated but offers enough flavor twists to keep things interesting.

Because it’s mostly cognac, it’s also great for people who want to enjoy a stronger drink without too many added mixers or sugary syrups. The small amounts of pineapple syrup and liqueurs help balance but don’t hide the main ingredient.

If you’re looking for a cocktail that feels classic yet unique, with a good balance between sweetness, citrus, and spice, give the Zephyr a shot.

Serving & Preparation

First, the glassware matters. The Zephyr should be served in a martini glass. But before pouring the drink, you need to rub a lemon peel around the inside of the glass.

This small step adds a fresh citrus aroma that complements the flavors in the cocktail and makes each sip more enjoyable.

When shaking the ingredients, use plenty of ice to chill the drink well without watering it down too much. Once shaken, strain carefully to keep the cocktail smooth and clear.

Serve the Zephyr slightly chilled – not too cold – so you can appreciate its full flavor. Room temperature or warm brandy can feel too strong, while overly cold drinks might mute some of the subtle notes.

Food Pairing Suggestions

If you’re serving it as an aperitif, light snacks like nuts, olives, or mild cheeses work well. These won’t overpower the drink but add a bit of texture and flavor to enjoy between sips.

For a full meal pairing, grilled or roasted meats, such as pork or duck, are excellent choices. Also grilled shrimp or salmon with a citrus glaze.

For dessert, simple options like dark chocolate or almond cookies make a great match.

Yield: 1 drink