A vanilla armagnac liqueur has an advantage over many spirits: it is already sweet, fragrant, and smooth. You don't need to know how to make cocktails to create something good with it. Here are five ideas that require little equipment and can be made in under five minutes, unless otherwise noted.
1. On its own, well chilled
This is the most direct way to discover it. Serve about 4 cl in a small glass, after chilling it in the refrigerator for an hour. The cold tempers the sugar and brings out the vanilla and the warm notes of the armagnac. Try this before anything else to know what you like about this liqueur.
2. In a coffee
Pour a tablespoon (about 1.5 cl) of liqueur into a hot espresso, without adding sugar. The vanilla softens the bitterness of the coffee, and the armagnac adds a rounder background note. This is the simplest version for an after-meal drink, and it is often favored by those who do not like strong digestifs.
3. Over vanilla ice cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of liqueur on top, and it's ready. Count about 2 cl per serving. The cold of the ice cream and the warmth of the alcohol create a very pleasant contrast, and the dessert takes on a restaurant-like quality effortlessly. For a variation, try the same thing on coffee or chocolate ice cream.
4. Over roasted apples
Cut two apples into wedges, sauté them for five minutes in a pan with a knob of butter, then add 3 cl of liqueur off the heat and let it warm for a minute while stirring. The apples absorb the vanilla and the alcohol softens with the heat. It's a seasonal dessert that works very well at this time of year, warm, with a bit of fresh cream.
5. In a small orange cocktail
In a glass filled with ice cubes, pour 4 cl of liqueur, 6 cl of freshly squeezed orange juice, and top with a splash of sparkling water. Stir gently. The freshness of the orange balances the sweetness of the liqueur and creates a light drink, ideal as an aperitif for those who find the liqueur alone too sweet.
A few tips for success
Always start with small quantities: the liqueur is already sweet, it's easier to add more than to take it away. Avoid heating it over high heat, which would cause some of the vanilla aromas to disappear. And if you're cooking with it, add it at the end of cooking rather than at the beginning.
Once opened, the bottle keeps well away from light and heat, and gives its best in the year following the opening. So you have plenty of time to try the five recipes.
In summary
A vanilla armagnac liqueur is not reserved for the end of a meal. Fresh, in a coffee, over ice cream, on warm apples, or in an orange cocktail, it fits almost any occasion, with very little technique.
Discover the vanilla armagnac liqueur from Maison ARTEZ, artisanal and organic, on our online store.