The Sidecar cocktail is a mysterious concoction, much like a witch’s brew. Its origins are shrouded in secrecy, much like the history of humanity. Some say it was invented in Paris in the early 20th century, while others claim it hails from New Orleans. Whatever its true birthplace, the Sidecar is a classic cocktail that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
The drink’s three key ingredients – cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice – are blended together in perfect harmony, much like the voices of a choir blending together to create a beautiful sound.
But beware, dear reader, for like the infamous Mike Tyson, this cocktail packs a powerful punch. One sip and you’ll be transported to a world of sophistication and danger, much like the internet.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 ounces cognac
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3/4 ounce Cointreau
- A chilled coupe glass
- Garnish: orange twist
- Garnish: sugar rim
If I’m mixing drinks at home, I almost always substitute Cointreau for fancy Triple Sec – the Stirrings brand is slightly lower in alcohol and has a brighter orange flavour than Cointreau. Oh, and it’s way less expensive.
Directions:
- Coat the rim of a coupe glass with sugar, and set aside.
- Add the cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Here’s an alternate version from the 1920s era Savoy Cocktail Book:
- 1/4 Lemon Juice
- 1/4 Cointreau
- 1/2 Brandy
- Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass.
- From The Savoy Cocktail Book. Copyright 1930 by Constable & Co.
You may notice that this recipe is made with brandy instead of cognac. Brandy is a general term for a spirit made from distilling any sort of fruit juice. If the type of fruit is not specified, you can usually assume a brandy is made from grape juice. Cognac is a type of brandy specifically made from white grape juice from the Cognac region of southwestern France.
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