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Sidecar cocktail with Brandy
The quick and easy steps to make a Sidecar cocktail

Wars and wheels

In David A. Embury’s famous book, The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks (1948), he credits the invention of the Sidecar Cocktail to an American army captain, stationed in Paris during World War I. The cocktail was named after the captain’s motorcycle sidecar.

However, in Harry McElhone’s Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails, he cites the inventor of the Sidecar Cocktail as Pat McGarry, a popular bartender at Buck’s Club in London. The drink rose in prominence in the 20’s and 30’s in Europe, and according to records, it was especially popular in France.

The Sidecar is a cocktail traditionally made with cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice. Variations include mixing a range of base spirits such as brandy (see Craft Creations below), and also mixing the spirits in different ratios. Enough history lessons, how do we actually make ourselves a Sidecar Cocktail?

1st Principles Distilleries single barrel brandy

How to make a Sidecar cocktail

You will need the following fresh ingredients:

Now follow these easy steps to make a sidecar cocktail:

  • Step 1 – Moisten the outer rim of a chilled coupe glass with a slice of lemon and coat it with refined sugar (fun fact – the earliest mention of sugaring the rim on a sidecar glass was 1934).
  • Step 2 – Pour 30 ml of Brandy into a shaker.
  • Step 3 – Add 20 ml of orange liqueur.
  • Step 4 – Add 20 ml of fresh lemon juice.
  • Step 5 – Add ice cubes and shake for 10 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

NOTE:   Use a lemon or lime peel slice or tangerine twirl as garnish.


Craft creations

Shake things up and try one of these different variations of the sidecar cocktail:

Le Sidecar du Armagnac

In a shaker, combine the Armagnac, liqueur, juice, and bitters. Add ice, and shake for 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve.

Bourbon Tangerine Sidecar

Coat the rim of a chilled coupe glass with refined sugar. Shake the liquid ingredients with ice in a shaker for 10 seconds. Strain into the glass, garnish with a tangerine twist, and serve.

Autumnal Appel Sidecar

Coat the rim of a chilled coupe with refined sugar and cinnamon. Shake the liquid ingredients with ice, in a shaker for 10 seconds. Strain into the glass, top with apple, and serve.

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