CocktailRecipes

Sidecar Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Sidecar recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Cognac
Alcohol 20%
Calories 200 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 10g
Prep time 3 minutes

Imagine you’re about to taste a drink that’s sweet, sour, and has a little kick to it. That’s the Sidecar cocktail for you! It’s a classy blend of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Let’s dive into its story, how it tastes, and how you can make it at home. Ready to become a Sidecar expert? Let’s go! ⬇️

History

The Sidecar is a cocktail with a past as rich as its flavor, born in Paris after World War I. It quickly became a favorite in Europe and then around the world, symbolizing the joy of the roaring twenties.

  • The name ‘Sidecar’ is believed to come from a motorcycle sidecar where an American Army captain used to ride to his favorite bar.
  • Originally made in Paris, the Sidecar was the height of fashion in London’s social scene.
  • It’s said to have been crafted as a way to warm up patrons during cold winters with its strong spirit base.

The taste of a Sidecar?

A Sidecar tastes like a bright burst of citrus with a warm, smooth finish. The sweetness of the orange liqueur balances perfectly with the tartness of fresh lemon juice.

I personally love Sidecars because they’re a delightful dance of flavors that awaken the senses and bring a smile to any occasion.

Interesting facts about Sidecar

  • The Sidecar is considered one of the classic cocktails by the International Bartenders Association.
  • It’s part of the ‘sour’ family of cocktails, famous for their simple yet sophisticated taste.
  • The drink’s balance of ingredients has made it a subject of many bartending competitions.

Ingredients

  • Cognac: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Orange liqueur: 3/4 oz (22ml)
  • Lemon juice: 3/4 oz (22ml)

Coupe glasses are ideal for serving Sidecars, as their wide rim allows the aroma to enhance the tasting experience. Alternatively, a martini glass could also work well, adding a touch of elegance.

Recipe. How to make Sidecar

  1. Chill your coupe or martini glass in the freezer.
  2. Combine 2 oz of cognac, 3/4 oz of orange liqueur, and 3/4 oz of lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
  4. Strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
  5. Garnish with an orange twist or a sugar rim for an extra touch of elegance.

Sidecars are delicious but remember they do contain sugar and alcohol. To make a healthier Sidecar, try using natural sweeteners and maybe a bit less orange liqueur. The cognac in it does have antioxidants, though!

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Food Pairings

Certain foods have the magical ability to enhance a Sidecar’s flavors. Here are a few pairings that can elevate your cocktail experience:

Cheese Platter

The richness of various cheeses contrasts beautifully with the bright acidity of a Sidecar, creating a sophisticated flavor journey.

Grilled Seafood

The smoky flavors of grilled fish or shrimp are complemented by the fresh citrus notes in a Sidecar, making for a refreshing combination.

Dark Chocolate

A piece of dark chocolate alongside a Sidecar brings out the deep, complex flavors of the cognac, and the bitterness of the chocolate balances the drink’s sweetness.

I adore the way a Sidecar’s citrus zing merges with the warmth of cognac—it’s like a cozy hug with a sunny smile.

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Bartender Advice

  • Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • To get the perfect balance, fine-tune the sweetness according to your taste.
  • A well-chilled glass can transform the drinking experience, so don’t skip that step.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Sidecar, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Sidecar

  • Try different types of brandy or even whiskey for a twist on the classic cognac base.
  • Experiment with various sweeteners like honey or agave syrup instead of sugar.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice for more or less tartness to suit your taste buds.

Sidecar Variations

White Lady

  • Ingredients: Replace cognac with gin, and add an egg white.
  • Recipe: Shake ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Brandy Crusta

  • Ingredients: Add a little maraschino liqueur and use a sugar-crusted rim.
  • Recipe: Mix ingredients in a shaker, pour into a glass with a sugar rim, and add a lemon twist.

Between the Sheets

  • Ingredients: Mix equal parts of cognac, rum, and orange liqueur.
  • Recipe: Combine with lemon juice in a shaker, strain, and serve in a chilled glass.

A ‘Virgin Sidecar’ can be just as enjoyable without the alcohol. Simply mix lemon juice with a non-alcoholic orange syrup and serve it in a sugar-rimmed glass.

Q&A

Can I use bottled lemon juice for a Sidecar?

Fresh lemon juice is always best, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled can work – just know it might taste a tad different.

Is a Sidecar very strong?

It’s got a kick, but the orange liqueur and lemon juice mellow it out, making it a balanced drink.

What’s the best cognac for a Sidecar?

A decent VS or VSOP cognac will do the trick – no need to break the bank on the really fancy stuff.

How can I make my Sidecar less sweet?

Easy, just reduce the orange liqueur a smidge or add a bit more lemon juice for extra zing!

Are there any variations for a sugar-free Sidecar?

Certainly! Try swapping out the sugar rim for a zest of lemon or orange to keep it fresh and fragrant.

Can I pre-make Sidecars for a party?

You bet! Mix up a big batch without ice, then shake individual servings with ice as you serve ’em up.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.
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