Sidecar: the best-ever recipe for the classic Sidecar cocktail drink

The Sidecar is one of the most popular cocktail recipes in the world. It is a sour drink consisting of an alcoholic part such as cognac, an orange liqueur like Cointreau and some lemon juice. Before serving the Sidecar, cover the rim of the glass with sugar and garnish with some orange twist.

The Sidecar is an official IBA cocktail since 1961 whose origins are still uncertain. Despite the simple ingredients, the drink has a complex sweet-sour flavor that everyone will appreciate, both cocktail lovers and novices to the mixology world.

When making a Sidecar, it is very important to use high quality ingredients as it is also pretty strong – about 26% ABV. So, what is the best cognac for a sidecar? A VSOP cognac like Hennessy, Pierre Ferrand or Camus are perfect as an alcohol component. A California brandy will still work. As for orange liqueur, Cointreau is perfect because it is quite dry and sweet, but you can also use triple sec.

Another important thing to keep in mind is the dosage ratio. Early recipes called for identical amounts for all three ingredients, but as time went on this changed. Nowadays many recipes recommend a 2:1:1 ratio of cognac, Cointreau and lemon, but for some people it might be a bit sour. We suggest you to slightly reduce the dose of lemon juice and add a sugar-rim to give the drink an extra sweet flavor.

Sidecar Origins

The origins of the Sidecar are still uncertain. It is said the drink was invented for the first time in the 1920's in a bistro in Paris by Harry MacElhone. The name sidecar would be dedicated to a client who was going around the city with his motorcycle, the sidecar.

Others think the name sidecar refers to the mixture remaining in the shaker which is served in a shot and called sidecar. Usually this drink is served without this bonus nowadays, but you can always try it.

However, in his 1922 book ABC of Mixing Cocktails MacElhone credits the sidecar to Pat MacGarry, an English bartender of Buck's Club in London. So, we consider the sidecar a half French and half English drink.

Sidecar Variations

You can replace cognac or brandy with vodka or bourbon.

For a pisco sidecar, use brandy pisco.

You can also garnish sidecar with lemon peel.

How to make Sidecar

Pass the lemon pulp on the rim of a coupe glass. Dip it underneath on a small plate with sugar to create a thin crust on the rim.

In a shaker, add the cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice and ice cubes. Shake.

Strain into prepared coupe glass.

Garnish with an orange twist. Serve and enjoy!