The Cognac Conundrum: Why the World’s Most Celebrated Brandy Is Ignored in Its Homeland

About 212.5 million bottles of Cognac were sold in 2022, according to the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), the spirit’s trade organization. Only 2.8 percent, or about 5.95 million of them, were sold in France, with the remaining 97.2 percent exported to leading markets such as the United States, China, and elsewhere in Europe. How is it possible that the French don’t consume their own product, one with centuries of storied history? The article The Cognac Conundrum: Why the World’s Most Celebrated Brandy Is Ignored in Its Homeland appeared first on VinePair .

by Jake Emen · source ↗

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8 Producers You Should Know to Get Into Sake

Asian-American bars are experiencing a wave of popularity in the U.S. — as are the beverages they serve. For the first half of 2025, the U.S. was the largest global importer of sake from Japan by volume, according to the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association. By value, the U.S. ranks second, just behind China. Beyond the data, sake is increasingly represented on menus at restaurants of various cuisines. The article 8 Producers You Should Know to Get Into Sake appeared first on VinePair .

We Asked 13 Bartenders: Which Cocktail Do You Wish People Would Order More? (2026)

Within the vast world of cocktails, there are a few all-time favorites that land in the “greatest hits” category. Popular potent potables like the Margarita, Old Fashioned, and Espresso Martini are such ubiquitous orders, they occasionally spill into pop-culture consciousness. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as they can be delicious when properly made. Any bartender worth their salt will make the best versions of these greatest hits every time, no matter how many times guests order them. The article We Asked 13 Bartenders: Which Cocktail Do You Wish People Would Order More? (2026) appeared first on VinePair .

This New Bar Flips Hong Kong French Toast Into a Cocktail

Darling is a new Chinese-inspired cocktail bar from Brian Callahan and Zimu Chen that recently opened in Cambridge, Mass.’s Central Square. The bar takes inspiration from a number of sources, including the space’s previous tenant, Mary Chung’s, a beloved Chinese restaurant that served Sichuan dishes for 40 years. When researching design for the space, Callahan also looked to the cha chaan tengs of Hong Kong — cafes known for their eclectic menus that combine Eastern and Western comfort foods. The article This New Bar Flips Hong Kong French Toast Into a Cocktail appeared first on VinePair .

The Cognac Conundrum: Why the World’s Most Celebrated Brandy Is Ignored in Its Homeland

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8 Producers You Should Know to Get Into Sake

We Asked 13 Bartenders: Which Cocktail Do You Wish People Would Order More? (2026)

This New Bar Flips Hong Kong French Toast Into a Cocktail