SIDECAR
A crisp, elegant Cognac cocktail combining Cognac, orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice. Bright, citrusy and balanced, with a rich brandy backbone.
SIDECAR Recipe
- Cognac 50 ml
- Orange liqueur 20 ml
- Lemon juice 20 ml
- Fresh lemon 1 twist
- Ice 150 g
- Cocktail rim sugar 1 g, optional
Make it properly
- Add Cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice to a shaker.
- Add plenty of ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and an optional sugar rim.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT SIDECAR?
The Sidecar is a simple cocktail, but its balance depends on getting three ingredients right: Cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice. Cognac brings richness and depth, orange liqueur adds citrus sweetness, and lemon provides the fresh acidity that keeps the drink bright. Shaken hard with ice and served well chilled, the result is crisp, elegant and beautifully balanced.
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SIDECAR: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a classic Sidecar, from choosing the right Cognac and orange liqueur to achieving the perfect balance of citrus, sweetness and richness.
THE STORY OF THE SIDECAR
The Sidecar is one of the great classic cocktails of the early 20th century. Its exact origins are debated, with both Paris and London associated with its creation, but the drink became established during the 1920s.
Built around Cognac, orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice, the Sidecar follows the classic sour structure of spirit, sweetness and citrus. Its simplicity has helped it remain a cocktail-bar staple for more than a century.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A SIDECAR
A great Sidecar depends on the balance between rich Cognac, bright orange liqueur and sharp lemon. With only three main ingredients, each one has a noticeable effect on the finished drink.
Choose a Cognac with enough fruit and oak character to remain present alongside the citrus. For the orange liqueur, Drinkero recommends Cointreau, whose bright orange character and dry finish work particularly well in a Sidecar. Fresh lemon juice provides the acidity that brings everything together.
HOW TO MAKE A BALANCED SIDECAR
Add the Cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake firmly until thoroughly chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe glass.
The key is balance. The Cognac should remain at the centre of the drink, while the orange liqueur rounds out the sharpness of the lemon. A lemon twist adds fresh citrus aroma. A sugar rim can also be added if you prefer a slightly sweeter presentation.
Questions about the Sidecar
What is a Sidecar made from?
A classic Sidecar combines Cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice. Drinkero uses a 50 ml Cognac, 20 ml orange liqueur and 20 ml lemon juice ratio.
What is the best Cognac for a Sidecar?
Choose a balanced Cognac with enough fruit, spice and oak character to remain noticeable alongside lemon and orange liqueur. A VS or VSOP Cognac generally works well for cocktail making.
What orange liqueur should I use in a Sidecar?
Drinkero recommends Cointreau. It is a triple sec orange liqueur with a bright citrus character and relatively dry finish that works particularly well with Cognac and lemon.
Does a Sidecar need a sugar rim?
No. A sugar rim is optional. It adds sweetness with each sip and can soften the cocktail's citrus acidity, but a Sidecar can also be served without one.
Should a Sidecar be served with ice?
The cocktail is shaken with ice to chill and dilute it, but traditionally strained and served without ice in a chilled cocktail or coupe glass.
How do I make Sidecars for a group?
Choose how many Sidecars you're making — 6, 12, 24 or 48 cocktails — and the Drinkero Cocktail Kit Builder calculates the Cognac, orange liqueur, lemon juice and other quantities you need.
Is the Sidecar an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Sidecar is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail list as one of The Unforgettables. See the IBA’s official Sidecar recipe for the classic specification.