Last Saturday, June 4th, marked National Cognac Day. (We were already busy celebrating, and forgot to post something to let you guys know. Won't happen again. We flogged an intern over it.) And what better way to celebrate this most important of holidays (or to thank Dad for passing on his DNA), then with Camus Cognac.

The Camus family has been distilling its signature lines of cognac since 1863, and they are the last independently owned and family-run cognac house in the world. (Yeah! Down with Big Cognac!)

So raise a snifter and enjoy National Cognac Day with these refreshing, summer-inspired recipes. (Yup, you can mix cognac too.)

Camus Elegant Ending
1 1/2 oz Camus VSOP Elegance
3/4 oz Ruby port
3/4 oz Dolin dry Vermouth
Stir over ice. Strain into Coupe.

The Elegant Camus Sling
1 1/2oz Camus VSOP Elegance
3/4 oz Punta Mes Vermouth
1/4 oz simple syrup
3/4 oz Lemon juice
Cremant d’ Alsace sparkling wine
Shake all except sparkling wine. Strain into a martini glass. Top with Cremant d’Alsace.