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Splash of Taste – Vegetarian Recipes

Splash of Taste - Vegetarian Recipes

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Home / Drinks / Cocktails

Sidecar drink

Published August 17, 2022 | Updated October 27, 2022 | By Mandy & Jane

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Sidecar drink image for Pinterest.

This cocktail is perfect if you love a delicious mix of sweet and sour. The sidecar drink recipe features a delicious blend of Cointreau, cognac, and lemon juice, making it the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to relax after a long day or celebrate a special moment, this refreshing cocktail is perfect!

A stunning bright yellow sidecar cocktail with a lemon twist and fresh lemons in the background.

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Why you’ll love this easy sidecar cocktail recipe

  • It’s so easy to make and you can make it ahead of time
  • This easy cocktail looks stunning and great for summer or holiday parties!
  • With just 3 ingredients, you can make many cocktails for the price of a couple of expensive bar cocktails.
  • The ingredients are 100% vegetarian.

What ingredients are in a sidecar cocktail?

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

Ingredients needed, Cointreau, sugar, Cognac, and lemon juice.

This cocktail is the perfect mix of sweet and strong. It’s like a little party in a glass!

How to make a sidecar cocktail with step by step instructions

Making our sidecar drink recipe is easy if you follow our simple steps.

A full printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Making your sugar rim

Place either granulated sugar or superfine sugar on a plate or flat surface.

Wipe a lemon wedge around the rim of your cocktail glass and then place it rim down on the sugar.

Gently swirl the rim in the sugar, then set it aside.

Making your sidecar

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, add cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice.

Someone pouring a shot of Cointreau into a cocktail shaker.
Add cognac to a cocktail shaker full of ice cubes.
Someone pouring a shot of cognac into a cocktail shaker.
Then add Cointreau and fresh lemon juice.
Pour sidecar into a cocktail glass.
Shake for 30 seconds and then strain into your cocktail glass.

Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

Strain your drink into your prepared glass and garnish with a lemon twist or orange twist.

Serve immediately and enjoy – cheers!

A delicious glass of homemade sidecar cocktail, a cocktail shaker and lemon halves.

We hope you enjoy making and drinking our sidecar cocktail recipe and would love to hear how you got on with making it.

Please leave a comment below and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Recipe notes and expert tips

  • Sugared rim first
    Make your sugar rim before your pour your cocktail into the glass as you need to turn it upside down.
  • Cocktail glasses
    We prefer to use either a martini glass or a coupe glass.
  • Like it sweeter?
    Add a dash of simple syrup.
  • Make it ahead
    Mix your cocktail and leave it in the fridge to cool until it’s time to serve, do NOT leave the ice cubes in the drink or it’ll dilute. Shake before you serve.

What does a sidecar taste like?

The cocktail is made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. It is typically served in a small glass or coupe.

So, what does a sidecar taste like?

The drink is sweet and citrusy, with a strong kick from the cognac.

The orange liqueur gives the drink a slightly bitter edge, which is balanced out by the sweetness of the lemon juice.

If you’re looking for a classic cocktail that packs a punch, then look no further than the sidecar.

This delicious drink is perfect for any occasion.

Why is the drink called sidecar?

The origin of the sidecar cocktail is disputed, but it is believed to have been invented in the early 1900s.

The most common theory is that it was created by an American bartender mixing cocktails in Paris in the early 1920s, Harry MacElhone, proprietor of Harry’s New York Bar.

He created the drink to be equal parts cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice.

Another theory claims that it was invented by a British Army captain who was stationed in France during World War I and was known for driving around in a motorcycle sidecar.

Whatever its true origins, the sidecar has become a classic cocktail that is enjoyed by many.

Partial glass of sidecar with a lemon twist and lemons on the surface in the background.

What cognac do you use for sidecar?

There are many different types of cognac, so it can be tricky to choose the right one.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a cognac for your sidecar.

First, you want to make sure that the cognac is of good quality.

Second, you want to choose a cognac that has a strong flavor.

And lastly, you want to make sure that the cognac is not too sweet.

With these factors in mind, we recommend using Hennessy VSOP cognac or Remy Martin VSOP for your sidecar.

Is triple sec the same as Cointreau?

In a word, no.

Cointreau is a brand of triple sec, but there are many other brands of triple sec, and they are not all the same.

Triple sec is a type of liqueur that is made from distilled spirits, usually brandy or vodka, and flavored with oranges.

Cointreau is made from sweet and bitter oranges, and it has a higher alcohol content than most other triple secs.

It is also less sweet than most other triple secs.

Ready to drink sidecar cocktail drink in a cocktail glass, with a cocktail shaker, and lemons.

Recipe variations

There are many different types of sidecar recipes to try, but one of the most popular is the Bourbon Sidecar.

This recipe calls for bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar, and can be garnished with a lemon twist or maraschino cherry.

Another popular type of sidecar is the chocolate sidecar, which is made with dark chocolate liqueur, Cognac, and Cointreau.

If you’re looking for a slightly different take on the classic sidecar, try a Whiskey Sour Sidecar.

This recipe substitutes whiskey for bourbon and adds in a dash of bitters and an egg white to give it a frothy texture.

For a more unique take on the sidecar, try the espresso sidecar. This recipe calls for espresso-flavored liqueur, Cognac, and Cointreau.

If you want a sweeter drink, try using orange liqueur instead of lemon juice. For a more tart cocktail, add a splash of bitters to the mix.

You can also play around with the ratio of cognac to liqueur, depending on how strong you want your drink to be.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to making a sidecar cocktail.

Get creative and experiment with different ingredients until you find a combination that you love!

Get that perfect sugar rim!

The perfect sugar rimmed glass is the perfect finishing touch to your sidecar cocktail.

Here’s how to get it just right:

First, wet the edge of your glass with a lemon wedge or other citrus fruit.

Next, dip the glass in a shallow dish of sugar.

Then, rotate the glass so that the sugar sticks evenly to the wet surface.

Finally, allow the sugar to dry for a few minutes before adding your sidecar cocktail.

Cheers!

Refreshing glass of homemade sidecar cocktail drink with lemons.

Can I make a sidecar cocktail ahead?

Yes, you can!

Mix your cocktail as detailed in our recipe, then strain the cocktail out of the cocktail shaker into a jug.

Place the jug in the fridge chilling until it’s time to serve your cocktail.

Don’t leave the ice cubes in your cocktail or it’ll dilute.

More easy cocktail recipes for you to try at home

If you love our sidecar cocktail, then you should give these easy cocktail recipes a try.

  • Manhattan cocktail
  • Vesper martini
  • Vodka martini
  • Long Island iced tea
  • Aviator cocktail
A glass of Manhattan cocktail with cherries.

Manhattan cocktail

Vesper martini in a cocktail glass.

Vesper Martini

Vodka martini in a glass with olives.

Vodka Martini

Long Island iced tea cocktail drink.

Long Island iced tea recipe

A purple rain cocktail freshly made with lime wedges and lime halves around it.

Purple rain cocktail recipe

Aviator cocktail in a cocktail glass.

Classic aviation Cocktail Recipe

Sidecar drink in a cocktail glass.
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Sidecar drink

This fabulous cocktail is the perfect drink for any occasion! It's easy to make, and even easier to drink! Sidecar is a refreshing mix of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. It's perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or enjoying by the fire on a cold winter night!
Prep Time2 mins
Total Time2 mins
Servings1
Calories277
Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: American
Author: Jane Chapman
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Utensils

Cocktail shaker set
Cocktail shaker
Martini glass
Martini glass

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Granulated sugar
  • 1 wedge Lemon
  • 2 oz Cognac
  • 1 oz Cointreau
  • 1 oz Lemon juice
  • Lemon twist to garnish
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Place granulated sugar on a plate, wipe a lemon wedge around the rim of your cocktail glass, then swirl it on the sugar, and set aside
    1 tbsp Granulated sugar, 1 wedge Lemon
  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist. Serve immediately and enjoy!
    2 oz Cognac, 1 oz Cointreau, 1 oz Lemon juice, Lemon twist

Notes

Sugared rim first
 Make your sugar rim before your pour your cocktail into the glass as you need to turn it upside down
Glasses
 We prefer to use either a martini glass or a coupe glass
Like it sweeter?
 Add a dash of simple syrup
Make it ahead
 Mix your cocktail and leave it in the fridge to cool until it’s time to serve, do NOT leave the ice cubes in the drink or it’ll dilute. Shake before you serve

Nutrition

Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

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A vegetarian for over 35 years, Mandy has taught herself to be creative in the kitchen. Traveling extensively, Mandy loves learning and adapting vegetarian recipes from across the world. Read more...

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