The Sidecar is one of the great classic cocktails, dating back to the early twentieth century and often linked to Paris and London. It brings together cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice in a way that feels both sharp and refined.
It sits alongside drinks like the Margarita and Daiquiri in structure, relying on that perfect balance of spirit, citrus, and sweetness. When done well, it is crisp, elegant, and just a little bit decadent. It is also one of those drinks that quietly shows off the quality of its ingredients.
Why Lush Life Loves It
I always think of this as a slightly dressed up version of a sour. The best ones I have had were simple, ice cold, and made me wonder why I do not order them more often.
Here’s the recipe:
Sidecar
You can discuss its origins while making the Sidecar. Whether it was born at the Ritz Paris or Harry's Bar Paris or in London, we don't care. As it's made with the very French cognac and Cointreau, we are voting for France!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 oz Cointreau
- 1 1/2 oz Cognac
- Sugar for the rim
Instructions
- Add sugar to a plate
- Rim your glass with water and then dunk in the sugar
- Add all of the ingredients to a shaker
- Add ice and shake, shake, shake
- Double strain into the sugar rimmed coupe glass
Notes
For UK measurements, please use my handy Cocktail Measurements converter!
Nutrition
Calories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 29mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
