Sidecar recipe
Cognac, triple sec and lemon juice, shaken and strained into a cocktail glass.
By Kris Barton · Updated - 2 mins total
- 3 ingredients
- Cocktail glass
What Ingredients do you need to make a Sidecar?
Cognac
Cognac is a variety of Brandy.
It’s named after Cognac, France and certain production methods are required to make sure the Brandy may be named Cognac.
These production methods include:
- Ugni blanc grapes must be used.
- The Brandy must be twice distilled in copper stills.
- The Brandy must be aged at least 2 years in Oak barrels.
Only then can it be called Cognac. Wowzers.
And even then, there are grades of Cognac:
- V.S. (Very Special) or 3 stars. This means that the Brandy has been aged for at least 2 years in a cask.
- V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) or Reserve. This is where the Brandy has been aged for at least 4 years in a cask.
- Napoléon. This is where the Brandy is aged at least 6 years.
- XO (Extra Old). This is where the Brandy is aged at least 10 years.
- XXO (Extra Extra Old). This is where the Brandy is aged for at least 14 years.
- Hors d’âge (Beyond Age). This is where the Brandy is beyond the official age scales.
I mean, that’s some grading list. I’d wager by the end of that list you’d need to be a millionaire to sample those Cognacs.
ANYWAY… the Cognac we recommend is:
Triple Sec
Triple Sec is a style of Orange Liqueur and you can read more about it in our detailed article.
For Triple Sec, we recommend:
What Equipment do you need to make a Sidecar?
Cocktail Shaker
Cocktail shakers improve the taste of cocktails. It’s a fact.
There’s a reason that famed British spy James Bond says “shaken, not stirred”. And that reason is: because it tastes better.
If you don’t already have a cocktail shaker set, you might want to check out our detailed cocktail shaker comparison.
But to cut a long story short, here’s the cocktail shaker we recommend:
Cocktail Glass
This cocktail recipe tastes great, but let’s make it look great too.
Having the right glass for the right cocktail always makes the experience more enjoyable in my experience.
And the right glass is a cocktail glass.
We recommend:
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Recipe card
Sidecar
- Prep
- 1 min
- Making
- 1 min
- Total
- 2 mins
- Serves
- 1
- Glass
- Cocktail glass
Ingredients
Makes 1 drink.
Method
- Add ice, cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a cocktail glass.
Want more like this? Browse our full collection of modern cocktails.
Sidecar FAQs
What Ingredients do you need to make a Sidecar?
To make a Sidecar, you need 60ml / 2oz cognac, 30ml / 1oz triple sec and 22ml / 0.75oz lemon juice. There’s more about cognac and triple sec above.
What Equipment do you need to make a Sidecar?
You’ll need a cocktail shaker and a cocktail glass.
What alcohol is in a Sidecar?
A Sidecar contains 60ml / 2oz cognac and 30ml / 1oz triple sec.
Is a Sidecar shaken or stirred?
A Sidecar is shaken. Shake it with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain it into a cocktail glass.
Can I make a Sidecar without a cocktail shaker?
A cocktail shaker is best, but a clean jam jar with a tight lid works too. Add ice and the ingredients, screw the lid on and shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds, then strain it into your glass through a small sieve.
What glass is a Sidecar served in?
Serve a Sidecar in a cocktail glass.
How do I make a Sidecar for a group?
The recipe makes one drink. Multiply every measure by the number of drinks you want: for 4, you’d need 240ml cognac, 120ml triple sec and 88ml lemon juice. Shake one or two drinks at a time, so there’s room in the shaker for the ice.
