How to Make a DAMN GOOD Classic Sidecar Drink

December 6, 2022 Melissa "Mel" Drake

How to Make a DAMN GOOD Classic Sidecar Drink

This classic cocktail will never go out of style!

There are few drinks as iconic and versatile as the Sidecar. It’s a classic cocktail that dates back to the 1920s and is still enjoyed today by many. It’s simple, elegant, and oh-so-delicious—all it takes is four ingredients and you have yourself a DAMN GOOD Classic Sidecar! Follow this easy recipe to learn how to make one for yourself.

Can’t get enough cocktail recipes? I've got you covered. Try my Lemon Drop Martini, Smoked Rosemary Old-Fashioned, Cinnamon Whiskey Mule, and An Easy Guide to Cordials for Beginners too!

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Ingredients: What's in a Sidecar Cocktail

The Sidecar cocktail is a classic drink that has been around for almost 100 years. Although it only has 4 ingredients, don't let it fool you... she packs one helluva punch!

Here's what you'll need to make this Sidecar cocktail:

Cognac - the star of the show, this is an essential ingredient in any Sidecar recipe
Orange Liqueur - adds a delicious citrus flavor to the cocktail
Fresh Lemon Juice - for a refreshing tartness and that classic zesty finish
Maple Syrup (or Sugar Syrup) - sweetens up this classic cocktail without overpowering the other flavors while helping to balance the tart
Sugar - to give the cocktail glass a frosted sugar rim and to make sure this beverage is as pleasing to look at as it is to drink
Lemon Twist or Lemon Wedge - the fancy garnish that adds an extra bit of flair

The History of the Sidecar Cocktail

The exact origins of the Sidecar cocktail are unknown and it was likely created in Paris, France, or London, England. But what we do know is that it comes from the 1920s and is named after a motorcycle sidecar for its triangular shape.

The Sidecar was first mentioned in the 1922 edition of Harry MacElhone's "Harry's ABC of Mixing Cocktails", where he attributes the recipe to a gentleman named Pat MacGarry. However, the Ritz Hotel in Paris, France, claims the Sidecar was actually first made in their bar where it was served as a drink of choice for American soldiers stationed nearby.

It seems likely both recipes existed simultaneously. Originally the recipe called for equal parts cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, but over the years the recipe has evolved to include a touch of maple syrup or simple syrup to round out the flavors.

Whichever version is true, one thing is certain—the Sidecar has been around for almost a century and has stood the test of time!

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Let's Talk Cognac

Did you know that Cognac is actually a type of brandy? It's made from grapes that have been fermented and distilled twice, usually in copper pot stills. When it comes to making the classic Sidecar cocktail, Cognac is an essential ingredient and contributes a lot of flavor and complexity.

Types of Cognac

Cognac is graded by its age or the amount of time it has spent in barrels aging.

VS - "very special" and aged at least two years.
VSOP - "very special old pale" and is aged at least four years.
XO - "extra old" and is aged at least ten years.

When it comes to making the classic Sidecar cocktail, any of these types of cognacs will do—but I recommend using VS or VSOP cognac as it is the most widely available and offers a great balance of complexity and affordability.

Triple Sec or Cointreau? What's the Difference?

When it comes to the orange liqueur for this cocktail, there are two popular choices—Triple Sec and Cointreau. But what's the difference between them?

Triple Sec and Cointreau are both made from oranges, but the processes differ. Triple Sec is less expensive because it is created with dried oranges and sugar. In contrast, Cointreau uses fresh oranges to make a purer liqueur with a more sophisticated taste.

For this Sidecar cocktail, I recommend using Cointreau as it adds an extra level of complexity that really brings the drink together.

Tools You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Here are a few essential tools you’ll need to make this Sidecar cocktail recipe

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As a former bartender, I strongly recommend this Mixology and Craft Cocktail Starter Kit. This particular kit comes with a 2-piece stainless steel Boston cocktail shaker, Hawthorne cocktail strainer, and a 2-sided jigger for the most precise 1-ounce and 2-ounces pours.

Serving your Sidecar in a coupe glass or a martini glass are both excellent choices; however, I prefer to enjoy mine in a classic coupe glass. It just feels fancier and it's easier to hold.
A citrus juicer is a key staple for any home bar. A citrus juicer makes it easy to add freshly squeezed lemon juice and lime juice without the seeds to your classic cocktails.
Measuring your spirits with a 2-sided jigger will make sure that your cocktails have the precise amount of alcohol every time.
This lovely and useful Salt Rimmer is perfect for adding sugar or salt to glasses.
Last but not least, it’s time to garnish! In order to make the best lemon twist in town, you'll need a cocktail garnish peeler.

Thank You

Now that you know how to make a delicious classic Sidecar at home, it's time to get your cocktail shaker out and whip up a batch! Whether you're making them for yourself or for a group of friends, I guarantee they'll pack a punch and your friends just might be asking for the recipe by the end of the night.

Have you made this DAMN GOOD Sidecar cocktail? Share your photos with me on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #DAMNGOODcocktails and tagging me @ThisIsMelDrake so I can see how yours turned out!

Please let me know how you liked the recipe in the comments section below, and don't forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.

Cheers!

-XOXO (as always)

Mel D.

Photography by Melissa "Mel" Drake