Do you love Hennessy? Are you a huge fan of the strong, French cognac? Then hopefully you have a few bottles in your liquor cabinet ready to go!
But what happens if you run out of your favorite drink? You will need to find the best Hennessy substitute to satisfy your craving.
When looking for a substitute for Hennessy, a well-known brand of cognac, consider other quality cognacs that offer a similar flavor profile and smoothness. Brandy, being the broader category that includes cognac, can also be a suitable alternative, especially those from regions like Armagnac or Spanish brandies. For cocktails or mixed drinks, darker spirits like dark rum or bourbon can sometimes be used as substitutes, offering a similar richness and depth of flavor. It’s important to note, though, that while these alternatives can provide a comparable taste, each has its own unique characteristics that will slightly alter the flavor of your drink.
We have found quite a few cognacs that are very similar to Hennessy. So sit down, grab a snifter and get ready to pour yourself a big glass of delicious liqueur. There is something on this list for everyone!
Hennessy Substitutes
1)Courvoisier VS Cognac
Courvoisier VS cognac is a blend of cognac that is aged anywhere from three to seven year. Blending older and younger cognacs makes the cognac fruity and fresh.
Courvoisier has a similar, oaky taste like Hennessy and it is comparatively priced. It is made in France just like Hennessy, too!
2)Martell VS
Martell is a lesser known cognac brand but the cognac itself is quite good. Martell double distills its wines in order to capture the fruity taste of the grapes.
Martell is a little brighter than Hennessy which actually makes it great in summery cocktails and mixed drinks.
A bottle of Martell VS is about the same price as Hennessy so it is a great substitute.
3)Comandon VS Cognac
Comandon VS cognac is a softer, lighter cognac. It is aged between four and eight years in Limousin oak casks which give the drink a unique taste.
Comandon is very smooth and light. It blends into mixed drinks perfectly. Using Comandon in place of Hennessy will give you a lighter, less powerful mixed drink but it will do the trick!
4. Frapin Domaine Château de Fontpinot Grande Champagne XO
This French cognac is known to be one of the smoothest, most mellow cognacs around. It has the same caramel and chocolate notes like Hennessy.
The cognac has a nice copper color similar to Hennessy so it will even look the same when poured into a glass!
5)A. de Fussigny Fine Champagne XO
This beautiful sipping cognac comes in a unique square bottle that you may want to keep and reuse! It has similar chocolate and spice flavors like Hennessy.
A. de Fussigny can be a little on the pricey side but, when you are drinking the cognac straight, it can be worth the price tag!
6. Remy Martin
Remy Martin is a very common brand of cognac that may be just one step above your regular Hennessy VS.
It is blended to have a burnt orange taste that is a little different than your normal cognac. However, those chocolate flavors and mellow flavors are still there!
7)Hine Rare VSOP
Nutty, spicy and with flavors of cocoa and creme brulee, you are going to love sipping on this tasty cognac.
If you can’t find Hennesy in stock, hopefully you can find a bottle of Hine! You will absolutely love it poured straight from the bottle.
8. Vanilla And Rum Extract
If you are baking or cooking, a recipe calls for Hennessy, try using vanilla extract or rum extract in its place.
You will get that rich, sweet flavor you are looking for without having to use real Hennessy.
Extracts are much more powerful so you will need less. If your recipe calls for a tablespoon of Hennessy, you should be able to use just a teaspoon of rum or vanilla extract.
9)Ritual Non Alcoholic Liquors
Ritual brand makes delicious drink alternatives that are completely alcohol-free.
If you love the taste of cognac and brandy but don’t want the alcohol, try Ritual zero-proof whiskey or rum. Both are a delicious, alcohol-free substitute for Hennessy.
10)White Grape Juice
White grape juice can be used in a pinch to replace Hennessy. It has the fruity flavor of Hennesy and the same liquid consistency.
Grape juice is very easy to find and will blend right into your mocktails or baked goods. Hennessy is made of grapes so this is definitely a fantastic alternative!
What Is Hennessy?
Hennessy is a liquor that is classified as a cognac. Cognac is basically the same as brandy but it is made in Cognac, France.
Many people actually think that Hennessy is a whiskey but it is made from grapes, not barley or wheat, which makes it a true cognac.
The company that makes Hennessy has been around for over 250 years and actually makes half of the world’s cognac.
That’s a lot of Hennessy! No wonder it is a favorite drink of so many- it is widely available and has been on liquor store shelves for centuries.
What Is Cognac?
Hennessy is classified as a cognac. If you are looking for a Hennessy substitute, then you should first look to other, similar cognacs. There are quite a few to choose from!
Cognac is a high-quality brandy that is made in Cognac, France. The classy liquor is made from distilled grapes and barrel aged.
The length of time the cognac spends in the barrel will help determine its flavor.
So what does cognac taste like? Cognac is described as being nutty, toasty, spicy and having vanilla notes.
Hennessy has a sweet, fruity taste that is oaky, spicy and has notes of chocolate and vanilla. The flavor of Hennessy can be compared to an aged wine. It is quite delicious!
Different Types Of Hennessy
There are so many different kinds of Hennessy. Cognacs are all rated depending on how long they are aged. Here is a quick look at how cognacs, including Hennesy, are rated.
1. VS
VS stands for “very special” and is aged a minimum of two years. It is good for mixing in drinks and for cooking.
2. VSOP
VSOP stands for “very special old pale” and has been aged for at least four years. VSOP cognac is great for cocktails, drinking on ice and for cooking.
3. XO
XO cognac is at least ten years old and great to serve over ice or straight in a glass. XO stands for “extra old”.
4. XXO
Extra extra old cognac is aged for at least 14 years. Drink it straight or on ice!
5. Reserve
A reserve cognac is at least 25 years old. It is best served straight out of a glass or paired with food. It will also be the most expensive type of cognac.
There are other, more specialized types of cognac as well but these five are the most common.
For example, there is Hennessy Black, Hennessy Pure White and also Hennessy Privilege. Each of these is a little different but all super delicious.
Brandy Vs. Hennessy
Cognac is actually just a brandy that happens to be made in the Cognac region of France.
However, this distinction is a point of superiority for liquor connoisseurs. Many believe that cognac is far better than regular American brandy.
American brandy can be a lot cheaper than French cognac simply because of where it is made.
However, there are a lot of great American-made brandies that are delicious and can easily replace Hennessy.
Copper and Kings American Craft Brandy is aged in Kentucky bourbon oak barrels giving it a fruity, rich taste just like Hennessy.
Bertoux Brandy is another favorite of cognac connoisseurs thanks to its rich vanilla taste.
Don’t skip over the American brandies in the liquor store just because they are not true cognacs. There are still some great drinks inside those non-French bottles!
We Thought You Would Like
Final Thoughts
While you may be a devoted Hennessy drinker, there may come a time when you need something else in your glass.
These Hennessy substitutes will all work perfectly, giving you the drink you need or the ingredient you require to make something delicious.
Let us know which substitute you prefer!
My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.