Okay, take a quick second to learn a little more about the sidecar cocktail than you care to know. It’s a classic cocktail dating back to the Prohibition Era. Prohibition Era = you can’t drink alcohol, but the best cocktails EVER were created during this time. It’s perfect irony and I absolutely love it. A few others to mention, the Aviation and the Last Word.
Like most classics, the 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 to cognac. The drink it classically served with a sugar rim, but it’s a tad too sweet for my taste.
What is a Sidecar Cocktail?
The sidecar is a smooth, cognac based drink made with cognac, Cointreau (orange liqueur), and fresh lemon juice. It’s like a more refined whiskey sour, without the egg white.
Cognac is a fine brandy typically sipped neat as a after-dinner drink, unless it finds itself in a classic. I think my whiskey friends will love cognac. It’s fruitier and a little smoother. It’s also made from grapes rather than corn and grains.
Sidecar Ingredients
- Cognac
- Cointreau
- Lemon juice
The sidecar cocktail is citrusy and refreshing, getting a touch of sweetness from the Cointreau and fresh lemon juice. Like most classic cocktails, it’s right down the middle in terms of flavor and strength. A perfect classic to add to your rotation this summer.
Prep Time:
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PinIngredients
- 2 ounces cognac
- 3/4 ounce Cointreau
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a Boston shaker or mixing glass with a cup of ice. Stir vigorously for 15 seconds then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a twist of lime.
