Sidecar Cocktail Recipe

Name: Sidecar Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 ounces cognac; 3/4 ounce Cointreau; 3/4 ounce lemon juice; Optional sugar for rim

Jump to Recipe

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 cocktails.

Sidecar cocktail garnished with a sugar rim and lemon peel.

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.

Like most classic cocktails that emerged during the Prohibition Era, its history is foggy and often debated. The earliest rendition of the cocktail was found in Harry McElhone’s book, Barflies and Cocktails, in 1927. This rendition actually used brandy, which later evolved into cognac.

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

Table of Contents

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.

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

How to Make a Sidecar Cocktail

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.

Rubbing the rim of a coupe glass with a lemon wedge.

Step 2.

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.

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 cocktail with a twist of orange or lemon.

Lemon peel garnish being trimmed with a knife on a cutting board.

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 cocktail. Triple sec also works but it’s a little sweeter.

What brand Cognac do you reccomend?

I really like Pierre Ferrand and Rémy Martin.

More Classic Cocktails

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