The Sidecar probably dates back to the end of World War II, and early versions may have contained more ingredients. The recipe that survived only has three ingredients: brandy, orange liqueur and lemon juice. The flavor is distinctly citrus. There are a couple of variations on this one, but the most common adjustment is a change in ratio so you end up with a less sweet drink.
Recipe
- 1 1/2 ounce cognac (or any brandy)
- 3/4 ounce orange liqueur (typically Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice (or lime)
- Sugar (for the rim of the glass)
Rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar. Shake all the ingredients with ice, strain into the glass. The sugar rim is optional. Garnish with a strip of lemon rind.
A great contrast for a citrus drink that’s a little on the sweet side is smoke. Smoked meat, smoked cheese, a barbecue, anything involving bacon. Try prosciutto-wrapped figs with blue cheese or bacon-wrapped jalepeno poppers.
