Classic Brandy Sidecar Cocktail

Dry ice, liquid nitrogen and tweezers need not appear for this classic cocktail. A simple blend of sugar, citrus and brandy will be shaken into perfection this week with our look at the Sidecar.

Several stories swirl around the Sidecar and as with all great cocktails, the exact origins have been lost to time. Two of the most famous tales come from France and London, both around the end of World War One. Similarities include that a regular often arrives by sidecar and orders this cocktail as a way to ease into the evening. Other versions have noted origins from the new world in New Orleans, however a timeline on such a creation was never found.

With each bar fighting for its own identity the exact measures involved in this drink are rather varied. Not only measurements but also some ingredients and how to use them are in debate. Sugar is one ingredient often contested; used to rim the glass, or added directly in the drink in a syrup form to sweeten the beverage. At the end of the day drinking should not be decided through pomp, but rather ones pallet. If you find the drink needs something sweet, add it. If you prefer the presentation of a rimmed glass, go for it.

Our conservative version is as follows:

2 oz. brandy

1 oz. triple sec or orange liqueur

½ oz. lemon juice

With two elements of citrus and a fruit based alcohol this surprisingly is not a sweet drink at all. Lemon and orange play off each other with their contrasting characteristics while the alcoholic kick from the brandy is ever present. The amount of dilution can vary but some is required to mellow the stronger flavour profile. A combination of sweet, tart and warmth surrounds your pallet with the strength expected from a spirit forward cocktail while offering a summer feel from the citrus fruit.

As far as the cocktails covered to this point this is as fruit forward as we have gotten. The blend of lemon juice and orange liqueur offers a fruity flavour to a strong, spirit forward sipping sensation. If you are looking for a taste of summer fruit in a bold winter beverage look no further. That being said we do not recommend turning to a Sidecar for your vitamin c deficiency.