Sidecar
Cognac, orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice, shaken hard and strained into a chilled glass with a sugared rim. A sharp, elegant Prohibition-era classic.
How to Make Sidecar
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Chill a coupe glass in the freezer for 5 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you make the drink.
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Run the lemon wedge around half the rim of the glass and dip it into a plate of caster sugar. Shake off the excess.
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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the Cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice.
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Shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds, until the shaker is very cold.
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Strain into the prepared glass. Twist the strip of orange peel over the drink to release the oils, and drop it in or perch it on the rim.
Tips for Making Sidecar
- Squeeze the lemon juice fresh. Bottled juice is dull and sharp, and the drink relies on the bright, clean acidity.
- Balance to taste. If the drink is too sharp, add a teaspoon of sugar syrup, and if it is too sweet, add a squeeze more lemon.
- Sugar only half the rim. That way each sip is either sweet or sharp, and the guest can choose.
What to Serve with Sidecar
- Salted almonds
- Cheese straws
- Oysters
Storing & Reheating Sidecar
Best made to order. For a party, mix the Cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice in a jug in advance, chill, and shake with ice for each drink.
Sidecar FAQ: Common Questions
How long does Sidecar take to make?
About 5 minutes in total — 5 minutes of preparation and of cooking. The recipe serves 1.
What are the key tips for making Sidecar?
Squeeze the lemon juice fresh. Bottled juice is dull and sharp, and the drink relies on the bright, clean acidity. Balance to taste. If the drink is too sharp, add a teaspoon of sugar syrup, and if it is too sweet, add a squeeze more lemon. Sugar only half the rim. That way each sip is either sweet or sharp, and the guest can choose.
What should I serve with Sidecar?
Salted almonds; Cheese straws; Oysters.
How should Sidecar be stored?
Best made to order. For a party, mix the Cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice in a jug in advance, chill, and shake with ice for each drink.
Is Sidecar suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free and low-carb. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Sidecar?
About 218 kcal per serving, with 0 g protein, 13 g carbohydrate and 0 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Sidecar Nutrition
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
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Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.
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