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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.
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
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.
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.
More Classic co*cktails
Bee’s Knees co*cktail Recipe
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
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
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