Sidecar Drink Recipe Better Than the Original

Sidecar
Sidecar

The traditional Sidecar is equal parts Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice.  Being traditional doesn’t always mean best, and that’s very true with this classic cocktail. This drink tastes much better with more Cognac, less Cointreau, and a lot less lemon.

  • 1½ ounces Cognac
  • ¾ ounce Cointreau
  • ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
  • lemon or orange slice, for garnish

— Pour ingredients into a mixing glass half-filled with ice, shake well, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass with a sugared rim.  Garnish with the lemon or orange slice.

Sugared Rim: Put a teaspoon of white sugar in a small shallow bowl. Hold the cocktail glass upside down, and rub the outside of the rim lightly with juice from the squeezed lemon shell. Flick off any lemon pulp, and dip the rim into the sugar.  Do not twist the rim in the sugar or it will be less attractive.  Let the sugar dry while you are mixing the cocktail.

Sidecar With a View

If you visit Chicago, take an elevator ride to the top of the John Hancock Building, order the Sidecar in the Signature Lounge, and enjoy the incredible cocktail and view.