The sidecar cocktail is a classic dating back to the 1920s and is enjoying something of a revival on today’s cocktail menus. How the sidecar got its name and its origins are a little hazy. However, it’s generally considered to have been invented for a US army captain in Paris around the time of the First World War.

One day, the captain who was feeling unwell, requested an aperitif before his evening meal. Since brandy was commonly used as a cold remedy, this was used as a base with lemon juice added for its vitamin C content.
 


The Sidecar only has three or four ingredients depending on whether or not you sugar the rim. Therefore, it’s an easy cocktail to make at home however, the quantities and quality of ingredients must be carefully adhered to.

To recreate this classic, slightly sour cocktail, the perfect proportions should be two parts strong, one part sweet and one part sour which will make enough for one Sidecar cocktail.

There are several variations to the sidecar cocktail, but this recipe uses the most commonly used ingredients. There’s no need to wait until you’re suffering from a cold to enjoy this delightful cocktail may once have been a tonic for a cold. The resulting drink is basically an orangey flavoured brandy sour.

Step 1: 
Prepare the glass. 

Cut a fresh lemon in half and wipe the rim of your cocktail glass around the flesh of the fruit. Now pour a teaspoon of sugar onto a plate and swirl the cocktail glass rim around in the sugar until it's evenly coated. Shake any excess from the glass. Pop the glass into the fridge to keep it nice and cold while you prepare your cocktail.

Step 2: 
Measure the ingredients. 

Measure the three ingredients into the glass or straight into your cocktail shaker. Now add the ice cubes, close the shaker and shake well until a frost has developed on surface. This ensures your cocktail is perfectly chilled.

Step 3: 
Strain and pour.

Pour the cocktail through a strainer into your chilled cocktail glass. To give it the professional touch, decorate the glass with a twist of lemon. Sit back, relax and enjoy your Sidecar.



What You Will Need 

• 2oz Cognac or Armagnac 
• 1 oz Cointreau 
• 1 oz Fresh lemon juice 
• 1 tsp Sugar Ice (8-10 small cubes)
• Cocktail shaker and strainer 
• Cocktail glass 

Tips and Warnings 

• Always use fresh lemon juice from a freshly cut lemon. Anything else will noticeably compromise the taste; 
• Swap two ingredients for one by substituting the Cognac and Cointreau for Grand Marnier. Grand Marnier is a blend of Cognac and orange liqueur, so it’s a Sidecar minus the lemon!; 
• You could use Curacao instead of Cointreau . If you do, you may prefer to omit the sugared glass rim since Curacao is sweeter than Cointreau; 
• Although Cognac is mentioned in the original recipe, any quality brandy will suffice;
• Be careful when mixing up a larger cocktail not to add too much lemon juice as it will become too acidic.