The Classic Sidecar Cocktail Recipe

This recipe focuses on the traditional cognac-based Sidecar.

Yields: 1 cocktail
Prep time: 2 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces cognac (VSOP or higher recommended - see "What kind of cognac for a sidecar?" below)
• ¾ ounce Cointreau (or another quality orange liqueur like Triple Sec)
• ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
• Sugar, for rimming the glass (optional)
• Orange twist, for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass (Optional Sugar Rim)

If desired, prepare a sugar-rimmed coupe or martini glass. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass.

Then, gently dip the moistened rim into a shallow dish of sugar, rotating until evenly coated.

Step 2: Combine the Sidecar Cocktail Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, combine the cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice. These are the core sidecar cocktail ingredients.

Step 3: Add Ice and Shake Well

Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.

Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the shaker is well-chilled, about 15-20 seconds.

Step 4: Strain and Garnish

Double strain the cocktail into your prepared glass (or a regular coupe or martini glass if you skipped the sugar rim).

Garnish with an orange twist, if desired.

Sidecar Cocktail Variations:

• Tequila Sidecar Recipe: Substitute the cognac with a high-quality blanco or reposado tequila for a different but equally delicious experience. Adjust the lemon juice or orange liqueur to taste if needed.
• Hennessy Sidecar Recipe: Using Hennessy cognac will result in a classic and refined Sidecar. The specific flavor profile will depend on the Hennessy expression you choose.
• Bourbon Sidecar / Whiskey Sidecar: For a warmer and spicier variation, replace the cognac with your favorite bourbon or rye whiskey. The boldness of the whiskey will complement the citrus notes beautifully.
• Ratios: Some prefer a 2:1:1 ratio (2 oz spirit, 1 oz Cointreau, 1 oz lemon juice) for a sweeter and less tart drink. Experiment to find your preferred balance.

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What are the ingredients in a sidecar?

The standard ingredients in a sidecar are:

• Cognac
• Orange Liqueur (typically Cointreau)
• Fresh Lemon Juice

A sugar rim is often added as an optional element.

What kind of cognac for a sidecar?

For a classic Sidecar, a VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) or higher quality cognac is generally recommended. These cognacs have a smoother and more complex flavor profile that shines through in the cocktail. However, a good quality VS (Very Special) cognac can also be used, especially if you are just starting to explore Sidecars. Using a well-regarded brand will make a noticeable difference. A Hennessy Sidecar recipe would naturally call for a Hennessy VSOP or other Hennessy expression.

Why is the drink called a sidecar?

The sidecar cocktail history suggests the drink originated in Paris around the time of World War I. One popular theory is that it was named after the sidecar attachment on a motorcycle, which was a common mode of transportation during that era. The drink was supposedly a favorite of an army captain who was driven around in a motorcycle sidecar.

What is a good substitute for cognac in a sidecar?

If you don't have cognac, you can try the sidecar cocktail variations mentioned earlier:

• Bourbon or Rye Whiskey: Offers a bolder and spicier alternative.
• Brandy: While still a grape-based spirit, brandy has a broader category. A good quality French or Spanish brandy can work, though the flavor profile will differ slightly from cognac (which is a specific type of brandy from the Cognac region of France).
• Tequila (Blanco or Reposado): Creates a unique and interesting twist, as in a Tequila Sidecar recipe.

Keep in mind that substituting the base spirit will change the fundamental character of the cocktail, but it can still be a delicious drink in its own right!