This Sidecar cocktail is a classic for a reason. It is a complex, layered drink as the richness from the Cognac pairs well with the tart lemon juice and vibrant sweetness from the orange liqueur. You end up with a cocktail that’s simple but sophisticated, perfect for entertaining guests at any gathering.
This refreshing drink is practically effortless to make as it only has three ingredients. While quality matters, it’s easy to lose the subtle flavor notes in pricey spirits in cocktails, so mid-shelf options are great for mixed drinks. It’s one of my favorite cocktails to make, along with my whiskey sour recipe and my old fashioned cocktail recipe. These classics are fantastic to have in your back pocket the next time you throw a party. They’re always crowdpleasers.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Cognac — Cognac is a specific brandy produced from distilled white wine in Cognac, France. If you do not have Cognac, choose a brandy you enjoy.
Orange liqueur — I love using Cointreau or Grand Marnier for my cocktails. They have a more complex flavor and are not as sweet as triple sec. You don’t want to overpower the tartness from the lemon.
Lemon juice — I recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice as the flavor profile is much brighter and flavorful than bottled lemon juices.
How to Make a Sidecar
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
2. If desired, place superfine sugar on a small plate. Dip the rim of a coupe glass in water and then in the sugar to coat the rim with sugar.
3. Shake the cocktail shaker until well chilled, about 10 to 20 seconds. Strain into the coupe glass.
4. Garnish the Sidecar with an orange twist.
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- To get a pretty orange garnish, you can use a vegetable peeler to get a thin piece of orange peel. Twist and place it in the drink.
- Instead of dipping the rim of the glass in water for more orange flavor, run an orange wedge over it instead.
- Don’t have a cocktail shaker? You can use a mason jar or any jar with a tight-fitting lid, then strain the Sidecar through a mesh strainer.
- Avoid adding crushed ice to the cocktail shaker as the ice will melt quicker and water down the cocktail.
- For the best sugar rim, be sure to use superfine sugar. Granulated sugar will fall off the rim much more easily than superfine sugar.
- For a little extra sweetness, add a dash of simple syrup or a generous pinch of superfine sugar to the shaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did this cocktail originate?
The origins of the Sidecar are a little vague. Still, rumor has it, this cocktail was invented around World War I in Harry’s New York bar and named after an American army captain in Paris who rode a motorcycle with a sidecar. However, some argue that Pat MacGarry, a bartender at Buck’s Club in London, created it.
What does this cocktail taste like?
This Sidecar recipe tastes sweet but tart. It’s also warm but crisp. Thanks to the Cognac, it tastes rich and velvety as well. There are many layers of flavor, and changing the ratio of the ingredients will throw off the balance of flavors.
Should I use Triple Sec or Cointreau?
Cointreau is a type of triple sec, but Triple Sec is also a name of an inexpensive, lower quality orange liqueur. I don’t recommend a cheap Triple Sec as the flavors are less complex, and the alcohol content is lower. Cointreau has a stronger, smoother taste and has more well-balanced bitter and sweet notes.
What are some variations?
- Try using Bourbon instead of Cognac for a Bourbon Sidecar.
- Replacing the Cognac with gin will give you a Chelsea Sidecar.
- Add a splash of white rum to create Between the Sheets.
If you love this recipe try these out!
If you’ve tried this Sidecar recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
Sidecar
Equipment
- Old-fashioned or rocks glass
- cocktail shaker
- Cocktail strainer
Ingredients
- 2 ounces cognac
- 1 ounce orange liqueur such as Cointreau
- 1 ounce lemon juice
For Garnish
- orange twist
- superfine sugar for rim optional
Instructions
- If desired, place the superfine sugar on a small plate. Dip the rim of a coupe glass in water and then in the sugar to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Fill with ice.
- Shake until well chilled, about 10 to 20 seconds. Strain into the coupe glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Notes
- To get a pretty orange garnish, you can use a vegetable peeler to get a thin piece of orange peel. Twist and place it in the drink.
- Instead of dipping the rim of the glass in water for more orange flavor, run an orange wedge over it instead.
- Don’t have a cocktail shaker? You can use a mason jar or any jar with a tight-fitting lid, then strain the Sidecar through a mesh strainer.
- Avoid adding crushed ice to the cocktail shaker as the ice will melt quicker and water down the cocktail.
- For the best sugar rim, be sure to use superfine sugar. Granulated sugar will fall off the rim much more easily than superfine sugar.
- For a little extra sweetness, add a dash of simple syrup or a generous pinch of superfine sugar to the shaker.
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