Tokyo Sidecar Cocktail Drink

Tokyo Sidecar Cocktail

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Are you looking for a special drink? Make the Tokyo Sidecar recipe! You can create this cocktail with basic ingredients and delight in its taste.

Tokyo Sidecar Recipe

Try the Tokyo Sidecar recipe this fall! Use Japanese Whiskey, Cointreau, and Yuzu juice to make a smooth cocktail for cooler days.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

177 kl

Ingredients

  • oz Japanese Whisky
  • ¾ oz Cointreau
  • ¾ oz Yuzu juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer
  • Coupe Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Chill your coupe glass with some ice.
  • Add Yuzu Juice: Pour in ¾ oz Yuzu juice into the shaker.
  • Add Cointreau: Measure and add ¾ oz Cointreau.
  • Add Whiskey: Pour 1½ oz Japanese Whisky into the shaker.
  • Prep Shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Discard Ice: Empty your coupe glass.
  • Strain and Serve: Fine strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
  • Garnish: Add a lemon twist to the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Japanese Whisky: If you don't have Japanese Whisky, a scotch works well as an alternative, offering a similar depth of flavor.
  • Cointreau: Triple sec can replace Cointreau if needed, Grand Marnier is another good alternative.
  • Yuzu Juice: Fresh lemon juice mixed with a bit of lime juice can mimic the unique tartness of yuzu if it's unavailable.

Making a Pitcher of Tokyo Sidecar:

  • Scale: To serve 8, multiply all ingredients by 8, using 12 oz of Japanese Whisky, 6 oz of Cointreau, and 6 oz of Yuzu juice.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Whisky, Cointreau, and yuzu juice with ice. Stir well to blend.
  • Serve: Strain into individual chilled coupe glasses, garnish with lemon twists, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Whisky Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whisky alternative that provides a similar flavor profile without alcohol.
  • Cointreau Substitute: Opt for an orange-flavored syrup or non-alcoholic orange liqueur substitute to maintain the citrus notes.
  • Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these substitutes for a non-alcoholic version.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
177
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
0.2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
6
g
2
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
5
g
6
%
Potassium
 
45
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Vitamin A
 
0.2
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
9
mg
11
%
Calcium
 
4
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.03
mg
0
%

 

Tokyo Sidecar Cocktail Drink

Tokyo Sidecar Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Try the Tokyo Sidecar recipe this fall! Use Japanese Whiskey, Cointreau, and Yuzu juice to make a smooth cocktail for cooler days.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 177

Ingredients
 

  • oz Japanese Whisky
  • ¾ oz Cointreau
  • ¾ oz Yuzu juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer
  • Coupe Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Chill your coupe glass with some ice.
  • Add Yuzu Juice: Pour in ¾ oz Yuzu juice into the shaker.
  • Add Cointreau: Measure and add ¾ oz Cointreau.
  • Add Whiskey: Pour 1½ oz Japanese Whisky into the shaker.
  • Prep Shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Discard Ice: Empty your coupe glass.
  • Strain and Serve: Fine strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
  • Garnish: Add a lemon twist to the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Japanese Whisky: If you don't have Japanese Whisky, a scotch works well as an alternative, offering a similar depth of flavor.
  • Cointreau: Triple sec can replace Cointreau if needed, Grand Marnier is another good alternative.
  • Yuzu Juice: Fresh lemon juice mixed with a bit of lime juice can mimic the unique tartness of yuzu if it's unavailable.

Making a Pitcher of Tokyo Sidecar:

  • Scale: To serve 8, multiply all ingredients by 8, using 12 oz of Japanese Whisky, 6 oz of Cointreau, and 6 oz of Yuzu juice.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Whisky, Cointreau, and yuzu juice with ice. Stir well to blend.
  • Serve: Strain into individual chilled coupe glasses, garnish with lemon twists, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Whisky Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whisky alternative that provides a similar flavor profile without alcohol.
  • Cointreau Substitute: Opt for an orange-flavored syrup or non-alcoholic orange liqueur substitute to maintain the citrus notes.
  • Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these substitutes for a non-alcoholic version.

What is a Tokyo Sidecar Cocktail?

A Tokyo Sidecar is a whisky cocktail made of Japanese Whiskey, Cointreau, and Yuzu juice. It’s easy to make because it involves straightforward steps like shaking the ingredients with ice and straining them into a glass. This drink offers an exciting twist on traditional cocktails by incorporating yuzu juice for its distinct citrus flavor.

A side shot of a Tohyo Sidecar cocktail in a coupe glass on a wooden coaster surrounded by half a lemon, an orange, a jigger, a bar spoon and a wooden box with a plant inside

What is a Tokyo Sidecar Cocktail made of – The ingredients

Prepare these ingredients to make your own Tokyo Sidecar Cocktail:

  • Japanese Whiskey: Delivers a smooth, rich base with unique flavor notes.
  • Cointreau: Contributes a sweet, citrusy orange flavor to balance the Whiskey.
  • Yuzu Juice: Infuses a tart, aromatic citrus element, enhancing freshness.
  • Ice Cubes: Cools the drink and blends the flavors when shaken.
  • Lemon Twist (optional): Adds a hint of citrus aroma as a garnish.

Japanese Whisky, Cointreau, Yuzu juice, lemon, and orange laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Tokyo Sidecar Cocktail?

Make a Tokyo Sidecar by following our clear instructions:

1
<p>Make sure to chill a coupe glass.</p>

Make sure to chill a coupe glass.

2
<p>Squeeze in a shaker the Yuzu juice, infusing the drink with a tart and aromatic citrus flavor.</p>

Squeeze in a shaker the Yuzu juice, infusing the drink with a tart and aromatic citrus flavor.

3
<p>Add Cointreau to the shaker, bringing the Whiskey a sweet and citrusy balance.</p>

Add Cointreau to the shaker, bringing the Whiskey a sweet and citrusy balance.

4
<p>Pour Japanese Whiskey into the shaker, providing the cocktail's rich base.</p>

Pour Japanese Whiskey into the shaker, providing the cocktail's rich base.

5
<p>Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes to ensure the drink is well-chilled.</p>

Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes to ensure the drink is well-chilled.

6
<p>Secure the shaker lid and shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to blend the flavors thoroughly.</p>

Secure the shaker lid and shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to blend the flavors thoroughly.

7
<p>Empty your coupe glass.</p>

Empty your coupe glass.

8
<p>Fine strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe glass, ensuring a smooth pour without ice.</p>

Fine strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe glass, ensuring a smooth pour without ice.

9
<p>Garnish with a lemon twist, adding a hint of citrus aroma to the finished drink.</p>

Garnish with a lemon twist, adding a hint of citrus aroma to the finished drink.

History and Origin

The Tokyo Sidecar cocktail takes inspiration from the classic Sidecar, which gained popularity in the early 20th century. Japanese Bartenders created this version using Japanese Whiskey instead of brandy, giving it a unique twist. They added yuzu juice to introduce a distinct citrus flavor, reflecting local tastes and ingredients. This adaptation showcases the creativity of Japanese mixologists and their skill in blending traditional Western cocktails with Eastern flavors. The Tokyo Sidecar has become famous for its refreshing taste and cultural fusion.

A Tokyo Sidecar cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a beige surface surrounded by Japanese Whisky, Cointreau, Yuzu juice, lemon, and orange

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Tokyo Sidecar Cocktail?
A typical Tokyo Sidecar contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
How strong is the Tokyo Sidecar Cocktail?
The Tokyo Sidecar has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 20-25%, which translates to about 40-50 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Tokyo Sidecar?
The primary alcohol in a Tokyo Sidecar is Japanese Whiskey, which provides a smooth and rich base for the cocktail. The drink is flavored with a touch of Cointreau for a zesty finish.
In which glass is a Tokyo Sidecar served?
Bartenders typically serve a Tokyo Sidecar in a coupe glass, which enhances its presentation and aroma.
What does a Tokyo Sidecar taste like?
The Tokyo Sidecar offers a balanced taste with rich whisky notes, sweet citrus from Cointreau, and tartness from yuzu juice.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Tokyo Sidecar Cocktail?
The standard ratio for a Tokyo Sidecar is 2 Japanese Whiskey to 1 part Cointreau and 1 part Yuzu juice.
How is the Tokyo Sidecar Cocktail served?
Bartenders serve the Tokyo Sidecar "up," meaning it is shaken with ice and then strained into a glass without ice.

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