There's something undeniably elegant about the classic Sidecar cocktail. With a blend of Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice, this cocktail offers a perfect balance of sophistication and refreshment. But there's more to the Sidecar than its tantalizing taste—it's a drink steeped in history.
A Brief History of the Sidecar
The Sidecar, with a century of history behind it, is probably the most famous of all classic Cognac drinks. When you think of classic cocktails, Cognac isn't usually the first base spirit that comes to mind. However, the Sidecar stands as its foremost, somewhat lonely champion — at least among the classics that have remained popular today.
This iconic cocktail was likely invented around World War I. It made its print debut in 1922, gracing the pages of two influential cocktail books: “Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails” by Harry MacElhone and “Cocktails and How to Mix Them” by Robert Vermeire. Initially, both books listed the recipe with equal parts Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice. However, subsequent versions altered the ratios, leading to the now-common formula of two parts Cognac, one part Cointreau, and one part lemon juice. This refined ratio highlights the richness of the Cognac while balancing the sweetness and acidity perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Cognac (ideally Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac)
- 15 ml Cointreau
- 22.5 ml lemon juice
- 7.5 ml cane sugar syrup
- Garnish: 1 orange twist
Recipe from Death & Co.
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of Cognac, ½ ounce of Cointreau, ¾ ounce of lemon juice, and ¼ ounce of cane sugar syrup.
- Shake it Up: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously. This ensures that the ingredients are well-mixed and chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a coupe glass to remove the ice.
- Garnish: Finish off by garnishing with an orange twist for a pop of color and a hint of citrus aroma.
Why You'll Love the Sidecar
The Sidecar cocktail is more than just a drink; it's a piece of history in a glass. Whether you're savoring it at the end of a long day or serving it at a sophisticated gathering, the Sidecar never fails to impress. Its balance of rich Cognac, sweet Cointreau, and tart lemon juice creates a harmonious medley of flavors that is both timeless and refreshing.
Try It Yourself
Ready to mix up a bit of history? Gather your ingredients, follow our simple steps, and enjoy a Sidecar today. Don't forget to share your experience in the comments below or tag us in your cocktail photos on social media!
Cheers to classic cocktails and the stories they tell! 🥂
