I love fall cocktails more than pretty much anything, and this apple sidecar cocktail is right at the top of my list. Like most classic cocktails, it's also very easy to make, and super customizable. I've tried smoking this as well and it's *chef's kiss*.
Honestly, anything with warming spices this time of year (fall), I will eat/drink three without question. Same goes for cocktails. Nothing makes me feel more cozy then whipping up this recipe and snuggling down in front of a fire.
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Why You're Going to Love this Recipe
- It’s a seasonal twist on a classic, perfect for fall gatherings.
- Cognac adds warmth, while the apple cider gives it a fresh, fruity note.
- The sugar-cinnamon rim elevates it with a cozy, spiced finish.
- It’s so easy to make yet feels elegant and sophisticated. My favorite.
- Dehydrated citrus garnish adds a polished, professional touch that will impress guests. (But, honestly, if you don't have dehydrated citrus, a lemon or orange peel will also work).
Frequently Asked Questions
A sidecar is a classic cocktail typically made with cognac, orange liqueur (like Cointreau), and lemon juice. It’s known for being tangy, slightly sweet, and well-balanced, with a smooth, citrus-forward flavor. The cocktail is often served in a coupe glass with a sugared rim, making it feel sophisticated and timeless. It originated in the early 20th century, and though its exact origins are debated, it's closely associated with both French and American bartending traditions.
Yes, you can definitely use brandy instead of cognac in a sidecar! Cognac is technically a type of brandy, so the flavors will be similar. Brandy might be a bit less complex and smoother depending on the brand, but it will still create a delicious cocktail. If you're looking for a more affordable option or don't have cognac on hand, brandy is a great substitute that won’t sacrifice flavor.
Yes! You can mix the cocktail (minus the ice) ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours. When you're ready to serve, shake it with ice and strain into your prepped glasses.
For a non-alcoholic version, you can swap the cognac and orange liqueur with a non-alcoholic spirit or use a mix of apple juice and orange juice for a similar flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness as needed.
Ingredients
Cognac: This spirit brings warmth, depth, and complexity, creating a rich base for the cocktail. You can of course, use brandy as well.
Orange liqueur: Adds a bright, citrusy sweetness that balances the stronger flavors of the cognac.
Lemon juice: Provides a tart, acidic contrast to balance the sweetness and add a crisp finish. I use only half an ounce, but depending on how tart you like your drinks, you can certainly increase it.
Apple cider: A seasonal touch that brings natural sweetness and a delicious spiced flavor to the mix.
Sugar-cinnamon rim: Enhances the fall vibe with warmth and spice, complementing the apple cider perfectly.
Dehydrated citrus garnish: Offers a beautiful, aromatic accent and an elegant visual appeal. You can also garnish with an apple slice, a lemon slice, or a cinnamon stick. Sage adds a lovely aromatic quality too.
How to Make and Apple Sidecar
Start by mixing 2 teaspoon of sugar and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon on a small plate. Take your cocktail glass and wet the rim with a slice of lemon or a bit of water. Dip the rim into the sugar-cinnamon mixture until it’s fully coated.
Next, fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. This helps get the perfect chill and dilution for your drink.
Pour in 2 oz cognac, 1 oz orange liqueur, ½ oz lemon juice, and 1 oz apple cider. These ingredients will layer together, with the cognac providing a warm base and the citrus balancing it out.
Seal the shaker and give it a good shake for about 15-20 seconds. The goal is to chill the cocktail well and mix everything smoothly.
Using a cocktail strainer, pour the cocktail into your prepped glass. The cinnamon-sugar rim will start giving you those fall flavors immediately.
For a finishing touch, add a slice of dehydrated citrus (lemon or orange) to the rim or float it on top for that polished, elegant look.
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Chill your glass by popping it in the freezer while you make the cocktail for an extra-cold, refreshing experience.
- For a super smooth cocktail, double strain by using a fine-mesh strainer when pouring. This will catch any ice shards or pulp.
- Always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice won’t give you the same brightness.
- Make your own dehydrated citrus by slicing lemons or oranges thin and baking them at 200°F for 2-3 hours.
- Store extra sugar-cinnamon mix in a small jar so it’s ready for your next round of fall cocktails.
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add a dash of simple syrup or honey before shaking to adjust the sweetness.
Variations
This cocktail is great as is, but feel free to get creative depending on your tastes.
Swap the cognac for bourbon to give the cocktail a smokier, richer flavor. Bourbon also pairs beautifully with the apple cider.
For a spicier twist, use spiced rum instead of cognac. It brings a festive, warm feel to the drink.
Add a splash of ginger beer for some bubbles and a hint of spice. It’ll lighten up the drink while keeping those fall flavors.
Try using a flavored orange liqueur, like blood orange or tangerine, to change up the citrus profile.
Experiment with hard apple cider in place of regular apple cider for a boozy, effervescent version. It’ll add a fun, fizzy element.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add a dash of cinnamon or allspice directly into the shaker for extra autumn warmth. Or alternatively, if you have to have some spiced bitters in your bar (I love clove bitters in particular).
And of course, you can always go back to the classic sidecar cocktail. It's one of my favs!
More Awesome Cocktails
📖 Recipe
Apple Sidecar Cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or a mason jar, anything with a lid you can shake this with!
Ingredients
- 2 tps sugar for the rim
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon for the rim
- 2 oz cognac
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 1 oz apple cider
- dehydrated citrus for garnish
Instructions
- Rim your glass: Mix the sugar and cinnamon together on a small plate. Wet the rim of your glass with a little lemon juice, then dip it into the sugar-cinnamon mix.
- Shake the drink: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the cognac, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and apple cider. Shake well.
- Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass.
- Garnish: Add a slice of dehydrated citrus to the rim or float it on top for a polished look.
Notes
- Cognac options: You can use VS or VSOP cognac, depending on your taste and budget. VS will be lighter, VSOP will add richness.
- Orange liqueur: Try Cointreau for a balanced, not-too-sweet flavor. Grand Marnier works for a deeper, more luxurious taste.
- Apple cider: Make sure to use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. Avoid the overly sweet, shelf-stable versions.
- Garnish options: If you don’t have dehydrated citrus, a fresh orange or lemon slice will work just as well.
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Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
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