The Sidecar. It’s one of my go-to cold weather drinks. It’s what I order when I want something sweet rather than savory (like another one of my favorites — the dirty martini). There are different variations of this cocktail. Some use cognac, others brandy. Sometimes it’s made with triple sec and sometimes cointreau. Where I usually order it, they use brandy and triple sec.
The Ritz Hotel in Paris claims they created the drink in the early 1900’s, but a couple of British gentlemen have also claimed to be the inventor. Regardless, it is named after the attachment on a motorcycle. The drink has morphed and changed a lot since then, going through numerous variations.
Fancy people in England and France drank this cocktail over 100 years ago, which makes me feel very cool when I order it even though the bartender probably laughs about me behind my back.
I really like my cocktails served up so that I can sip and savor them without worrying about ice watering down the flavor. So I love that this is served in a martini glass.
If you want to try this at home, it’s pretty simple!
INGREDIENTS:
Freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar if you want to frost the rim
1 cup Cognac or good brandy
1/2 cup Triple Sec or Cointreau
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Maraschino cherries (I like Tillen Farms all natural) or lemon peel, to garnish
METHOD:
If you want to frost the glasses, swipe the lemon wedge around four martini glasses and then dip in a shallow plate of sugar.
Combine the Cognac, Triple Sec, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and pour into the martini glasses. Garnish with a cherry or lemon peel (or both, if you feel like living on the edge).
CHEERS!
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