It’s a speakeasy favorite cocktail
Simple. Elegant. Delicious. Three words that pretty much sum up this fantastic, simple Prohibition Era Sidecar cocktail recipe.

Classic and simple. That’s how we describe the Sidecar cocktail. With only three ingredients and a sweet garnish, it’s not surprising that this classic cocktail was a speakeasy favorite.
The Sidecar is one of the most iconic cocktails of the Prohibition era, and is probably one of the most simple. It didn’t require any fancy ingredients that were hard to find or acquire; all it needed was Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice. The cocktail was strong, simple, and delicious, and we can continue to sip on them today.
If you are new to the world of Cognac cocktails here’s a bit of a heads up: Cognac has a very strong taste. It’s a liquor you are meant to sip, not shoot back, and the good stuff comes with a price tag.
Cognac can easily overpower [and overwhelm] a cocktail if done incorrectly, but this Sidecar recipe gets the blend just right. The citrus of Cointreau and fresh lemon juice help to mellow out the strong alcohol taste of the Cognac. The sugar on the rim is also an added bonus.
With a cocktail this elegant looking, it’s important to keep your glassware in mind. For the Sidecar cocktail, most bartenders will use either a coupe or cocktail glass. I have a preference using the coupe, because I love its shape and sophistication, but a sugar rimmed cocktail glass is always a classic option.
This is how you make this classic Sidecar cocktail!
Sidecar Cocktail
Yields: 1 Serving
- 2 Ounces Cognac
- 1 Ounce Cointreau
- ¾ Ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
- Sugar Rim for Garnish
- Coupe or Cocktail Glass
- Cocktail Shaker
- Small Plate
Preparation
Sugar Rims: Fill a small plate with superfine sugar, making sure the sugar on the plate is thick enough to cover the rim of your glass. Run a lemon or lime wedge along the rim of the glass. Dip rim into the sugar to evenly coat. Shake off excess and set aside.
Sidecar Cocktail: Add Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, about 20 to 30 seconds. Then, strain into a chilled sugar rimmed coupe or cocktail glass. Enjoy!
Nutritional Content
1 serving approximately contains: Calories (kcal) 282 Fat (g) 0 Saturated Fat (g) 0 Potassium (mg) 29.8 Carbohydrates (g) 4.1 Dietary Fiber (g) 0.4 Total Sugars (g) 2.7 Protein (g) 0 Sodium (mg) 2


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