To make a Sidecar, you will need the following ingredients:
- 50ml Cognac
- 25ml Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- 25ml lemon juice
- 25ml Sugar Syrup (optional)
- Ice
- Lemon peel or orange slice for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice to the shaker.
- If you prefer a sweeter Sidecar, you can add a little sugar or simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well to combine the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture from the shaker into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel or orange slice, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Note: If you don’t have a shaker, you can also mix the ingredients in a glass and then strain them into the cocktail glass.
History:
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century. It is thought to have originated in Paris, France in the early 1900s. The exact origins of the drink are somewhat disputed, but it is generally believed to have been invented at a bar called Harry’s New York Bar, which was popular with American expats in Paris.
According to one popular story, the Sidecar was created for a customer who was unable to walk and had to be driven around in a motorcycle sidecar. The customer would often stop by the bar and ask the bartender to make him a drink using whatever ingredients were on hand. The Sidecar was born out of this process of experimentation, and it quickly became a popular drink at the bar.
Another theory suggests that the Sidecar was actually invented in London, England, and that it was named after the motorcycle sidecar that was used to transport people during World War I.
Regardless of its true origins, the Sidecar has remained a popular and enduring cocktail for over a century. It is often served at social gatherings and is enjoyed by people all over the world.
There are many variations of the Sidecar cocktail that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Brandy Sidecar: For a traditional twist on the classic Sidecar, try using brandy instead of Cognac.
- Rum Sidecar: To give your Sidecar a tropical twist, try using rum instead of Cognac.
- Frozen Sidecar: To make a frozen Sidecar, blend all of the ingredients in a blender with ice until smooth. Pour the mixture into a tall glass and garnish with a lemon peel or orange slice.
- Sweet and Sour Sidecar: For a sweeter Sidecar, try adding a splash of grenadine or simple syrup to the shaker along with the other ingredients.
- Spicy Sidecar: To add some heat to your Sidecar, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of fresh jalapeno to the shaker along with the other ingredients.
- Herb Sidecar: To give your Sidecar a fresh, herbaceous twist, try adding a sprig of fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, or rosemary) to the shaker along with the other ingredients.
- Berry Sidecar: For a fruity twist on the classic Sidecar, add a few berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) to the shaker along with the other ingredients. You can also use a flavored orange liqueur, such as raspberry or blackberry, to add some extra berry flavor.
- Citrus Sidecar: To add some extra citrus flavor to your Sidecar, try using a different type of citrus juice or liqueur in place of the lemon juice or Cointreau. For example, you could use orange juice or triple sec instead of Cointreau, or lime juice instead of lemon juice.
- Classic Sidecar Punch: To make a large batch of Sidecars for a party, try making a classic Sidecar punch. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix them together in a punch bowl. Add ice and stir to combine, then garnish with lemon peels or orange slices.
Cognac’s We Recommend:
Cognac is a type of brandy that is made in the Cognac region of France. It is known for its rich and complex flavor, and is often enjoyed neat or in cocktails. Here are ten highly regarded Cognacs that you may want to try:
- Hennessy XO: This Cognac is made with a blend of more than 100 different eaux-de-vie, or brandies, that have been aged for up to 30 years. It has a complex and rich flavor profile, with notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit.
- Rémy Martin XO: This Cognac is made with a blend of more than 250 different eaux-de-vie, including some that have been aged for up to 37 years. It has a complex and rich flavor profile, with notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit.
- Courvoisier XO: This Cognac is made with a blend of more than 20 different eaux-de-vie, including some that have been aged for up to 30 years. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile, with notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit.
- Martell XO: This Cognac is made with a blend of more than 70 different eaux-de-vie, including some that have been aged for up to 25 years. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile, with notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit.
- Hine XO: This Cognac is made with a blend of more than 40 different eaux-de-vie, including some that have been aged for up to 25 years. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile, with notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit.
- Delamain XO: This Cognac is made with a blend of more than 20 different eaux-de-vie, including some that have been aged for up to 25 years. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile, with notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit.
- Otard XO: This Cognac is made with a blend of more than 20 different eaux-de-vie, including some that have been aged for up to 25 years. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile, with notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit.
- Gautier XO: This Cognac is made with a blend of more than 20 different eaux-de-vie, including some that have been aged for up to 25 years. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile, with notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit.
- Camus XO: This Cognac is made with a blend of more than 20 different eaux-de-vie, including some that have been aged for up to 25 years. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile, with notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit.
- Frapin XO: This Cognac is made with a blend of more than 20 different eaux-de-vie, including some that have been aged for up to 25 years. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile, with notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit.