A Sidecar is a classic cocktail made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, served in a sugar-rimmed glass for a refreshing taste.
The Sidecar is a timeless cocktail that blends brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon juice into a perfectly balanced drink. With roots in 1920s Paris and London, this elegant cocktail remains a favorite among bartenders and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a mixology novice or a seasoned pro, mastering the Sidecar is a must.
What Is a Sidecar Drink?
A Sidecar is a classic cocktail made with three key ingredients:
- Cognac or brandy
- Orange liqueur (typically Cointreau or triple sec)
- Fresh lemon juice
This sophisticated drink is often served in a sugar-rimmed glass with a citrus twist garnish. The Sidecar belongs to the “daisy” family of cocktails, which combine a spirit, citrus juice, and a sweetener.
The History of the Sidecar
The exact origins of the Sidecar are debated, but most accounts place its creation in the early 1920s. Popular theories include:
- Invented at Paris’s Ritz Hotel
- Created by Pat MacGarry at London’s Buck’s Club
- Named after an American army captain’s motorcycle sidecar
The drink gained popularity during Prohibition when American bartenders fled to Europe. It first appeared in print in 1922 cocktail books by Harry MacElhone and Robert Vermeire.
How to Make a Perfect Sidecar
The classic Sidecar recipe has evolved over time, with two main approaches:
French School (Original)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cognac | 1 oz |
| Cointreau | 1 oz |
| Lemon juice | 1 oz |
English School (Modern Standard)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cognac | 2 oz |
| Cointreau | 1 oz |
| Lemon juice | 1 oz |
Preparation Steps
- Chill a coupe or martini glass
- Optional: Rim the glass with sugar
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
- Strain into prepared glass
- Garnish with lemon or orange twist
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Quality matters when making a Sidecar. Here’s what to look for:
Cognac Selection
While you don’t need an ultra-premium bottle, avoid bottom-shelf brandy. Good options include:
- Pierre Ferrand 1840
- Remy Martin VSOP
- Courvoisier VS
For an interesting twist, try using Armagnac or a high-quality American brandy like those from Germain-Robin.
Orange Liqueur Options
Cointreau is traditional, but other quality options include:
- Grand Marnier
- Combier
- Dry Curaçao
The Importance of Fresh Citrus
Never use bottled lemon juice. Freshly squeezed makes all the difference in this cocktail. For the best results, use a citrus juicer to extract maximum flavor.
Sidecar Variations to Try
While the classic is perfect as-is, these variations offer interesting twists:
Between the Sheets
Adds rum to the mix:
- 3/4 oz Cognac
- 3/4 oz light rum
- 3/4 oz Cointreau
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
Bentley
Uses apple brandy instead of Cognac:
- 2 oz apple brandy
- 3/4 oz Bénédictine
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
Champagne Sidecar
Top your Sidecar with 2-3 oz of Champagne for a bubbly variation.
Tips for the Perfect Sidecar
- Use large ice cubes when shaking – they melt slower and don’t dilute the drink as much
- For the sugar rim, use superfine sugar for better adhesion
- Express the citrus oils from the twist over the drink before garnishing
- If your drink is too tart, add 1/4 oz simple syrup
The Sidecar’s balance of sweet and sour makes it an excellent choice for both cocktail newcomers and connoisseurs. Its simple formula allows the quality of ingredients to shine through, much like how the right coffee maker can elevate your morning brew.
For more cocktail inspiration, check out VinePair’s deep dive into the Sidecar’s history, or explore Punch’s guide to modern variations on this classic drink.
