Sidecar | A 3-Ingredient Classic Cocktail

The Sidecar is another classic cocktail with only 3 ingredients. As many classic drinks do, it’s got itself a muddled history. Some claim it was invented in Paris during World War I, while others say it was first created in London. No matter who created it or where, it’s arguably the most well-known and well-loved brandy cocktail.

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It was originally served with a sugared rim but is rarely served that way today. So, if you like your drinks a little more sweet, consider tracing the rim of your coupe glass and dipping it into some sugar before making your drink. Personally, I skip the sugar as the Sidecar is my go-to drink when I’m looking for something tart.

The first time I ever had a Sidecar was at my friends’ house. They consider themselves cocktail aficionados and they introduced me to this classic when I first started delving into cocktails (as in, I had ordered maybe 2 cocktails prior to this point). I was instantly hooked on the tartness.

My friend told me I could easily make them at home and for a fraction of the cost that a bar would charge. He then proved this by pulling up an Excel spreadsheet that had all the information you could ever think of having. It was honestly impressive. He had created formulas to determine the cost per drink of several, several cocktails. Anytime he bought a new bottle of liquor, he would insert the cost & volume of the bottle so that all the numbers stayed accurate. I mean. Impressive. I guess that’s what happens when you combine an engineer and a cocktail enthusiast.

Truthfully, those friends and that spreadsheet were the catalysts for my drink-making journey. I might not have realized how cost-effective it is to invest in a home bar if it weren’t for them. So cheers to you, Brian & Catherine. Thanks for the Sidecar all those years ago.

The Ingredients

*These ratios are also disputed, but here is how I make one*

• 1 1/2 oz brandy**
• 3/4 oz orange liqueur
• 3/4 oz lemon juice (freshly-squeezed, mind you! when you only have 3 ingredients in a cocktail, skimping on the fresh lemon juice will cost you)

The How-To

Fill your cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients. Shake shake shake. Pour into a coupe glass. Garnish with a large swath of lemon peel. (Twisting or squeezing the peel over your drink will release some delicious oils and take everything up a notch.)

**A quick note about brandy and cognac: Cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac. Brandy can only be called Cognac if it comes from the Cognac region in France. So, Cognac : brandy :: Champagne : sparkling wine. (anyone else a fan of analogies?)

Looking for other 3-ingredient cocktails? Check out the Daiquiri, the Moscow Mule, and the Dark & Stormy.