Enjoy a classic with our Sidecar recipe! Mix brandy, lemon juice, and triple sec, and you're set.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
201
Ingredients
- 2 oz Cognac or Brandy
- ¾ oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Sugar - for rimming the glass, optional
- Lemon twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Measuring Jigger
- Cocktail Glass
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Wet the rim of your cocktail glass with a lemon wedge, then dip it into sugar to create a sugared rim. Leave it in the freezer.
- Combine Ingredients: In the cocktail shaker, combine ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ¾ oz Cointreau or Triple Sec, and 2 oz Cognac or Brandy.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake the mixture until well chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the drink into the prepared cocktail glass.
- Garnish: Add a lemon twist for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Cognac: I've used good quality brandy when I don't have Cognac on hand. It changes the depth a bit but still delivers a rich flavor.
- Cointreau: Grand Marnier is a decent substitute for Cointreau. It's a bit sweeter and has a hint of brandy, which pairs well with the main spirit.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is always best, but if I'm out of fresh lemons, I'll begrudgingly use bottled lemon juice, though it doesn't quite capture the zest of fresh-squeezed.
Making a Pitcher of Sidecar:
- Scale: To craft a pitcher serving 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. You'd need 16 oz of Cognac, 6 oz of Cointreau, and 6 oz of fresh lemon juice.
- Mix: Blend the Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice in a large pitcher. Add some ice and stir the mixture; even better, shake it if you have a pitcher that can be sealed.
- Serve: Strain the mix into sugared-rim cocktail glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Cognac Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic brandy or a mix of apple and grape juices to mimic the depth of Cognac.
- Cointreau Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic orange liqueur or simple syrup with a splash of orange juice for the orange essence.
- Follow The Original Steps: Replace the standard ingredients with these non-alcoholic alternatives and proceed with the original instructions to enjoy a non-alcoholic Sidecar.
Making it Vegan:
The standard Sidecar recipe is inherently vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients. Ensure that any sugar rimming the glass is certified vegan, as some sugars are processed using bone char. Always opt for organic or beet sugar to be on the safe side.What is a Sidecar?
Sidecar is a brandy-based cocktail that combines brandy, lemon juice, and triple sec. You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a Sidecar. This classic drink recipe is straightforward, making it a go-to for many cocktail enthusiasts. The Sidecar not only boasts a rich history but also holds the distinction of being an International Bartenders Association (IBA) official cocktail, further cementing its status as a timeless classic in the world of mixed drinks.
What is a Sidecar made of – The ingredients
To concoct a Sidecar, fetch the following components:
- Brandy: The primary spirit that gives the Sidecar its robust and deep flavor foundation.
- Lemon Juice: Adds acidity and a citrusy brightness, balancing out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Triple Sec: An orange-flavored liqueur that brings sweetness and a hint of citrus aroma to the cocktail.
