Easy Sidecar Cocktail
User Reviews
5
Easy Sidecar Cocktail
Description
The Easy Sidecar Cocktail mixes a blend of good-quality cognac, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Grand Marnier liqueur. The glasses are rimmed with lemon juice and granulated sugar to provide a balanced sweetness with each sip. Dried cherries are soaked in cognac and microwaved briefly to intensify their flavor; these cherries are used both in the drink mixture and as a garnish on skewers.
The preparation involves shaking the cocktail ingredients with ice for 30 seconds to chill and blend the flavors thoroughly before straining into the prepared glasses. The result is a smooth, citrus-accented cocktail with a touch of sweetness and a warming depth from the cognac.
The drink is best served immediately for optimal freshness and temperature. Sugaring the rims a few hours ahead and soaking the cherries in cognac the day before can help the preparation process. Storing the mixed cocktail for longer than a day is not recommended, as it is meant to be fresh and chilled.
Ingredients
- lemon for sugaring the glasses, juice of 1
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup dried cherry or dried cranberry
- 6 ounces cognac VS not VSOP), divided, good quality
- 3 ounces lemon juice 2 lemons, freshly squeezed
- 3 ounces grand marnier liqueur or Grand Gala
- ice
Instructions
- Pour the juice of 1 lemon into a shallow bowl and put the sugar on a small plate. Dip the rim of 2 highball or martini glasses first in the lemon juice and then in the sugar. Set them aside to dry.
- In a small bowl, combine the dried cherries with 2 ounces of Cognac and microwave on high for 60 seconds. Set aside.
- Combine the 3 ounces of lemon juice with the remaining 4 ounces of Cognac, the Grand Marnier, and 1 teaspoon of the marinated cherry liquid.
- Fill a cocktail shaker three-quarters full of ice and pour in the cocktail mixture. Shake the mixer for a full 30 seconds and strain the sidecar into the prepared glasses either straight up or over ice.
- Thread 3 or 4 marinated cherries on small skewers and serve each drink ice-cold with a skewer of cherries. Enjoy our Delicious Sidecar with dried cherries!
Notes
- Sugar the rim of the glasses several hours before serving and store them in the refrigerator to save preparation time.
- Soak dried cherries in cognac a day ahead to deepen their flavor; store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Mix cocktail ingredients a few hours before serving and refrigerate; shake with ice just before pouring.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but reheating or extended storage is not recommended.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
