I can’t drink (or really even think) about a sidecar cocktail without being transported back to 2011. For me, that was the year of the sidecar. That was very much my go-to order that year, and I still bust out this order from time to time.
I tend to have a certain cocktail that I order endlessly for a year or two and then I switch to something else. Is anyone else like that? And the year I started dating my now husband, I was on a sidecar kick. And just in case you’re curious, my current obsession is a Negroni.
Related: Classic Mojito Recipe, Tom Collins Cocktail, Classic Gimlet Cocktail, 40 Fun Cocktails to Make at Home.
Here’s a few things I love about a sidecar. First, it’s a classic cocktail, so it’s something you can order at pretty much any bar that does cocktails well (meaning, not just mixed drinks).
It’s incredibly refreshing and just the right amount of sweet. An excellent spring/summer cocktail for sure. Plus, it’s SUPER easy to make. It’s only three ingredients but still manages to feel really special.
When I make this at home, I usually keep it classic (simply follow the recipe below). But you can also change it up with just a dash of bitters or garnishing with a Luxardo cherry.
And if you thought you had lemons but find you only have limes, oranges, or grapefruit, that can work well in a pinch, although the final flavor will be different.
In short, if you need a cocktail recipe that is easy to make but will impress an impromptu guest this season, shake up a couple sidecars. You’ll look like a total pro—plus I really don’t know anyone who doesn’t like lemon. 😉
We have also decided to add these adorable AND informative illustrations of some of our classic cocktails to our posts. Cheers! -Emma
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Ingredients
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 2 ounces cognac
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add these ingredients. Shake well, until your hand begins to freeze to the shaker. Strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge, twist, or Luxardo cherry.
Yes, Please to the printable!! Can’t wait to make this!!
I’d love to see those in tiny fridge magnets!
Oh yes! I second the magnets!
For someone who tends to stick to drinks that the taste of alcohol can be hidden in – is the cognac strong or well disguised behind the lemon?
Yes. Everyone’s tastes are different I suppose but this isn’t not a very booze-forward cocktail to me (meaning you can’t as easily taste the alcohol as you could in something like a Manhattan)
So cute! Love the idea of the prints, you have great recipes!
Ever since I read the Princess Diary books back in middle school, I’ve wondered what a sidecar was. Her grandmother in the books is a mean drinker, so the opposite of Julie Andrews.
The illustration is too cute!! I’d hang it up in my dining room!
Oh that’s adorable! I’ve never read the book, just seen the movie.
YES to a cheat sheet of all the recipes!
It sounds so delicious, maybe it’ll be my summer drink this year!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
Love the illustrations & recipes – I’d love to create something with them for my bar area!
A Side Car is made with Cointreau. Not Triple Sec. Well a decent one at least.
Bingo!
I could be wrong but I believe Cointreau is a type of triple sec:
https://drinks.seriouseats.com/2012/08/which-is-the-best-orange-liqueur-triple-sec-curacao-cointreau-grand-marnier-reviews.html
Please do the illustrations!
The cocktail illustration is so cute! I’m a huge cocktail lover and maker yet I don’t think I’ve ever had a sidecar. Fixing that stat!
This is my go to drink! But I like to add a little simple syrup. And if I’m being fancy, a sugar rim.
Love a sugar rim on this sometimes too. 🙂