Sidecar Variations

The Sidecar came out of 1920's Paris. The original recipe calls for equal parts:

• Cognac

• Triple Sec

• Lemon Juice

The cocktail revolution of the late 20th century found bartenders cutting back on the Triple Sec, and even more on the Lemon, resulting in something like:

• 1.5 oz Cognac

• 1 oz Triple Sec

• .75 oz Lemon Juice

• Sugar rim garnish

I like this variation ok, but it all depends on which Triple Sec you choose. Triple sec is a general term for a variety of orange liqueurs. Your choice in here is going to make a big difference, no matter what drink you're making. A triple sec like Cointreau can stand up to the Cognac in equal parts. However, if you use Dry Curacao, you might scale it back a little because of its sweetness. Bring some Clement Orange Creole Shrub to the party and you might cut it back a little more, not by reducing the amount of triple sec, but by increasing the amount of Cognac.

Try these variations I like:

Sidecar Wheelie

• 1 oz Cognac

• 1 oz Cointreau

• 1 oz Lemon Juice

• 1 barspoon Maple Syrup

• 2 dashes Habenero Bitters

Or even better, try Ube in a Sidecar.

• 1 oz Cognac

• 1 oz Cointreau

• 1 oz Lemon Juice

• .25 oz Grenadine Syrup (must be fresh)

Shaken.

Double strained into a chilled coupe.

No garnish.