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The Sidecar

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The Sidecar is one of those highly underrated cocktails that sometimes get a bad rap. It’s a prohibition-era cocktail that has its roots in post-WWI Europe and was brought back to the US by returning soldiers. Because of its higher-end-looking ingredient list, many people think it’s pretentious or only for special occasions, but there are plenty of amazing cognacs on the market that can be had for less than the price of whiskey or vodka. Since the cognac is one of several ingredients in the cocktail, there’s no need to splurge on the super-high-end cognacs, instead find a nice VS, (which just means it’s been aged at least 2 years), which will hit all the flavors you’re looking for in the Sidecar. 

The Sidecar

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ OZ COGNAC (VS WILL WORK GREAT)
  • 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE
  • 1 OZ TRIPLE SEC (I LIKE COINTREAU)
Photo Courtesy Han Lahandoe

Directions

Photo Courtesy Adam Wilson

Pro Tips

  • If you don’t have (or like) Cognac, you can make a Bourbon Sidecar with your favorite bourbon or another whiskey, just reduce the amount of fresh lemon juice to ½ oz.
  • To put this drink above and beyond, rim half of the glass with superfine sugar by rubbing a slice of lemon around half of the coupe, and dipping it in superfine sugar to coat. You can buy superfine sugar in most grocery stores, or pulse granulated sugar in a blender or food processor for 10-15 seconds. Don’t use powdered sugar- the starch in it will make a mess.

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