Sidecar Cocktail

A sidecar cocktail combines cognac (or brandy), triple sec, and lemon juice for a great balance of flavor that is easy to sip on. This classic cocktail is smooth and sophisticated, while also being simple to prepare. It makes a great addition to dinner parties, or you can relax and enjoy one on your own!

The Perfect Sidecar Cocktail Recipe

The sidecar cocktail is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed since the early 20th century. With its smooth, balanced flavor, the Sidecar is a cocktail that is both sophisticated and approachable.

Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just starting out, the Sidecar is a must-try cocktail that should be in everyone's repertoire. So let's dive in and discover what makes the Sidecar such a timeless classic.

Jump to:

• The Perfect Sidecar Cocktail Recipe
• 🌎 Origin
• 🍹 Sidecar Cocktail Ingredients
• 🍸 How To Make A Sidecar Cocktail
• 🥂 Cocktail Tips & Variations
• 🍲 Foods To Serve With
• ❓ Recipe FAQs
• 🍷 More Tasty Cocktails
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Reviews

🌎 Origin

The origin of the Sidecar cocktail is a bit of a mystery, with several stories claiming to be the true origin. Here are some of the most popular theories:

1. Created in France during World War I: One theory is that the Sidecar was created in Paris during World War I. It is said that an American army captain would often arrive at a Parisian bar in a motorcycle sidecar and would ask for a cocktail made with Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice. The bartender would then create the Sidecar cocktail in honor of the captain's mode of transportation.
2. Created at the Ritz Hotel in Paris: Another theory is that the Sidecar was created at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. It is said that a patron asked for a cocktail made with Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice, and the bartender created the Sidecar in response.
3. Created in London: A third theory is that the Sidecar was created in London. According to this theory, the cocktail was created at the Buck's Club in London, where it became a popular drink among members.

Regardless of its true origin, the Sidecar has become a classic cocktail that is enjoyed around the world.

🍹 Sidecar Cocktail Ingredients

For the very best flavor, you want to use high-quality cognac or brandy, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice. A good squeeze from a ripe and juicy slice of lemon should suffice.

• Cognac - 1 ½ ounces of cognac (or a high-quality brandy).
• Triple Sec - ¾ ounce of triple sec (Cointreau or Grand Marnier).
• Lemon Juice - ¾ ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Sugar (optional) - Sugar for rimming (optional)
• Lemon Twist - 1 lemon twist for garnish.

*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

🍸 How To Make A Sidecar Cocktail

If you can shake a cocktail shaker, you can make this easy classic cocktail! You'll need a home bar kit or measuring utensils, a cocktail shaker, and a coupe glass.

1. Prep. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Combine the ingredients. Add 1 ½ ounces of cognac or brandy, ¾ ounce of triple sec (or orange liqueur), and ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
3. Shake. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Add sugar rim (optional). If you want to sugar the rim of your glass, wet the rim of a chilled cocktail glass with a lemon wedge and dip it into a small, shallow dish of sugar.
5. Strain. Strain the cocktail into the sugar-rimmed glass.
6. Garnish and serve. Finally, garnish with a lemon twist to serve.

The sugar rim adds a great touch of sweetness that contrasts the tart lemon juice wonderfully! However, this classic cocktail is still tasty without it. Enjoy!

🥂 Cocktail Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality ingredients. The sidecar cocktail is a classic cocktail that relies heavily on its ingredients. Make sure to use good quality Cognac or Brandy, fresh lemon juice, and Cointreau. Higher-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the final taste of your cocktail.
• Use the right ratio. The standard sidecar recipe calls for a 2:1:1 ratio of Cognac or Brandy, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice. This ratio is a good starting point, but feel free to adjust it to suit your personal taste.
• Shake vigorously. When shaking the cocktail, make sure to shake it vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds. This will help to properly mix the ingredients and create a nice foam on top of the cocktail.
• Use a sugar rim. A sugar rim is not mandatory, but it can add a nice touch of sweetness to the cocktail. Make sure to use fine sugar, such as caster sugar or superfine sugar (a few pulses in a food processor will do nicely), for the best results.
• Garnish with a lemon twist. A lemon twist is a classic garnish for a Sidecar cocktail. Simply cut a small piece of lemon peel, express the oils over the cocktail by twisting it over the glass, and drop it into the drink.
• Experiment with variations. You can customize this cocktail to suit your preferences. Try different types of cognac or brandy, add a splash of simple syrup to sweeten it up, or use a different citrus fruit instead of lemon.

🍲 Foods To Serve With

Whether you are hosting guests or enjoying a sidecar cocktail to yourself, here are a few recipes that will complement the flavors of this drink nicely!

• Lemon Butter Baked Cod
• Sous Vide Chicken Breast
• Pan-Seared Wahoo Sackoo Block
• Charcuterie Board
• Sous Vide Lamb Chops
• Roasted Quail

>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<

❓ Recipe FAQs

🍷 More Tasty Cocktails

• Hot Toddy - A warm and comforting cocktail made with bourbon, honey, and lemon juice!
• Whiskey Sour Cocktail - This sweet and tart cocktail is a go-to drink for whiskey lovers.
• Lemon Drop Shot - These sweet and sour lemon drop vodka shots are just what you need to get the party started!
• Bahama Mama - Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this fun and fruity rum cocktail!
• Irish Coffee - This delicious hot cocktail combines coffee, Irish whiskey, and heavy whipping cream!
• Blue Lagoon Cocktail - This vibrant blue vodka cocktail is perfect for a day by the pool or summer cookouts!

📖 Recipe Card