As Lance Armstrong cycled over rolling hills through the half-way point of the recent Tour de France, residents of Cognac sat road-side sipping the region’s golden elixir to cheer the champion on to victory.

Even during the sultry days of summer, cognac is a favorite drink among spirits connoisseurs around the world. As the sun kisses the cognac vineyards and warms the grapes to release an aromatic scent, you can relax at home and savor fruitful cognac cocktails that will cool your soul.

Cognac-Tini
1 oz. Camus Cognac
½ oz. orange huice
½ ounce lemon juice
Chilled champagne

Shake together cognac, orange juice and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a large martini glass, top with Champagne and garnish with lemon peel

Kiwi-Kissed Cognac Spritzer
2 oz. Camus Joséphine cognac
Splash of lemon juice
Splash of seltzer water
Slice of kiwi