This article was published on March 5th, 2021
Tart, dry, and slightly sweet, the Sidecar, a classic cocktail, has a long and rich history. It’s one of the most famous classic cocktails and remains a drinkers favourite to this day.
Quick history lesson here. Cocktail connoisseurs estimate that the Sidecar cocktail came into existence around World War I. It appeared in two books in 1922: Harry MacElhone, “Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails,” and “Cocktails and How to Mix Them” by Robert Vermeire. Those were like the cocktail bibles back then.
Fast forward to 2021, and we’re still dealing with the pandemic. The Sidecar should provide a temporary escape from all the doom scrolling, or at least make it bearable.
Made with brandy or another cognac and served in a sugared rim glass, this cocktail is a welcome treat for those days, well, just about any day.
So, why Sidecar (the name)? One legend has it that the drink was first served to a customer who arrived at a bar in the Sidecar of a motorcycle.
The practical reason, however, is more, shall we say banal? It turns out that the mixture left in the shaker after straining is served as a shot on the side—Yeap, Side…car.
Shake, strain, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 oz brandy
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz orange liqueur
Rim a coupe glass with lemon juice and sugar. Combine brandy, lemon juice, and orange liqueur in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake—strain into a sugar-rimmed glass.
