Sidecar drink

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!

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you!

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 three 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.

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 complete 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.

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!

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 you 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, 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.

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 remember when choosing a cognac for your sidecar.

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

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

And lastly, you want to ensure 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 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.

Recipe variations

There are many 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!

And speaking of automotive-themed drinks, why not try a Cadillac margarita?

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!

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

Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, for more tasty inspiration!

You may also like…

Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes

Our roasted sweet potato cubes are a must-try! We take fresh sweet potatoes, cut them into bite-sized cubes, add perfect seasoning, and roast them to…

Perfect Pie Crust Recipe

Want to learn how to make the flakiest crust that will take your pies to another level? Our pie crust recipe is easy and uses…