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Sidecar Cocktail
5 from 3 votes

Sidecar Cocktail

The Sidecar is a classic cocktail made with cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, shaken and served in a sugar-rimmed glass. These Sidecar variations are bright and balanced, with a perfect mix of sweet, sour, and boozy. A timeless choice for fans of the sour family of cocktails.

Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 1
Calories: 235 kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: International

Ingredients

  • 1½ ounce brandy
  • 1½ ounce Cointreau or other orange liqueur
  • 1 ounce lemon juice
  • superfine sugar as needed

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rub the edge of a cut lemon on the rim of a martini glass.
  2. Put a small amount of sugar onto a clean paper towel and carefully roll the rim in the sugar to coat.
  3. Combine the brandy, Cointreau, lemon juice, and half cup of ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 20 seconds, then strain into the martini glass.

Notes

  • Fresh lemon juice is key: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a huge difference in cocktails like this Sidecar, adding brightness and acidity that bottled juice can’t match.
  • Strain carefully: I always recommend double straining cocktails with citrus juices to remove any pulp and ice shards.
  • For a less sweet Sidecar variation, skip the sugared rim, increase the brandy to two ounces, decrease the Cointreau to three-quarters of an ounce, and garnish with orange peel (see main photo) or a dehydrated orange slice.

Nutrition Information

Calories 235kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 16g (5%) Protein 0.1g (0%) Fat 0.2g (0%) Saturated Fat 0.1g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g (1%) Monounsaturated Fat 0.01g (0%) Sodium 4mg (0%) Potassium 43mg (1%) Fiber 0.1g (0%) Sugar 14g (28%) Vitamin A 2IU (0%) Vitamin C 11mg (12%) Calcium 2mg (0%) Iron 0.1mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 235

% Daily Value*

Calories 235kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 16g 5%
Protein 0.1g 0%
Fat 0.2g 0%
Saturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.01g 0%
Sodium 4mg 0%
Potassium 43mg 1%
Fiber 0.1g 0%
Sugar 14g 28%
Vitamin A 2IU 0%
Vitamin C 11mg 12%
Calcium 2mg 0%
Iron 0.1mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.