This sidecar cocktail is the perfect drink to enjoy with whoever you would have riding sidecar with you! It’s a refreshing change from sweet cocktails, with a brisk, bitter, and citrusy flavor.

Why this recipe works

The origin of the classic sidecar cocktail is one that is shrouded in controversy, with many different bars and hotels claiming ownership – with the biggest players in this feud for ownership being the Ritz Hotel in Paris and the Buck Club in London.

It came about towards the end of WWI and was named for the motorcycle sidecar, which has inspired several fun origin stories about how each bartender’s affiliation with a motorcycle sidecar was more legitimate than another’s.

If you like a cocktail with a bit more sweetness, but still puckery and citrusy, try our Lemon Drop.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

ingredients for making a sidecar cocktail

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

LIQUOR – Originally, the recipe was equal parts brandy or cognac, triple sec and lemon juice, however, over time the English version (which has become more popular) evolved to have 2 parts brandy to one part each triple sec and lemon juice. While we modeled our version after the newest iteration of the classic, feel free to taste and adjust your sidecar ingredients to your personal preferences. As for swaps, if you’re not sure about the brandy or cognac, you can use bourbon, and triple sec can be swapped out for an orange curaçao.

GARNISH – Some versions also like to sugar the rim of the glass which does help counteract the bitterness of the triple sec, but we wanted to stay as authentic as possible for our recipe – right down to that thick orange peel garnish, which is super easy for any home bartender to reproduce.

How to Make Sidecar Cocktail

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

If sugaring your glass, place the sanding sugar in a shallow dish wide enough for the top of the glass, and then wet the rims of your glasses.
Dip the glasses in the sanding sugar and set aside as you assemble your ingredients.
Peel the orange rind in a thick ribbon using a vegetable peeler. Twist gently and set aside.
Measure out 2 oz of cognac or brandy into each glass or place into a cocktail shaker.
Followed by 3/4 oz of triple sec and 3/4 oz of lemon juice.
Garnish with your orange wedge and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

What can I substitute?

If you’re not sure about the brandy or cognac, you can use bourbon, and the triple sec can be swapped out for an orange curaçao.

Serving Suggestions

This sidecar cocktail recipe is strong and citrusy, and just slightly bitter and sour, but in a very palatable way – the perfect drink for your witty, sarcastic friends who may also be tastefully bitter or sour themselves! Serve this cocktail as is, no ice added, and can be enjoyed before or after dinner.

More Cocktail Recipes

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This post originally appeared here on January 13, 2019 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.