Sidecar co*cktail Recipe (2024)

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By Shawn Williams

5 from 1 vote

Mar 10, 2019, Updated Nov 21, 2023

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The Sidecar is a classic Prohibition Era cognac-based elixir made with Cointreau (orange liqueur) and fresh lemon juice. Similar to the Whiskey Sour but with a more sophisticated flavor profile thanks to the orange liqueur and unique depth of cognac. It’s one of my favorite easy-sipping drinks that I regularly work into my rotation of co*cktails.

Sidecar co*cktail Recipe (2)

The Sidecar is classically served straight up in a coupe glass with a sugar rim. Although it’s something I typically omit at home, it does add an interesting sugary texture to every sip.

Table of Contents

  • Brief History
  • Ingredients
  • co*cktail Variations
  • How to Make a Sidecar co*cktail
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Classic co*cktails
  • Sidecar co*cktail Recipe

Brief History

Like most classic co*cktails that emerged during the Prohibition Era, its history is foggy and often debated. The earliest rendition of the co*cktail was found in Harry McElhone’s book, Harry’s ABC of Mixing co*cktails, in 1922. This rendition used brandy, which later evolved into cognac.

If you’re looking for other citrusy, yet spirit-forward co*cktails, try the Whiskey Sour, New York Sour, Brown Derby co*cktail, and Paper Plane co*cktail!

Ingredients

Sidecar co*cktail Recipe (3)

To craft the perfect Sidecar, you will need three key ingredients: Cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice.

  • Cognac: a fine brandy made from grapes rather than corn or grains, is typically enjoyed neat as an after-dinner drink. Its fruity undertones and smooth character make it a fantastic choice for whiskey lovers looking to explore new flavors.
  • Cointreau (orange liqueur): while you can substitute triple sec for Cointreau, Cointreau has a smoother finish and is a bit higher in alcohol, making it a better match for cognac.
  • Lemon juice: I always opt for freshly squeezed citrus, however, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. My favorite option is ReaLemon.
  • Simple syrup (50-50) simple sugar is an optional ingredient. For a drier co*cktail, omit the sugar altogether. When used sparingly, it helps to round out the edges and add a little extra sweetness (also see honey syrup)

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.

co*cktail Variations

The sidecar can be made in a few different ways depending on your taste. Here are a few tips based on the parts listed in the recipe below:

  • If made without simple sugar, the co*cktail is much drier and spirit-forward.
  • Adding a bar spoon or teaspoon of simple sugar will add some welcomed sweetness and create a more balanced co*cktail.
  • Reducing the cognac addition to 1 1/2 parts (while keeping lemon and Cointreau parts the same) will accomplish the same thing as adding simple sugar to the original base recipe.

How to Make a Sidecar co*cktail

Step 1.

For the sugar rim, coat the rim of the glass in orange/lemon juice. Place some sugar on a plate and twirl the glass in sugar to coat.

Step 2.

Combine cognac, lemon juice, Cointreau, and optional simple syrup in a Boston shaker or mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir vigorously for 15 seconds and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Quick Tip

Chill your glasses in the freezer. A cold glass prevents warming and keeps your drink colder for longer.

Step 3.

To make a fancy lemon peel garnish, trim the edges of a thin lemon peel with a sharp knife into your desired shape. A peeler works best for creating a thin peel. Garnish the co*cktail with a twist of orange or lemon.

Sidecar co*cktail Recipe (6)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cognac? Is it whiskey?

Cognac is not whiskey. Cognac is a fine brandy made from grapes rather than corn or grains. It is distilled and aged for at least 2 years in French oak.

Can I substitute bourbon or brandy for cognac?

Yes. Replacing cognac with bourbon will render similar results to a whiskey sour. Brandy would be a better replacement.

What’s the best orange liqueur to use?

Cointreau is the best option for this co*cktail. Triple sec also works but it’s a little sweeter.

What brand Cognac do you reccomend?

I like Pierre Ferrand and Rémy Martin.

Sidecar co*cktail Recipe (7)

More Classic co*cktails

Scofflaw co*cktail Recipe

Paper Plane co*cktail Recipe

Whiskey Sour Recipe

Enjoy this recipe? If you made this co*cktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & areview in the comments!

5 from 1 vote

Sidecar co*cktail Recipe

By: Shawn Williams

Servings: 1 co*cktail

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Total: 5 minutes mins

Save

Sidecar co*cktail Recipe (12)

The Sidecar is one of my favorite classic co*cktails, consisting of Cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. A citrusy refreshing classic.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces cognac
  • 3/4 ounce Cointreau
  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon simple sugar, omit for drier co*cktail
  • Optional sugar for rim

Instructions

  • For the sugar rim, coat the rim of the glass in orange/lemon juice. Twirl the glass in sugar to coat.

  • Combine all ingredients in a Boston shaker or mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir vigorously for 15 seconds and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

  • To make a fancy lemon peel garnish, trim the edges of a thin lemon peel with a sharp knife into your desired shape. A peeler works best for creating a thin peel. Garnish the co*cktail with a twist of orange or lemon.

Notes

This co*cktail can be made with Brandy in place of Cognac as a substitution.

If made without simple sugar, the co*cktail is much drier and spirit-forward.

Adding a bar spoon or teaspoon of simple sugar will add some welcomed sweetness and create a more balanced co*cktail.

Reducing the cognac addition to 1 1/2 parts (while keeping lemon and Cointreau parts the same) will accomplish the same thing as adding simple sugar to the original base recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 177kcalCarbohydrates: 0.5gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 4mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: co*cktail

Cuisine: French

Tried this recipe?Mention @kitchenswagger or tag #kitchenswagger!

About Shawn Williams

My name is Shawn, author behind Kitchen Swagger. I'm a food & drink enthusiast bringing you my own simple and delicious restaurant-inspired recipes.

Read More About Me

Sidecar co*cktail Recipe (2024)

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