Sidecar Cocktail

Made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, a classic sidecar is an elegant and easy cocktail that will never go out of style. For the brightest and most refreshing results, fresh lemon juice is key. If you'd like to garnish with a lemon twist, zest the lemon before juicing it. 

This recipe comes together in five minutes or less and serves two, but it also makes an excellent batch cocktail for a party. You can double, triple, or quadruple the recipe and stir everything together in a pitcher. Store in the refrigerator, then just before serving, shake over ice before straining into glasses. 

What does sidecar taste like?

It's similar to a whiskey sour, but orange liqueur adds a floral, fruity touch. Cointreau is most typically used, but feel free to sub in any other orange liqueur that you have available, like triple sec. 

Simple syrup is generally not called for in a sidecar cocktail, however many recipes incorporate a sugared rim for extra sweetness. Use brown sugar for a touch of molasses flavor, or spike granulated sugar with a little bit of cinnamon for a spicy twist.