Sidecar Cocktail Recipe

Master the classic Sidecar recipe the easy way

They say the Sidecar cocktail gets its name from a patron who rode up to a bar on a sidecar motorcycle. Others argue it’s because the Sidecar cocktail recipe mix is too much for a cocktail glass and you’re served an extra shot glass or “sidecar” alongside. Whatever the origin, we’re here for it! 

To whip up the best Sidecar cocktail, you only need 3 ingredients; cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice! To make it, it’s as simple as pouring the Sidecar cocktail ingredients into a shaker or mason jar, shaking briefly over ice, before straining into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Et voila! For a touch of sweetness, add a sugared rim to your icy glass and, for a cute garnish, twist a piece of orange peel over the glass. Yum!  

Choosing your Cognac

Cognac VSOP is a type of brandy that is distilled from grapes and produced specifically in the Cognac area of France. The VSOP stands for “Very Superior Old Pale”, since it has been aged for at least four years. Production is governed by the specific AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée), detailing where and how it’s made. Cognac VSOP is steeped in history with traditions passed down through generations. We love a Bisquit & Dubouché Cognac VSOP because it’s silky smooth with delicious plum and cinnamon notes.

Triple sec or Grand Marnier?

What is triple sec or orange liqueur, and which one should you use? Triple sec literally translates to triple dry and is the blanket name for orange liqueur. There are numerous brands of triple sec, each of varying quality and alcohol content. Triple sec is a dry, bitter (and not in a negative way), intensely orangey liqueur that blends really well into cocktails. Orange liqueur cocktails like the Sidecar cocktail would be utterly lost without this citrusy workhorse. To save you the hassle of trying them all, here’s our favorite: Grand Marnier, made with Cognac and candied bitter green oranges, which is blended with caramelized sugar and vanilla. We love it as the deep citrusy notes and Cognac base make it an obvious bestie for our Sidecar cocktail.

Fun Sidecar cocktail variations

Of course, the best Sidecar cocktail recipe has a twist or five! Here are some of our faves:

• Bourbon Sidecar: for a Sidecar with a spicy whiskey finish, mix 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz Grand Marnier, ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 tsp simple syrup
• Boston Sidecar: for a Daiquiri and sidecar smash, try 1 oz light rum, 1 oz brandy, 1 oz Grand Marnier and ¾ oz lime juice
• Between the Sheets: for extra zest, combine 1 oz white rum, 1 oz cognac, 1 oz Grand Marnier and ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Parisian Sidecar: for a floral Sidecar, opt for 2 oz Cognac VSOP, 1¼ oz elderflower liqueur, and 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Tequila Sidecar: for a Mexican twist, replace the Cognac with tequila and switch the lemon juice with lime

If you’ve enjoyed this zesty sip, then definitely try our other delicious Orange Juice cocktails.