Because Michael Dietsch, over at A Dash of Bitters just called it the perfect starter cocktail, and Camper English over at Alcademics is going to be covering Cognac for some time to come, I figured I should post this classic cocktail—the Sidecar. For me, the richness of the cognac combined with the light, citrus flavors of the Triple Sec & lemon juice also make this drink ideal for autumn sipping (and what d’ya know?-it’s the first day of fall!).
It’s also super easy to make (which is a real plus for me right now). I haven’t had a whole lot of time for cocktail experiments—being that my wedding is in twelve days and I’m working on my best Bridezilla impression. But with a drink as simple and enjoyable as the Sidecar, I can easily find a quick escape. Oh, and the recipe might just be simple enough for the banquet hall to handle on the big day. Here’s it is—Enjoy!
Sidecar
(this is how I make it but feel free to work on the balance until it’s to your liking)
1 ½ oz. Cognac (something like Martell VS)
¾ oz. Triple Sec (like Hiram Walker)
¾ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
Shake over ice and serve in a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon slice (which I like to dip in sugar first). Cheers!
This is why I call the Sidecar, “The Gospel of Brandy“.
It is just the perfect cocktail for cognac. And while making them is indeed dead simple, there is so much you can do to modify and improve your own.
Like Chess, it can be learned in a moment, but takes a lifetime to master.