When the opportunity to visit the world renowned Zen nightclub to savour city cocktails blended with Hennessy Cognac XO, I stepped right up to the task. Sampling modern reinterpretations of legendary cocktails, born in some of the most glamouros and sophisticated cities of the world, was a challenge not to be missed.
Hennessy, the world leader in cognac, can date its pedigree to 1765. Over the last eight generations the Hennessy family and the Fillioux family, Hennessy’s master blenders, have produced the fine Hennessy cognacs the world has grown to love. Cognac is the region of Western France where the grapes are grown and aged in oak barrels. The first shipment left for America in 1794 and by the 19th century, Exports had expanded to England, Japan, and Shangai, China. In the roaring twenties, the “Hennessy Paris”, originally called the “Sidecar” cocktail (a mix of cognac, triple sec and lemon juice) was born in Paris, France. Not everyone remembered the name and it was introduced to London in 1922 as “Cocktail Paris” or “Hennessy Paris” and quickly become one of the bar-calls of discerning drinkers.
The 1930’s saw the emergence of an elegant and fresh cocktail inspired by the Mint Julep, popular with the Palm Beach elite soceity; the “Hennessy Mint Julep” was perfectly suited for Miami’s suave cocktail parties. Hennessy Cognac may have been the sophisticated drink of the aristocrats but it also proved to be a versatile partner when combined with fresh fruit, spices, fruit juices, and even sodas. Its ability to pair companionably without ever losing its character and taste is just one of the reasons that Hennessy’s Cognacs have become a beloved global brand.
From Paris to Miami; Moscow to Shangai; this gourmet experience across the world is enjoyed by a cosmopolitan clientele with discerning taste. Legend has it that at the end of the 19th century, captains of the Royal Navy dropped anchor in China during the hot summer months and enjoyed a dash of fresh pressed ginger and cognac which made for a refreshing long drink. |
