Cocktail · Spirit-forward

Sidecar

Cognac, orange liqueur, lemon — the margarita's elegant French grandparent.

How to order it: Sugar rim optional. VS cognac shakes fine; save the VSOP for sipping.

Flavor profile

Sweetness5
Bitterness2
Strength8
Freshness6
Richness5
Sparkle0
Daring5

The recipe

  • 2 oz cognac
  • 1 oz Cointreau
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • Shake; coupe
  • Optional sugar rim; orange twist
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Modern variations

The Sidecar cast a long shadow. These pours carry the torch:

White Lady

Cocktail

Gin, Cointreau, lemon — a sidecar that switched to gin and gained composure.

Adjacent pours

Mint Julep

Cocktail

Bourbon, mint, sugar, and a mountain of crushed ice. The South's silver-cup ritual.

Gold Rush

Cocktail

Bourbon, lemon, honey — three ingredients panning for gold and finding it.

Mai Tai

Cocktail

Two rums, lime, orgeat — tiki's masterpiece, frequently imitated, rarely respected.