Classic Sidecar Drink Recipe

By FoodfaithfitnessOct 20, 2023Jump to Recipe

Revisit the Jazz Age by crafting the sophisticated and timeless Classic Sidecar Cocktail, a blend of brandy, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.

Classic Sidecar Drink Recipe featured image below

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Close your eyes and imagine a drink that is just pure class. Now open your eyes and take a gander at these pics of a Classic Sidecar. Did you envision something like this?

This cocktail is a vintage gem packed with all the jazz and glamor from the flapper-filled days of the roaring ’20s. Throw in some cognac or brandy, some orange liqueur, and a little hint of fresh lemon juice and you’ve got a drink that captures the bright and bubbly vibes of a sunny day. It is ideal for both the lounge and the patio. How many drinks can boast that?

The Sidecar has some cousins on its family tree: Its vibe and composition feel pretty similar to the Margarita or the French Martini. But the Sidecar echoes with the voice of history, sophistication, and of course, a balanced taste that’s to die for.

INGREDIENTS

Ready for a glass of sophistication? Here’s what you’ll need…

2 oz. brandy or cognac
1 oz. orange liqueur (e.g. Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
sugar (for rim)
lemon twist (for garnish)

Classic Sidecar Drink Recipe ingredients

Bar Checklist

cocktail shaker
strainer
cocktail glass
jigger or measuring tool

INSTRUCTIONS

Sugar

If you like a sugared rim, run a lemon slice along the edge of a cocktail glass and dip it into sugar. Put the glass in the fridge to chill.

Combine

In a cocktail shaker, combine the brandy or cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. Fill the shaker halfway with ice.

Shake

Shake the mixture vigorously until it’s chilled, about 20 seconds.

Strain

Strain the mixture into your prepared cocktail glass.

Garnish

Garnish with a lemon twist.

ENJOY!

How to Make a Healthy/Low-Calorie Sidecar

Use a lighter orange liqueur.
Use a natural sweetener like stevia for rimming the glass.
Cut out the fake sugars and go with fresh lemon juice.
For a mocktail, swap the brandy and orange liqueur with non-alcoholic substitutes like sparkling grape juice and a splash of orange juice.

Classic Sidecar Drink Recipe featured image above

Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Sidecar

Good Brandy or Cognac Can be very expensive. I recommend a mid market brand like Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice to avoid the additives in the bottled stuff.
Ensure that only the outer part of the glass is coated if you’re splurging on a sugared rim.
Shake the cocktail vigorously in the shaker.
Don’t skip the garnish. It adds visual appeal and that delicious citrus taste.

FAQs

How many calories are in a Classic Sidecar cocktail?

On average, a Sidecar cocktail will run you around 200 calories. The orange liqueur and the optional sugar-rimmed glass are the main culprits here, so cut down on those if you want a low-cal version.

What’s the best way to enjoy a Classic Sidecar cocktail?

There’s really no right way or wrong way to drink a Sidecar. I would just recommend taking it slowly so you notice the changing flavor dynamics as the drink warms in your hand. I think the brandy / cognac in the cocktail gradually reveals subtle variations in taste as it heats up.

Are Cointreau and Grand Marnier the only liqueurs I can use?

Nope, you can switch out Cointreau or Grand Marnier for another orange liqueur or triple sec. They each have a slightly different flavor, so expect a slight twist depending on what you use.

Do I need a fancy cocktail glasses to serve my Sidecar?

It’s tradition to serve Sidecars in a cocktail glass. I recommend a coupe glass or even a martini glass.

Is there a variation you recommend?

I sometimes make a Spiced Sidecar, where you add a splash of cinnamon syrup and a stick of cinnamon as garnish. Perfect for cooler months and to get that fall vibe.

how to prep and store your sidecar

If you are expecting guest and want to prepare some Sidecars early, take your brandy (or cognac), mix it with the orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice, put it all in a pitcher without ice, and stash it in your fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Be sure to add your ice and give it a proper shake right before you serve it up. That way you get your Sidecar ice cold and the flavors mixed just right. Also important: leave the sugared rim until you’re about to serve the cocktails or the sugar will disappear.

For any leftovers, remove the ice and seal the drink in a bottle or jar in the fridge. It should last a few days before the flavors start to fade.

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