The Sidecar carries with it an aura of international intrigue and wartime resilience. Originating in the cosmopolitan city of Paris during the tumultuous times of World War I, it’s a cocktail that transcends borders. Legend has it that an unnamed American Army captain, known for his peculiar mode of transport—a motorcycle sidecar—sought refuge in the warmth of a Parisian bar. Yearning for a drink to fend off the cold, he inspired the creation of the Sidecar. This blend of Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon became a symbol of Franco-American camaraderie. The drink crossed the Atlantic, finding favor in the speakeasies of Prohibition America, where its European sophistication and bold flavors captivated a generation seeking both escape and adventure.
Sidecar
TOTAL TIME: 3 MINS
PREP TIME: 3 MINS
SERVES: 1
Ingredients
- 2 oz Cognac
- 1 oz Cointreau
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Mix Cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a coupe.
- Option: for a sweeter finish you can sugar-rim the coupe. See below for instructions.
Notes
Alway and ONLY ever use fresh lemon juice. The stuff out of a bottle is a no-go!
To create a sugar rim, do the following:
- Spread superfine sugar on a small plate.
- Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of the chilled coupe.
- Hold the glass at a 45-degree angle to the saucer.
- Dab the rim into the sugar while slowly turning the glass so that only the outer edge is covered.
- Shake off any excess sugar over a sink or bin.
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