Rum Sidecar Cocktail Recipe

The Rum Sidecar, as you can probably guess, is basically a traditional Sidecar in which rum replaces cognac. But the alcohol ratios are a little different in the Rum Sidecar, and this one doesn’t call for a sugar-rimmed glass because the natural sweetness of the rum is enough.

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This cocktail is of average strength, with two ounces of liquor in it, and is great for savoring during a nice after-dinner conversation or while reading a book on an evening in.

What is a Rum Sidecar?

A Rum Sidecar is a twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail, which is usually made with cognac. In this version, rum takes center stage, adding a bit more tropical flair and sweetness.

The drink still keeps its signature sour and citrusy notes, but the rum gives it a smoother, rounder flavor. If you’re a fan of simple, balanced cocktails and want to switch things up from the usual, the Rum Sidecar is worth a try.

In this drink, rum isn’t just a substitute for cognac – it actually brings its own personality to the drink. Rum is made from sugarcane, so even “dry” rums have a natural sweetness. This makes the drink smoother and less sharp than a regular Sidecar.

The citrus from the lemon and the orange liqueur balances out that sweetness. The end result is a drink that’s both tart and slightly sweet, with a rounder flavor than the original.

Which Rum Should You Use?

Not all rums are created equal when it comes to a Rum Sidecar. The type of rum you choose will really change the taste of your drink.

• Aged rum: This is usually the best choice. Aged rums have deeper flavors, like caramel, vanilla, and spice. These flavors pair really well with the citrus and orange liqueur in a Sidecar.
• White rum: If you use white rum, your drink will be lighter and more crisp, but it might lack some of the depth that aged rum can provide.
• Spiced rum: This variation can add an extra layer of flavor, but be careful – some spiced rums are very sweet or have strong cinnamon or clove flavors that can take over the drink.

If you’re new to making Rum Sidecars, try a mid-range aged rum. Brands like Mount Gay, Appleton Estate, or Havana Club work well.

Choosing Your Orange Liqueur

The next key ingredient is orange liqueur. There are a few main options:

• Cointreau: This has a strong orange flavor and is less sweet than some other options.
• Triple sec: This is usually more affordable and slightly more sugary.
• Grand Marnier: This is made with cognac and has a richer, deeper taste. It works very well if you want to keep things classic but still use rum.

Most bars use Cointreau for its balance of orange flavor and dryness.

Fresh Lemon Juice is Key

Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t cut it here. Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives your Rum Sidecar the perfect tang and brightness. Always use fresh lemons – your taste buds will thank you.

Do You Need to Sugar the Rim?

It’s standard to put sugar on the rim of the  glass when you’re making a classic Sidecar, and you can do it with the Rum Sidecar too, if you like. Because the rum adds natural sweetness compared to the brandy in the Sidecar, it’s not considered necessary for this drink.

But feel free to add it if you want. The sugar helps balance the tartness from the lemon juice. To do it, just rub a lemon wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it into some white sugar on a plate.

If you like your cocktails more tart, skip the sugar rim. If you prefer more sweetness but don’t want to do a rim, some people even add a splash of simple syrup if they want it sweeter, or an egg white for a silky texture (just make sure your eggs are pasteurized).

Fun Twists to Try

Once you’ve learned the original Rum Sidecar recipe, you can play around with different flavors:

• Add bitters: A couple of dashes of orange or aromatic bitters can add complexity.
• Try different citrus: Swap out some or all of the lemon juice for lime juice for a tarter twist.
• Use flavored rums: Coconut or pineapple rums will give your cocktail more of a tiki bar feel.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try infusing your rum with different flavors before making your Sidecar:

• Vanilla Bean: Drop half a vanilla bean into your bottle of rum for a week.
• Citrus Peel: Add strips of orange or lemon peel to your rum and let it sit for a few days.
• Chili Pepper: For a spicy kick, add half a chili pepper to your rum for 24 hours.

Or try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint as a garnish for something totally different.

Food Pairings

Because it’s both tart and slightly sweet, the Rum Sidecar pairs well with foods like spicy shrimp or fish tacos, grilled chicken or pork with tropical fruit salsas, and even a cheese board with sharp cheddar or blue cheese. It also works well with light desserts like lemon bars or fruit tarts

When to Serve a Rum Sidecar

This cocktail is easy to make at home and feels fancy enough for special occasions. Serve it at cocktail partie, brunches, summer gatherings (especially if you use white rum or add tropical twists) and date nights at home.

It’s also great as a “welcome drink” for guests since it’s refreshing but not too boozy.

Tips for Making the Perfect Rum Sidecar

Getting your Rum Sidecar just right is all about balance and technique. Here are some tricks bartenders use:

• Chill Your Glass: Put your glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you make the drink. A cold glass keeps your cocktail crisp.
• Shake Hard: Don’t be shy when shaking – all that ice helps blend the flavors and chills it fast.
• Strain Well: Fine strain (using a mesh strainer) if you want a super smooth drink with no ice shards.
• Use Good Ice: Clear, solid ice melts slower and chills better than cloudy ice cubes from the freezer tray.

 

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