The Sidecar cocktail’s distinctive character comes from the richness of cognac, the freshness of lemon juice, and the sweetness of Cointreau. This lightly acidic drink sits on one side of the cocktail’s balance, while the sugared glass rim counterbalances it on the other, creating a stylish and well-rounded aperitif for an elegant dinner.
Story
The history of the Sidecar cocktail dates back to the 1920s, with multiple origin stories surrounding its creation. One of the most popular tales suggests it was inspired by an American soldier in Paris who regularly arrived at a bar on a sidecar motorcycle. Another legend claims the cocktail was first crafted at Harry’s Bar in Paris or Buck’s Club in London. While its exact origins remain unclear, the Sidecar has endured as a beloved classic.
Ingredients
1 ⅔ oz (50 ml) cognac
⅔ oz (20 ml) Cointreau orange liqueur
⅔ oz (20 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
How to make a Sidecar cocktail
Rub the rim of a coupe glass with lemon juice, then dip it into granulated sugar to create a sugared edge. Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake well to chill the drink. Carefully strain into the prepared glass.
Serving and garnish
The Sidecar cocktail is traditionally served in a coupe glass. For garnish, a twist of lemon peel can be placed on the rim of the sugared glass.
Calorie content
A serving of the Sidecar cocktail contains approximately 180-190 calories, primarily influenced by the alcohol and sugar content of the cognac and Cointreau.