#MYHennessyAtHome Cocktail Challenge participants draw on “brewtal” inspiration from coffee and tea
While cocktails featuring coffee and tea aren’t exactly uncommon, few are paired with cognac. But when Moët Hennessy Diageo (MHD) Malaysia came up with its #MYHennessyAtHome Cocktail Challenge during the recent Movement Control Order – which encouraged consumers to showcase their most creative concoction using Hennessy V.S or V.S.O.P Privilège and ingredients commonly found in the kitchen – little did they expect to be blown away with the incredible ways participants came up with to infuse coffee and tea into their creations to delightful effect.
“While we did expect to receive a considerable number of entries featuring coffee and tea, we weren’t expecting the level of creativity showcasing the many artistic ways in which Hennessy can be charmingly paired and enjoyed with coffee and tea! It was certainly impressive to say the least!” said Thomas Bouleuc, Managing Director of MHD Malaysia.
Here we take a look into some of these caffeine-laced creations and a peek into their inspirations from the creators themselves.
Cognac & Coffee (by Ee Laine, @fireangel80)
How would you describe your cocktail recipe?
I was inspired by the Brandy Alexander, typically made with cognac and creme de cacao with a dusting of nutmeg. You could say that this is a working man’s version of it where the ingredients are replaced with ingredients easily found in one’s home – cacao is replaced with instant coffee, cream replaced with fresh milk, and dark chocolate shavings are used instead of nutmeg. Typically, the Brandy Alexander has an egg white added to foam up the drink – but in my version, one just needs to whip up the fresh milk to get the foam.
Why did you choose these ingredients for the recipe?
One of the requirements of the challenge was to create something using what we easily have at home and I wanted to keep it simple so that anyone can make it too.
What made you combine these ingredients together?
Since I started working from home, it’s become a ritual for me to start the day with fixing up an iced coffee latte. There are weekends when I spruce it up with Irish Whisky. Then this challenge came along, and I thought, “Hey, this could work with a cognac too!”
How would you describe the taste of your cocktail?
It is a cafe latte, but with the richness of cognac and a touch of chocolate for a delightful treat.
Did you expect the cocktail to taste the way it did?
Yes, I make a lot of cocktails at home and I’m an avid drinker to begin with.
What was your secret ingredient which makes your cocktail unique?
Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège, of course! Otherwise it’s just another iced coffee latte.
Earl Summer (by Martin Teo, @leirbag87)
How would you describe your cocktail recipe?
It is a refreshing concoction with a summer vibe of orange juice, Earl Grey tea and Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège.
Why did you choose these ingredients for the recipe?
I specifically love Earl Grey tea because of its robust flavour and I thought it’d pair well with Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège. Because it was a hot day when I created this, I decided to make a granita using orange juice and a splash of gin (to avoid the juice from hardening). You need an icy element without diluting the drink. So that’s why I decided to shake the tea with ice and top it up with the orange granita to keep the flavours bright and bold.
What made you combine these ingredients together?
When I first tried the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège, I got rich notes of honey, stone fruits and vanilla on the first sip with scents of citrus and spiced cakes on the nose. The flavours go well together — you get the same citrus and spice notes in Earl Grey tea, with sweetness from orange juice. When you turn orange juice into granita, you dilute its sweetness as well. So you get a nice balance of flavours when combining them all together.
How would you describe the taste of your cocktail?
It’s a refreshing cocktail – an elevated iced lemon tea almost with some spicy nuances thanks to the cognac.
Did you expect the cocktail to taste the way it did?
I didn’t expect the cocktail to be so refreshing — I expected the flavours to be stronger and more potent. But by ensuring that you control the amount of Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège going into the cocktail, it is one drink that you can slurp within seconds.
What was your secret ingredient which makes your cocktail unique?
Use good Earl Grey tea – I used TWG Earl Grey because of its robust and harmonious blend. Opt for black tea to get a nice dark flavour to complement the brightness of the orange juice.
The Dalgona 18+ (by Ka-Wai, @leokawai)
How would you describe your cocktail recipe?
Simple, straight-forward and effortless.
Why did you choose these ingredients for the recipe?
Because I love coffee and casual cocktails, so I thought it would be perfect to infuse coffee with some Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège.
What made you combine these ingredients together?
I once tried Sheridan’s Coffee Liqueur and I loved it – so I know coffee and liquor go well together.
How would you describe the taste of your cocktail?
In a word – STRONG! And if you like lattes or a milky texture to your drink, this is one for you!
Did you expect the cocktail to taste the way it did?
No, I didn’t expect it to taste better than Dalgona coffee. I think the vanilla note in Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège goes well with the coffee I used. It’s like vanilla coffee!
What was your secret ingredient which makes your cocktail unique?
Use good instant coffee! I used Davidoff.
Summer Paradise x Hennessy (by Leonard Heng, @deeliciousmy)
How would you describe your cocktail recipe?
Simple, but bursting with flavour!
Why did you choose these ingredients for the recipe?
I wanted to balance the flavour of the ingredients without losing the boldness of Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège cognac. It is quite easy to make, and can be enjoyed day or night. It’s quite indulgent, really.
What made you combine these ingredients together?
I tried a few kinds of ingredients, and I like these best. They are not overpowering and give a balanced taste to the palate. If you like it slightly stronger, just pour more cognac and of course, sugar. Don’t forget to add ice.
How would you describe the taste of your cocktail?
As the name suggests, it has a summery vibe, but with the bold flavour of Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège. It’s for those who prefer a stronger, bolder taste with a kick.
Did you expect the cocktail to taste the way it did?
Yes, I wanted something simple yet bold. In the first two or three trials, I think I overdid the lemon and brown sugar which did not complement the taste. However, sugar cane and simple syrup did the trick. I am happy how it turned out – my palate is pleased!
What was your secret ingredient which makes your cocktail unique?
While the lemon enhances the taste, I think the right use of tea is important to pair with cognac – you can’t use Chinese tea or Oolong. Earl Grey seems to fit the best, while English Breakfast is a close second!
Daily Dose (by Ivy Chang, @ivyaiwei)
How would you describe your cocktail recipe?
It is a very simple yet exciting cocktail recipe. It is my Daily Dose, and could be yours too.
Why did you choose these ingredients for the recipe?
These ingredients are easily available at one’s house if he or she (That’s ME!) needs milk coffee every day and a dose of liquor at night. By combining these ingredients together in the right quantities, you will get an unexpected “wow-factor” in the end
What made you combine these ingredients together?
I always have cocktail ideas in my mind. Sometimes I will experiment with them. This idea popped up one morning when I was brewing my coffee. I thought it would be a good idea to combine coffee and cognac, while incorporating milk froth and coffee beans. The idea just came to me in nanoseconds and next, I was thinking how to make the drink cold and headed off to make coffee ice cubes.
How would you describe the taste of your cocktail?
Daily Dose has a punch of sweet aroma on the nose, which blends well with the coffee aroma. It is quite stimulating on the first sip. On the palate, it is frothy and creamy, with a hint of sweetness lingering round the oral cavity. It finishes with stronger coffee flavour as the coffee ice cubes melt.
Did you expect the cocktail to taste the way it did?
It wowed me more than I expected. I never would have thought that Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège and coffee were so compatible.
What was your secret ingredient which makes your cocktail unique?
Patience and effort. You will just have to spare a bit of patience to make the coffee ice cubes overnight. A little bit effort is also required to make the simple syrup and in frothing the milk.
The Green Summer (by Betty Liew, @betliew)
How would you describe your cocktail recipe?
The simple cocktail recipe delivers a certain charm with a soothing amber hue.
Why did you choose these ingredients for the recipe?
I personally enjoy tea more than coffee. Good quality tea delivers flavourful, fragrant, floral and even grassy aroma and taste. I decided to use green tea here as it is lighter and can draw out key flavour notes.
What made you combine these ingredients together?
Tea and cognac make an excellent combination as both flavours work in harmony. The bittersweet and vegetal green tea doesn’t overpower the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège taste.
How would you describe the taste of your cocktail?
I love this refreshing and breezy drink. This cocktail is perfect for any summer day.
Did you expect the cocktail to taste the way it did?
Surprisingly, it tastes better than I expected.
What was your secret ingredient which makes your cocktail unique?
Boil the water before making your tea. Keep the temperature between 170 to 180-degree Celsius as green tea has fragile leaves. I prefer using tea bags.
Spiked Dalgona Coffee (by John Chai, @johnchai)
How would you describe your cocktail recipe?
It’s a sizzling and fiery take on the infamous Dalgona coffee.
Why did you choose these ingredients for the recipe?
I combined Dalgona coffee with Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège. Because it was a Monday afternoon and I needed a drink.
What made you combine these ingredients together?
I figured if I combined cognac with milk, it would taste almost like Baileys Irish Cream and I have seen Baileys added into coffee.
How would you describe the taste of your cocktail?
It was perfect for my Monday afternoon – enough caffeine for a good pick-me-up and enough alcohol to ignore work.
Did you expect the cocktail to taste the way it did?
Yes. If you had Irish coffee before, it is almost the same but sweeter.
What was your secret ingredient which makes your cocktail unique?
Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège. Its vanilla and oak taste just made the whole drink perfect.
Hennessy Atas (by Tim Chew, @timchew1311)
How would you describe your cocktail recipe?
It is a lofty take on a common drink enjoyed by the English (and many Datins) while partaking of their afternoon tea in hotels.
Why did you choose these ingredients for the recipe?
Drawing inspiration from people who are making Dalgona coffee cocktails by adding liquor to the super sweet drink. As sugar in cocktails tend to cover the quality of the liquor used, I decided to use the ingredients available in my home that would complement and not cover the notes of Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège.
What made you combine these ingredients together?
I wanted to achieve a good balance of flavours – the hint of spice and (slight) fruitiness from the oil of Bergamot in the tea; the gentle, dark, malty and oaky notes of the black tea (in the Earl Grey tea); the light airy richness of the milk foam; and the sweetness and spiciness from the cognac.
How would you describe the taste of your cocktail?
Like an Earl Grey tea latte with spicy and sweet notes from Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège adding a more complex layer.
Did you expect the cocktail to taste the way it did?
Yes, mostly.
What was your secret ingredient which makes your cocktail unique?
Creativity. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations.
