The Sidecar cocktail is believed to have originated in the early 1920s, either in Paris or London, during the golden age of classic cocktails. It’s commonly associated with the bar at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, where it was reportedly created for an American army captain who arrived at the bar in a motorcycle sidecar. Some credit Harry MacElhone of Harry’s New York Bar in Paris or Pat MacGarry of Buck’s Club in London as the drink’s inventor.
Flavor:
The Sidecar cocktail has a bright, citrus-forward flavor with a perfect balance of tart lemon juice and the smooth richness of cognac. A hint of orange liqueur adds warmth and sweetness, creating a crisp yet refined finish.
IBA Category:
Unforgettables
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Cognac
- 1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec)
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- Optional: sugar for rimming the glass
- Ice
Recipe:
- If desired, rim a chilled coupe or cocktail glass with sugar by moistening the rim with lemon juice and dipping it in sugar.
- Add Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled (about 15 seconds).
- Strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired, and serve immediately.
