Sidecar
The Sidecar is a crisp, citrusy cognac cocktail with a bright lemon bite and a smooth orange finish. A sugared rim is optional, but it adds a classic touch and balances the drink beautifully.
- Total time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 1 cocktail
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 5mCook 0mFrenchDrinks
The Sidecar is one of the great sour-style cocktails: spirit, citrus, and orange liqueur shaken until cold. It is simple to make, but the balance matters because lemon juice can take over quickly.
This version uses cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice in a classic 2:1:3/4 ratio. If you like a softer drink, the sugared rim gives each sip a little sweetness without changing the cocktail itself.
Use fresh lemon juice if you can. Bottled lemon juice tastes flatter and sharper, while fresh juice makes the drink taste clean and lively.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
7 items · 1 cocktail
- 1 lemon wedge, for the rim
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, for the rim
- 2 ounces cognac
- 1 ounce Cointreau or other quality orange liqueur
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- Ice, for shaking
- Optional garnish: lemon twist or orange twist
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the glass
Place a coupe or small cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you gather the ingredients. A cold glass helps the Sidecar stay crisp after shaking.
2. Sugar the rim
Run the lemon wedge around half or all of the glass rim. Dip the damp rim into the sugar, then tap off any loose crystals. Sugaring only half the rim lets each person choose a sweeter or tarter sip.
3. Measure the cognac
Pour 2 ounces cognac into a cocktail shaker. Use a jigger, which is a small measuring cup for drinks, so the cocktail stays balanced.
4. Add orange liqueur and lemon
Add 1 ounce Cointreau and 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice to the shaker. Strain the lemon juice first if it has seeds or pulp.
5. Fill with ice
Add enough ice to fill the shaker about two-thirds full. This chills the drink and adds a small amount of water, which makes the cocktail smoother.
6. Shake hard
Seal the shaker and shake for 10 to 15 seconds, until the outside feels very cold. Shaking chills, dilutes, and blends the lemon juice into the spirits.
7. Strain and serve
Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Add a lemon twist or orange twist if you like, then serve right away while the drink is cold.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: You can measure the cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice into a sealed jar up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Do not add ice until you are ready to shake, or the drink will become watery.
- Storage: A shaken Sidecar is meant to be served right away. If you have leftover mixed cocktail, refrigerate it without ice and shake again with fresh ice before serving.
- Orange liqueur swaps: Cointreau gives a clean orange flavor. Grand Marnier makes the drink a little richer and sweeter. Basic triple sec works, but choose one you enjoy because it is a major flavor in the cocktail.
- Cognac swaps: Brandy can stand in for cognac. The drink may taste a little less rounded, but it will still work well with fresh lemon and orange liqueur.
- Adjusting sweetness: If the drink tastes too tart, use the sugared rim or add 1/4 ounce simple syrup. If it tastes too sweet, add a few more drops of lemon juice and shake briefly again.
- No cocktail shaker: Use a clean jar with a tight lid. Shake over the sink in case the lid leaks, then strain through a small sieve.
Cook's note
Sidecar recipes vary. Some use equal parts cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, which makes a sharper, sweeter drink. This version leans on the cognac for structure and uses just enough lemon to keep it bright.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Do I have to sugar the rim for a Sidecar?
No. The sugared rim is traditional, but optional. It softens the lemon flavor and adds a pretty finish. If you prefer a drier cocktail, skip it or sugar only half the rim.
What is the best cognac for a Sidecar?
Use a VS or VSOP cognac that you would enjoy sipping casually. You do not need a very expensive bottle because the lemon and orange liqueur are strong flavors.
Can I make a Sidecar with bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended. Bottled lemon juice can taste harsh or dull in a short cocktail like this, where there are only a few ingredients.
Why is my Sidecar too sour?
Lemons vary in acidity, and measuring matters. Make sure you are using 3/4 ounce lemon juice, not a full ounce. A sugared rim or 1/4 ounce simple syrup can also bring the drink back into balance.
Can I batch Sidecars for a party?
Yes. Multiply the cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice by the number of servings and chill the mixture in a bottle. Shake each serving with ice, or stir the batch with plenty of ice just before serving.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
1 cocktail
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat0 g
- 0%
- Saturated Fat0 g
- 0%
- Cholesterol0 mg
- 0%
- Sodium1 mg
- 0%
- Total Carbohydrate13 g
- 5%
- Dietary Fiber0 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars12 g
- Protein0 g
- 0%
- Vitamin D0 mcg
- 0%
- Calcium2 mg
- 0%
- Iron0 mg
- 0%
- Potassium23 mg
- 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
05Keep cooking
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