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Searching for the perfect balance of sophistication and simplicity in a cocktail? Look no further than the Sidecar. This iconic drink not only satisfies your craving for a refined libation but also offers an accessible entry point into the world of classic cocktails, promising a delightful mix of smooth cognac, zesty citrus, and a touch of sweetness that’ll have you reaching for the shaker time and time again.

Bright sidecar cocktail in a wide cocktail glass with a lemon twist for garnish.

Looking for the perfect sidecar cocktail recipe?

Sometimes, life calls for a drink that’s a little more interesting than your average gin and tonic. Something with a bit of history, a touch of mystery, and enough of a kick to make you forget about the never-ending to-do list swirling around in your head. Enter the Sidecar. This impeccably balanced beauty is chic, sophisticated, and guaranteed to turn heads.

Watch 🎥: How to mix a Sidecar Cocktail

What Is a Sidecar Cocktail?

The rise of the Sidecar cocktail is as fascinating and complex as its flavor profile. Sit back, grab a glass as this boozy tale unfolds during a peculiar time in American history – Prohibition (1920-1933). While the goal was to curb alcohol consumption, the unintended consequence was a boom in speakeasies and, perhaps more surprisingly, new cocktail creations, like a Bees Knees Cocktail and a Mary Pickford

The Sidecar’s birthplace is a hotly debated topic. Some claim it emerged during Prohibition, perhaps as a “thank you” to the temperance movement for inadvertently fostering innovation behind the bar. Others point to London or Paris as its origin story. A particularly intriguing theory suggests the Sidecar pre-dates Prohibition entirely, tracing its roots back to 19th-century New Orleans.

The Sidecar’s name adds another layer of intrigue. One widely accepted story links it to the motorcycle sidecar, a novel invention in the early 1900s. This theory suggests the drink’s name reflected its “cutting-edge” status at the time.

The recipe itself is another point of contention. The core ingredients – cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice – are agreed upon, but the ratios and specific liqueurs used vary depending on the source. This allows for customization based on personal preference or the type of cognac available.

Who invented the Sidecar Cocktail?

Pinpointing the exact inventor is an even trickier task. Two prominent bartenders, Harry MacElhone of Harry’s New York Bar in Paris and Frank Meier of the Ritz Bar, claim the Sidecar’s creation. While MacElhone published a recipe in 1919, his story shifts in later editions, casting doubt on his claim.

The most likely scenario is that the Sidecar recipe, perhaps inspired by the 19th-century Brandy Crusta cocktail, found its way across the Atlantic during Prohibition and gained popularity in the speakeasy scene.

Regardless of its origins, the Sidecar has cemented its place as a classic cocktail, a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of bartenders throughout history.

Side shot of the iconic sidecar in a shallow coupe glass.

What you’ll love about this recipe:


  • CLASSIC-WITH-A-TWIST – Craving a cocktail that’s both timeless and exciting? The Sidecar fits the bill perfectly. It uses cognac, a spirit with a rich history, and combines it with zesty citrus and orange liqueur for a flavor that’s familiar yet refreshingly different.
  • EASY-ELEGANT – Looking for a show-stopping drink that’s surprisingly simple to make? The Sidecar is your new best friend. With just a few key ingredients and a quick shake, you can whip up this sophisticated cocktail that’s sure to impress your guests (or just yourself after a long day).

What You Need to Make a Sidecar Cocktail

  • Cognac: This is the base spirit of the Sidecar, the foundation of its flavor and boozy warmth. Cognac is a type of brandy, but unlike any old brandy, it has to come from the Cognac region of France. It’s known for its smooth, complex taste and adds a touch of sophistication to the drink.
  • Cointreau: This orange liqueur brings in a burst of citrus sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon juice and the richness of the cognac. Think of it as the sunshine in this cocktail! Cointreau is a specific brand of orange liqueur, but you can use other types like Grand Marnier or even Triple Sec if you prefer.
  • Lemon Juice: This adds a zingy, tart flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the Cointreau and creates a refreshing balance in the drink. It also helps to brighten up the overall flavor profile. Fresh lemon juice is always best, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
  • Lemon Peel (Garnish): Adds a beautiful pop of color and a touch of elegance to the drink’s presentation. But more importantly, when you give the peel a little twist or express it over the drink, the citrus oils release their aroma, adding another layer of lemon fragrance to the whole experience.

How to Make a Sidecar Cocktail

  • Fill a mixing glass with ice. 
  • Add all the ingredients and stir until chilled. 
  • Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Expert Recipe Tips


  • Pop your cocktail glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before shaking. Bonus points for chilled booze!
  • Feeling fancy? Wet the rim with lemon, then dip in sugar for a fun sugar rim.
  • This is YOUR Sidecar! Want it boozier? More cognac. Less tart? Less lemon juice. Just keep it balanced.
  • For a chillier drink, you can shake your sidecar cocktail in a cocktail shaker. 
  • Want a sweeter sidecar drink? Add a little simple syrup. 
  • Not a fan of lemon? Use an orange twist instead.

How to Serve This Cocktail

The Sidecar shines as a sophisticated yet approachable after-dinner drink. Its balanced sweetness and citrusy notes are a perfect way to cleanse the palate after a rich meal. The cognac itself adds a touch of warmth and complexity, making it ideal for those lingering conversations that follow a satisfying dinner.

The Sidecar is not fussy, nor complicated, and it guarantees you’ll be the most interesting person at the party (or at least the one with the best drink). Now, raise a glass (or, you know, a chilled coupe) to good company, good conversation, and the simple pleasures in life, like a perfectly balanced Sidecar. If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment down below to help out the next reader! 

Sidecar Cocktail Recipe

A classic Sidecar cocktail featuring cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice. This perfectly balanced drink combines sweet, sour, and strong elements for a sophisticated sip.
Print Recipe
Sidecar cocktail with an orange twist for garnish in a cocktail glass.
Prep Time:5 minutes
Total Time:5 minutes

Equipment

  • Mixing glass
  • fine mesh strainer
  • Coupe Glass
  • Stirring spoon
  • alcohol measuring cup

Ingredients

  • 2 oz cognac
  • ¾ oz Cointreau
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • Lemon peel for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  • Add all the ingredients and stir until chilled.
  • Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Video

Servings: 1
Calories: 201kcal

Recipe FAQs

Technically, yes. However, cognac has stricter production regulations, leading to a smoother taste. If you don’t have cognac on hand, some bartenders recommend a VSOP brandy for a closer flavor profile.

It varies depending on the cognac and ratios used, but a typical Sidecar is on the medium-strength side.

The Sidecar is a template! You can experiment with other base spirits like bourbon (creating a “Bourbon Sidecar”) or even tequila (for a “Tommy’s Margarita” riff).

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