The sidecar is so much more than an awesome way to be a motorcycle passenger!  This cocktail is thought to have originated in Europe around the end of World War I and is a great introduction to what a good sour drink can be.

The Sidecar may have been around since the end of World War I.

My sister, Kyla, introduced me to this cocktail, and it remains one of my favorites.  It invokes fond memories for me of a Northern California trip Bill and I took celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.  We were in San Francisco, and I wanted to go for a cocktail at The Top of the Mark before dinner.  The first Sidecar was so good, I decided a second one was in order.  Well, this drink packs quite a punch, and I had the most egregious elevator rides of my life down 19 floors to the lobby. I made so many friends on the long elevator and was somehow covered in stickers from the other passengers (previously bored conference attendees) as we left for dinner!

Sidecar

  • 2 oz Cognac (I use Remy Martin VSOP)
  • 1 oz orange liqueur (I use Cointreau)
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice

Spread superfine sugar on small plate. Rub lemon wedge halfway around rim of chilled martini or coupe glass. Dip moistened edge of glass in the sugar to lightly coat outside rim of glass. Set aside.

In cocktail shaker, combine Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Add ice and shake vigorously until well chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into prepared martini or coupe glass.  Garnish with a lemon twist and serve neat.