Sidecar Cocktail

The Sidecar cocktail is a classic - and like many that fall into this category, it's simple, delicious, and dead easy to make.

The Sidecar is a sophisticated and timeless cocktail that originated in the early 20th century. It's a perfect blend of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, garnished with a sugared rim, making it a luxurious and elegant drink that's sweet and tangy and sure to impress anyone who appreciates a well-crafted cocktail.

Trust me, once you take a sip of this delicious concoction, you'll feel like you're transported to a glamorous speakeasy in the 1920s. And honestly, who doesn't want that?

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Made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, and finished with a sugared rim, the Sidecar is sweet and fresh drink is the perfect blend of luxury, elegance, and flavor.

Jump to:

• Why You're Going to Love this Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is a Sidecar?
• What's the History?
• Ingredients
• How to Make a Sidecar Cocktail
• What Kind of Cognac Should I Use?
• Batching and Making Ahead
• Tips and Tricks
• What to Serve it With
• Other Classic Cocktails to Try
• Recipe

Why You're Going to Love this Recipe

• Its sophisticated and timeless flavor profile is sure to impress any guest.
• The luxurious blend of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice gives it a one-of-a-kind taste.
• The sugared rim adds an extra touch of elegance to the drink, making it perfect for special occasions.
• The Sidecar's origins in the early 20th century give it a sense of history and tradition, making it a great conversation starter.
• It's a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed year-round, whether sipping it on a warm summer evening or cozying it on a cold winter night. I will literally bust this drink out anytime, anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sidecar?

A Sidecar is basically a fancy cocktail that's made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. You shake it up with ice and then strain it into a chilled glass with a sugared rim - sounds bougie, right? But trust me; it's not as complicated as it sounds! That's what's so great about these classic cocktails; they're almost always EASY. Once you try it, you'll realize that the combination of sweet and tangy flavors is just chef's kiss. It's the perfect drink to enjoy when you're feeling fancy and want to sip on something luxurious.

What's the History?

So, the origins of the Sidecar cocktail are a bit loosey-goosey, but many believe to have been created in the early 20th century, possibly in Paris or London. There are a few different stories about how it got its name. The most popular one is that it was named after the motorcycle sidecar. Supposedly, a British army officer would arrive at a Parisian bar in a motorcycle sidecar and would order the cocktail, which eventually became known as the "Sidecar."

Despite its origins being a bit fuzzy, the Sidecar has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic cocktail to this day. Whether you're sipping on it at a high-end bar or making it at home for a dinner party, the Sidecar is sure to impress anyone who appreciates a well-crafted cocktail with a touch of history and tradition.

Ingredients

• Cognac: Cognac is a type of brandy that's made from distilled wine and aged in oak barrels. It has a rich, mellow flavor that's perfect for cocktails, and it's the base of the Sidecar. The complex flavors of the cognac provide a deep, smooth backdrop for the sweet and sour flavors of the other ingredients.
• Orange Liqueur: Orange liqueur is a sweet, citrus-flavored liqueur that's made by distilling orange peels. Cointreau is the most popular type of orange liqueur used in a Sidecar, but you can also use triple sec or Grand Marnier. The orange liqueur brings a bright, citrusy flavor that balances out the richness of the cognac.
• Lemon Juice: The final ingredient in a Sidecar is freshly squeezed lemon juice, which adds a sour note to the drink. It also helps to balance out the sweetness of the orange liqueur and add a bit of acidity to the cocktail.

That's really it! You can add the sugar rim, of course (I highly recommend it, it's pretty easy to do - see below).

How to Make a Sidecar Cocktail

Prepare your glass by creating a sugared rim. Take a small, shallow plate and pour sugar onto it. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your chilled cocktail glass and then dip the rim into the sugar, rotating the glass until the entire rim is coated. Set the glass aside.

Add the cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.

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Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, then cover and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the shaker is very cold to the touch.

Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass, making sure not to get any ice or pulp in the drink.

Garnish with a lemon wedge, and enjoy your delicious Sidecar!

What Kind of Cognac Should I Use?

When it comes to making a Sidecar, you definitely want to use a good quality cognac. The best cognacs for cocktails are VS (Very Special) or VSOP (Very Special Old Pale) grades, which are affordable and work well with mixers like lemon juice and orange liqueur.

As for substituting brandy, technically, you can use it as a substitute for cognac in a Sidecar since cognac is a type of brandy. However, the flavor and quality of brandy can vary widely, and it might not give you the same depth and richness that cognac does. So, if you can, you might want to stick with a good-quality cognac for the best results.

Batching and Making Ahead

Hosting a dinner party and want to make sure everyone has a drink as they walk in the door? Perfect. This recipe makes about six servings; you can make it up to a day beforehand.

• 2 cups cognac
• ¾ cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec)
• ¾ cup fresh lemon juice
• Lemon slices and/or sugared rims for garnish

In a pitcher, combine all the ingredients (except for lemon slices and sugar for garnish). Stir, and chill the mixture in the fridge for at least an hour. To serve, pour the mixture into glasses and garnish with lemon slices or sugared rims.

Tips and Tricks

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must and using a good quality cognac, and orange liqueur will make all the difference in the final taste.
• Don't skip the sugared rim! It adds a great texture and sweetness and looks so pretty on the glass. To make it, simply wet the rim of the glass with a slice of lemon and dip it into a plate of sugar.
• If you want to take your Sidecar to the next level, consider using a flavored simple syrup, such as honey or rosemary, to add some extra depth to the cocktail.
• If you don't have a cocktail shaker, don't worry! You can still make a great Sidecar by stirring the ingredients together in a pitcher or large glass.
• Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with the ratios of the ingredients to find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste. Everyone's palate is different, so feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. I can tell you for sure that I make mine with way less lemon juice - I just find that the tart flavor can be overpowering for me sometimes.

What to Serve it With

• A classic cheese board with a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruits. I love pairing a nutty, aged Gouda or a creamy Brie with a Sidecar to balance out the citrus and sweetness of the cocktail.
• Savory hors d'oeuvres like fried oysters or truffle fries. The richness of fried seafood or mushrooms complements the bold flavors of the cognac and orange liqueur in the cocktail.
• Spicy snacks like buffalo wings, habanero oysters, or jalapeno poppers. The heat from the snacks plays well with the sweetness of the cocktail, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.
• For a sweet treat, you could serve fruit skewers with a honey or yogurt dip, or even a chocolate fondue with fresh strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzels. The sweet flavors will pair well with the tartness of the cocktail.

Other Classic Cocktails to Try

Recipe