When it comes to crafting the perfect cocktail, simplicity can be just as effective as complexity. The classic Sidecar recipe – comprising cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice – has been a staple of bars and dinner parties for generations. But why settle for just one flavor profile when you can have 18? In this article, we’re shaking things up with a collection of innovative sidecar recipes that incorporate an array of fruits, spices, and herbs to create unique and refreshing concoctions perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, watching the game with friends, or just need a pick-me-up after a long day, these 18 sidecar recipes are sure to satisfy your thirst. From classic twists on the original recipe to bold and adventurous flavor combinations, we’ve got you covered.
Classic Sidecar with a Lemon Twist
This refreshing cocktail is a twist on the classic Sidecar, featuring a hint of citrus from freshly squeezed lemon juice. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces Cognac
– 3/4 ounce Triple Sec
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Simple syrup (optional)
– Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Cognac and Triple Sec.
3. Squeeze in the lemon juice.
4. Shake gently to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. If desired, add a drizzle of simple syrup for added sweetness.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready when you are!)
Bourbon Sidecar with Orange Bitters
Elevate your cocktail game with this bourbon-based twist on the classic Sidecar. The spicy kick from the bourbon is perfectly balanced by the sweet and tangy orange bitters.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon
– 3/4 oz Cointreau or other triple sec
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 dashes of orange bitters
– Sugar, for rimming glass (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with sugar, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add the bourbon, Cointreau, and lemon juice to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Add 2 dashes of orange bitters on top.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Spiced Pear Sidecar with Cinnamon
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this aromatic and comforting Spiced Pear Sidecar, infused with the warmth of cinnamon. This easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for chilly winter nights.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
– 1/2 ounce cinnamon syrup (see note)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Pinch of ground cinnamon, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine pears, bourbon, Grand Marnier, and cinnamon syrup. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a warmed glass or mug.
3. Top with heavy cream and sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Note: To make cinnamon syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool before using.
Ginger-Infused Sidecar with Honey Syrup
Elevate your cocktail game with this warm and spicy twist on the classic Sidecar.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Cognac
– 3/4 oz Grand Marnier
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz ginger-infused simple syrup (see below)
– Honey syrup (see below)
– Orange twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Cognac, Grand Marnier, and lemon juice.
3. Shake until well-combined and chilled, about 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain into a sugar-rimmed glass filled with ice.
5. Drizzle honey syrup over the drink in a zigzag pattern.
Ginger-Infused Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup freshly peeled and sliced ginger
Combine ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain syrup before using.
Honey Syrup:
– 1 cup honey
– 1 cup water
Combine ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain syrup before using.
Cooking Time: None. Simply prepare the syrups ahead of time and assemble the cocktail as desired.
Elderflower Sidecar with St. Germain
A refreshing twist on the classic French 75 cocktail, this Elderflower Sidecar combines the subtle sweetness of St. Germain elderflower liqueur with the crispness of citrus and the warmth of cognac.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Cognac
– 3/4 oz Triple Sec
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
– Dash of simple syrup (optional)
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Cognac, Triple Sec, lemon juice, and St. Germain to the shaker.
3. Shake gently to combine and chill the ingredients (about 10-15 seconds).
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or champagne flute.
5. If desired, add a dash of simple syrup for balance.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Smoky Mezcal Sidecar with Chili Salt Rim
Smoky Mezcal Sidecar with Chili Salt Rim: Elevate your cocktail game with this bold and spicy twist on the classic sidecar.
Raspberry Sidecar with Fresh Mint Garnish
Raspberry Sidecar with Fresh Mint Garnish Recipe
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors with this refreshing cocktail, topped with a burst of fresh mint.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces raspberry vodka
– 3/4 ounce triple sec
– 3/4 ounce lemon juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the raspberry vodka, triple sec, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with heavy cream and stir gently to create a layered effect.
6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Maple Bourbon Sidecar with Toasted Pecans
Elevate your cocktail game with this sweet and savory twist on the classic Sidecar. The addition of toasted pecans adds a satisfying crunch to balance out the rich flavors of maple syrup and bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup toasted pecan halves (see note)
– Salt, for rimming glass
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a shaker filled with ice, combine bourbon, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
3. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with toasted pecan halves.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To toast pecans, preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool before using.
Blood Orange Sidecar with Rosemary
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique take on the classic Sidecar, featuring blood orange juice and fragrant rosemary. The tangy sweetness of the blood orange pairs perfectly with the herbal notes of the rosemary, creating a refreshing and complex drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces cognac
– 1/2 ounce blood orange juice
– 1/2 ounce Cointreau or other triple sec
– 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
– Simple syrup (optional)
– Orange twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the cognac, blood orange juice, and Cointreau.
3. Add a few leaves of fresh rosemary to the shaker and muddle gently to release the oils and flavors.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist or wheel, and a sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: None needed!
Vanilla Bean Sidecar with Cardamom
This unique cocktail combines the creamy sweetness of vanilla bean-infused simple syrup with the warm, spicy flavor of cardamom. Perfect for adventurous palates and those looking to spice up their happy hour.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup (see below)
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz triple sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vanilla bean simple syrup, lime juice, triple sec, and heavy cream.
3. Sprinkle in the ground cardamom.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a dish.
Pomegranate Sidecar with Star Anise
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and flavorful Pomegranate Sidecar, featuring the warm, aromatic spices of star anise. This drink is perfect for fall and winter gatherings or as a special treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces Cognac
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed pomegranate juice
– 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
– 1/4 teaspoon ground star anise
– Simple syrup (optional)
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine Cognac, pomegranate juice, and Grand Marnier.
2. Add the ground star anise and fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
5. If desired, add a splash of simple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None (a quick and easy cocktail)
Passion Fruit Sidecar with Coconut Rim
Elevate your cocktail game with this tropical twist on the classic Sidecar. The sweetness of passion fruit puree and coconut rim perfectly complement the tartness of Cognac.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces Cognac
– 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce passion fruit puree
– Simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water, dissolved)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Shredded coconut, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a chilled coupe glass with salt and shredded coconut.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine Cognac, lime juice, passion fruit puree, and simple syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded coconut and a slice of passion fruit, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Apple Cider Sidecar with Cinnamon Sugar
Warm up with this autumnal twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail, featuring apple cider and a hint of cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 3/4 oz apple cider
• 1/2 oz triple sec
• 1 tsp cinnamon sugar (see note)
• Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, apple cider, and triple sec.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top of the drink.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cinnamon Sugar:
Mix equal parts granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Adjust to taste for sweetness and spice level.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Blackberry Sage Sidecar with Thyme
Blackberry Sage Sidecar with Thyme is a refreshing twist on the classic French Sidecar cocktail, combining the sweetness of blackberries with the earthy flavors of sage and thyme.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Cognac
– 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz blackberry puree
– 1/4 oz sage-infused simple syrup (see note)
– 1/4 oz thyme-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Fresh blackberries and sprigs of thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Cognac, lime juice, simple syrup, blackberry puree, sage-infused simple syrup, and thyme-infused simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a sprig of thyme.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a mixed drink recipe!
Lavender Sidecar with Honey and Lemon
Experience the sweet serenity of this lavender-infused cocktail, perfectly balanced by the warmth of honey and the brightness of lemon. This refreshing drink is perfect for warm evenings or as a unique apéritif.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz lavender syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Splash of soda water
– Ice
– Fresh lavender buds and lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, lavender syrup, and honey syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a splash of soda water.
6. Garnish with fresh lavender buds and a lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Tropical Pineapple Sidecar with Lime
A refreshing twist on the classic sidecar cocktail, this tropical version combines pineapple, lime, and rum for a sweet and tangy treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces dark rum
– 1 ounce pineapple juice
– 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– Splash of grenadine (optional)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and triple sec.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. If desired, add a splash of grenadine for a pop of color and flavor.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just minutes.
Spiced Chai Sidecar with Clove Syrup
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique blend of spices and sweetener. This Spiced Chai Sidecar combines the warm, comforting flavors of chai with a hint of clove syrup for added depth.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz cognac
– 1 oz heavy cream
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz clove syrup (see below)
– 1/2 oz Chai spice-infused simple syrup (see below)
– Pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom
Clove Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup sugar
– 10 whole cloves
Chai Spice-Infused Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine cognac, heavy cream, simple syrup, clove syrup, and Chai spice-infused simple syrup.
2. Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom to the mixture.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a few whole cloves.
Cooking Time: None required. Simply combine ingredients and serve.
Cucumber Basil Sidecar with Sea Salt
A refreshing and flavorful side dish that combines the cooling properties of cucumber, the brightness of basil, and the crunch of sea salt. Perfect for hot summer days or as a light accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 fresh cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tsp sea salt
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and chopped basil.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top of the cucumber mixture.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
5. If desired, serve with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (prepare in advance)
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cocktail game with these 18 refreshing sidecar recipes, perfect for every occasion! From classic combinations to bold twists, this collection has something for everyone. Try the Classic Sidecar with a lemon twist or the Bourbon Sidecar with orange bitters. Spice up your gatherings with the Spiced Pear Sidecar or the Smoky Mezcal Sidecar. Whatever your taste, there’s a sidecar recipe here that’s sure to please. So go ahead, shake things up and serve up some sophisticated sips!
