Sidecar Cocktail Recipe

The Sidecar cocktail is a classic drink that has delighted taste buds for over a century. Made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, the Sidecar offers a perfect balance of tart and dry flavors. You’ll appreciate its rich history and simple elegance.

The Sidecar is not only beloved for its taste but also for its fascinating origin. It dates back to the World War I era, retaining its status as a cocktail icon.

Equipment

When making a sidecar, certain equipment is essential.

Cocktail shaker
Jigger (for measuring)
Hawthorne strainer
Citrus juicer or reamer
Bar spoon
Fine mesh strainer (optional, for removing pulp)
Cocktail glass (such as a coupe or martini glass)
Ice
Zester or peeler (for garnish)

Ingredients

To make a Sidecar cocktail, you will need the following ingredients. These items are essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Cognac: 2 ounces
Orange liqueur (such as Cointreau): 1 ounce
Fresh lemon juice: 3/4 ounce
Granulated sugar: for rimming the glass (optional)
Ice: enough for shaking the cocktail

For the best taste, use fresh lemon juice. The orange liqueur adds sweetness, while the cognac provides warmth and depth. Optional sugared rims give a sweet contrast to the drink’s sour and tart flavors.

Instructions

Start by preparing your glass. If desired, coat the rim with sugar. To do this, dip the rim in water or lemon juice, then dip it in granulated sugar.

Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Combine the cognac, orange liqueur, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in the shaker.

Shake the mixture well, about 10-20 seconds, until thoroughly chilled. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.

For a finishing touch, garnish with an orange or lemon twist. This step adds a crisp aroma and enhances presentation.

Tasting Notes

A Sidecar offers a vibrant mix of flavors. Each ingredient contributes a unique character.

Brandy (or Cognac): Brandy adds richness and depth. It provides a warm, spiced base with notes of toffee and vanilla.

Cointreau: This orange liqueur brings a citrusy sweetness. Its subtle bitterness balances the tartness of the lemon juice.

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice offers a bright, tangy note. It adds freshness and a crisp zing.

In the Sidecar, you’ll experience a harmonious blend. The brandy’s depth is complemented by the Cointreau’s sweet citrus and the lemon’s tartness.

The cocktail is both refreshing and complex. Each sip balances sweetness and acidity. This makes the Sidecar a delightful, well-rounded drink.

Similar Cocktails

The classic Sidecar consists of cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice. Its unique combination has inspired several similar cocktails:

The Margarita

Similar to the Sidecar, the Margarita features a mix of citrus and liqueur. Ingredients include:

2 ounces tequila
1 ounce lime juice
1 ounce triple sec
Salt for rimming the glass

The Cosmopolitan

A trendy twist on the Sidecar. It substitutes vodka for cognac. You will need:

1 1/2 ounces vodka
1 ounce Cointreau
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/2 ounce cranberry juice

The Daiquiri

The Daiquiri shares the citrus component but uses rum. Ingredients are:

2 ounces white rum
1 ounce lime juice
3/4 ounce simple syrup

The White Lady

This cocktail is nearly identical to the Sidecar but uses gin. Combine:

2 ounces gin
3/4 ounce Cointreau
3/4 ounce lemon juice

The Lemon Drop

A more modern, sweet variation. It includes:

2 ounces vodka
1 ounce lemon juice
1 ounce simple syrup
Sugar for rimming the glass

These cocktails share similarities with the Sidecar. They each mix spirits with citrus and a liqueur. They offer variations that cater to different tastes. Try them to find your favorite.