Sidecar
Also known as Sidecar Cocktail · City Slicker
The Sidecar is a strong brandy sour, tart and fruity on the palate. Shaken and served in a coupe. Also known as the Sidecar Cocktail or City Slicker. It's one of the International Bartenders Association's official unforgettables cocktails.
Flavor profile
- Tart
- 72 out of 100
- Sweet
- 62 out of 100
- Fruity
- 69 out of 100
- Boozy
- 72 out of 100
How to make a Sidecar
To make a Sidecar, shake with ice and strain into a coupe: 2 oz cognac, ½ oz Cointreau and 1 oz lemon juice.
You'll need
- Cognac2 oz
- Cointreau½ oz
- Lemon juice1 oz
Instructions
- 1
Chill a coupe: fill it with ice and water while you mix, then tip it out.
- 2
Add cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
- 3
Fill the shaker with ice.
- 4
Shake hard for 10-15 seconds, until the outside is frosty.
- 5
Strain into the chilled coupe.
Why shake? Lemon juice needs a hard shake to mix and chill properly.
Sidecar questions
What does a Sidecar taste like?
Mostly tart and fruity, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. It's a strong drink at about 22% ABV once mixed.
How strong is a Sidecar?
About 22% ABV after mixing with ice, stronger than wine, lighter than a neat spirit.
Is a Sidecar Cocktail the same as a Sidecar?
Yes. Sidecar Cocktail and City Slicker are other names for the Sidecar; the recipe on this page covers them all.
What's the difference between a Sidecar and a Between the Sheets?
Both use cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice. The Between the Sheets uses light rum. Both are shaken, but the Sidecar goes in a coupe and the Between the Sheets in a cocktail glass.
Should a Sidecar be shaken or stirred?
Shaken: lemon juice needs a hard shake to mix and chill properly.
What can I use instead of triple sec?
Cointreau or Grand Marnier will work.