Learn how to make the perfect Sidecar cocktail at home! This timeless, bold, and sophisticated drink features brandy, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice—ideal for classy evenings or impressing guests. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor! 🍋🍸 #CocktailRecipe #SidecarDrink
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces (60ml) Cognac (VSOP or higher quality recommended)
- ¾ ounce (22.5ml) Cointreau (or another good quality orange liqueur like Triple Sec)
- ¾ ounce (22.5ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
- Optional: Sugar for rimming the glass
- Lemon twist or orange slice, for garnish
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer
- Hawthorne strainer
- Coupe or cocktail glass
- Small plate (if rimming)
Step-by-Step Pictures & Instructions:
Step 1: Chill Your Glass (Optional but Recommended)
- Place your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink. This helps keep your cocktail cold.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Rim (Optional)
- If you desire a sugar rim, pour a thin layer of sugar onto a small, flat plate. Take a lemon wedge and moisten the outer rim of your chilled glass. Gently dip the moistened rim into the sugar, rotating the glass to ensure even coating. Set aside.
Step 3: Measure the Cognac
- Measure 2 ounces of Cognac using your jigger and pour it into the cocktail shaker.
Step 4: Measure the Cointreau
- Measure ¾ ounce of Cointreau and add it to the cocktail shaker.
Step 5: Juice the Lemon
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice until you have ¾ ounce. Avoid using pre-made lemon juice for the best flavor.
Step 6: Add Lemon Juice to the Shaker
- Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the cocktail shaker with the Cognac and Cointreau.
Step 7: Add Ice
- Fill the cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice.
Step 8: Shake Well
- Secure the lid tightly on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This chills and slightly dilutes the cocktail.
Step 9: Strain into the Prepared Glass
- Remove the ice water (if used) from your chilled glass. Place the Hawthorne strainer on top of the shaker and strain the Sidecar into the prepared coupe or cocktail glass.
Step 10: Garnish
- Garnish your Sidecar with a lemon twist or an orange slice. To make a lemon twist, cut a thin piece of lemon peel, twist it over the drink to release the oils, and then drop it into the glass or drape it over the rim.
Step 11: Enjoy!
- Your classic Sidecar cocktail is now ready to be savored.
Enjoy your perfect homemade sidecar.
