When Moët Hennessy Diageo (MHD) Malaysia recently announced its #MYHennessyAtHome Cocktail Challenge to get Malaysians to stay connected and stay inspired, little did they expect to be blown away by such amazing creations with an intriguing, mouth-watering local spin.
“It has been truly impressive to see how Malaysians have seized the opportunity while at home during the Movement Control Order to take up the #MYHennessyAtHome Cocktail Challenge to come up with some truly astounding Hennessy V.S or V.S.O.P Privilège cocktail concoctions infused with local ingredients and favourites,” said Thomas Bouleuc, Managing Director of MHD Malaysia.
Gula melaka (palm sugar) and pandan (screwpine) leaves were two uniquely Malaysian ingredients that set Cecilia Kang Sin Ni @ Cecilia Black’s (Instagram ID: @ceciliablack) unique concoction, “Soulmate”, apart from the other amazing recipes featured on Instagram. The creamy blend is a mix of Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège (70 ml) with evaporated milk (150 ml), gula melaka (100 ml) and Thai red tea (150 ml). Two pandan leaves were added to enhance fragrance of this amazing blend best served chilled in a wobble glass.
The model-turned-blogger who hails from Penang is particularly fond of milk tea and said the idea for her signature cocktail to include the blend in gula melaka and pandan leaves was inspired by her love for all things that taste and smell sweet. Both items are also quite unique to this part of the world. Kang said the “Soulmate” allow cognac connoisseurs to savour the local gula melaka flavour without overpowering the nutty and woody fragrances of Hennessy.
Inspired by the Pina or Henny Colada, John Ooi’s (@johnooisy) creation – “My Hennessy Colada” – features a merry combo of two Malaysian favourites: coconut milk and pineapple juice. Infusing 30 ml of pineapple juice and 20 ml of coconut milk with Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège (20 ml), Ooi recommends this concoction served up shaken or blended with ice. The crazy and delicious combo enjoyed in a wobbler glass is invigorating on a hot sunny day weekend while you’re confined to the home during this time.
For those seeking a recipe for a tangier cider cocktail, “The Elixir”, a cognac cocktail innovation of Isabellz Chong (@b_e_ll_z) might be a refreshing thirst-quencher to consider. The star of this long drink is the ginger since its spicy taste is a delightful blend with cognac. You just need to crush three slices of ginger in the shaker and add organic apple cider vinegar (15 ml), Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège and simple honey syrup (50 ml each), with fresh lemon juice (30 ml) and ice cubes. Then, give it a good shake. Finally, garnish it with apple slice and peel – and presto, you are ready to glass of “The Elixir”.
Another variation to this is Hennessy’s own recipe of “Hennessy Cozy Up”, a recipe featured by Emily Fong (@3mily89). With a little bit of fresh ginger as its base, this cocktail combines 30 ml mixtures of water with honey and lemon juice (also 30 ml) together with 45 ml of Hennessy V.S. For some fizz, one can opt to add a dash of soda into the concoction.
Putting a healthy, Oriental spin on things through his creation “The Hedonist”, is Edmund Foong (@edmund_foong). Bringing together red dates (2), goji berries (10), dried longans (5), dried chrysanthemum flower buds (8), a small piece of dried mandarin peel and a small piece of rock sugar (for taste) in a cup, he pours in 120 ml of hot water and leaves these to soak for about 20 minutes. Then mixing in 50 ml of Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège, Foong gives it a good stir before pouring it over ice cubes. What makes this cocktail truly outstanding is that his creation can also be enjoyed warm.
This herbalicious blend is ideal since Cognac itself has anti-inflammatory properties, and these are well matched with what are known as the Chinese superfoods goji berries (anti-oxidant and high in fibre), red dates (anti-oxidant and Vitamins A and C), dried longan (iron), mandarin peel (to improve digestion) and chrysanthemum flower buds (relaxant).
Another cocktail creation with a hint of floral scent and flavour is the refreshing, tangy cocktail by content creator Elana Khong (@elanakhong). It is a simple blend of butterfly pea flower syrup, a squeeze of lemon juice and 30 ml of Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège. The bright and exciting coloured concoction is as tantalising for the taste buds as it is pleasing to the eye.
These are some of many ways one can make localised homemade cognac cocktails during weekends and the holiday season. Every Hennessy fans can now put together some creative cocktails to tantalise the taste buds and spice up your quality time at home.
– Drink responsibly –