Ham-infused Cognac Cocktail

Ham-infused Cognac Cocktail Recipe - A Taste of Spain

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 2 weeks | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 1

Introduction

Indulge in a luxurious and unique cocktail experience with this Ham-infused Cognac Cocktail recipe. The rich flavors of Ibérico ham and Hennessey VS cognac come together to create a one-of-a-kind drink that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from the traditional Spanish flavors of Ibérico ham and Manchego cheese, combined with the elegance of cognac. The infusion of ham into the cognac adds a depth of flavor that is both savory and complex.

Ingredients

1 Ibérico ham leg
1.5 liters of Hennessey VS cognac
1 qt (946 ml) of wildflower honey
0.33 cup of water
three large cinnamon sticks
2 cups of grated manchego cheese
rosemary for garnish

How to prepare

Luxe ham cognac

Infuse an Ibérico ham leg in 1.5 liters of Hennessey VS Cognac for two weeks, covered and refrigerated.

Honey Syrup

Heat 1 qt (946 ml) of wildflower honey with 0.33 cup of water and three large sticks of Caribbean cinnamon (cannella) to a simmer.
Cover and let it cool.
Put it through a fine mesh strainer and refrigerate.

Manchego Tuilles

Shave aged Manchego onto a silpat or parchment paper to create a sheet of cheese that is 0.25 inch thick.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 12-15 minutes until it turns light brown and crisps up.
Let it cool and cut it into strips measuring 2 inches by 6 inches.
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature.

To serve

Combine 2 oz (57 g) of luxe ham cognac, lime juice, and 1 oz (28 g) of honey syrup in a cocktail shaker.
Shake vigorously and strain it into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with the Manchego tuile across the top of the glass and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese for the tuiles, such as Parmesan or Gouda.
Experiment with different types of honey for the syrup, such as lavender or orange blossom.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use high-quality Ibérico ham and Hennessey VS cognac for the best results.

- Infuse the ham in the cognac for at least two weeks to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Make sure to strain the honey syrup to remove any impurities before using it in the cocktail.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cocktail as a sophisticated aperitif before a special meal.

Cooking Techniques

Infusing the ham in the cognac adds a unique depth of flavor to the cocktail.

- Baking the Manchego tuiles creates a crispy and flavorful garnish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find Ibérico ham, you can use prosciutto as a substitute.

- Any high-quality cognac can be used in place of Hennessey VS.

Make Ahead Tips

The honey syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

- The Manchego tuiles can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the cocktail in a chilled glass with the Manchego tuile elegantly placed on top. - Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This cocktail pairs well with savory appetizers such as charcuterie boards or tapas.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cocktail in the refrigerator for up to two days.

- The Manchego tuiles can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

180 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This cocktail is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Contains dairy (Manchego cheese)

Summary

This cocktail is a decadent treat that is high in fats and calories, so enjoy it in moderation.

Summary

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this Ham-infused Cognac Cocktail for a truly unique and luxurious drinking experience. Impress your guests with this sophisticated cocktail that combines the flavors of Ibérico ham, Manchego cheese, and Hennessey VS cognac. Cheers!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first learned how to make the delicious ham-infused Cognac cocktail.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was visiting my Aunt Margaret, who was known for her extravagant dinner parties and exquisite taste in food and drink. She had invited a group of her friends over for a special occasion, and I was lucky enough to be able to help out in the kitchen.

As I was chopping vegetables and preparing appetizers, Aunt Margaret called me over to the bar and handed me a bottle of Cognac. She told me that it was a very special bottle, one that she had been saving for a special occasion. She then proceeded to show me how to make the most delicious cocktail I had ever tasted.

First, she took a slice of ham and placed it in a small glass. She then poured a generous amount of Cognac over the ham, allowing it to infuse with the rich, smokey flavor. Next, she added a splash of bitters and a touch of honey, stirring it all together until the flavors were perfectly blended.

I watched in awe as Aunt Margaret expertly prepared the cocktail, her hands moving with precision and grace. She then handed me the glass and told me to take a sip. The moment the liquid touched my lips, I was transported to a world of flavor and sophistication. The combination of the ham-infused Cognac, the bitters, and the honey created a symphony of taste that I had never experienced before.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged Aunt Margaret to teach me the recipe, and she graciously agreed. Over the years, I have perfected my own version of the ham-infused Cognac cocktail, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, always receiving rave reviews and requests for more. It has become a signature drink at my own dinner parties, a way for me to pay tribute to the woman who first introduced me to its magic.

As I sit here now, sipping on a glass of my homemade ham-infused Cognac cocktail, I can't help but smile at the memories it brings back. The taste of the Cognac, the hint of ham, the sweetness of the honey - it all reminds me of Aunt Margaret and the joy she brought into my life.

So here's to you, Aunt Margaret. Thank you for teaching me how to make this delicious cocktail, and for inspiring me to always strive for perfection in the kitchen. Cheers!