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!
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Instructions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add 1 ½ ounces of cognac or brandy, ¾ ounce of triple sec, and ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
(Optional) If you want to sugar rim your glass, wet the rim of a chilled cocktail glass with a lemon wedge and dip it into a small dish of sugar.
Strain the cocktail into the sugar-rimmed glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!
Notes
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/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. If you choose to use a sugar rim, wet the rim of the glass with a lemon wedge before dipping it into a small dish of sugar. Make sure to use fine sugar, such as caster sugar or superfine sugar, 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. The Sidecar is a classic cocktail that can be customized to suit your preferences. You can try different types of brandy, add a splash of simple syrup to sweeten it up or use a different citrus fruit instead of lemon.