There’s something undeniably glamorous about the Sidecar cocktail recipe—a drink that whispers of roaring ‘20s speakeasies, polished mahogany bars, and the clink of crystal glasses. Yet, somewhere along the way, this citrusy, brandy-based beauty faded into the background. Well, I’m here to tell you: it’s time for a Sidecar revival!
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just love a well-balanced drink, the Sidecar cocktail recipe is a must-try. With its perfect harmony of sweet, sour, and strong, it’s no wonder this classic is making a comeback. Below, I’ve rounded up 10 irresistible variations—from the timeless original to bold, modern twists. Let’s shake things up!
1. The Classic Sidecar Cocktail
The OG that started it all—crisp, citrusy, and perfectly balanced.
What You’ll Love: A golden-hued drink with a sugared rim, delivering a silky blend of brandy’s warmth and lemon’s bright zing.
Ingredients:
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2 oz cognac (or brandy)
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1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
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¾ oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
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Sugar (for rimming)
How to Make It:
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Rim a chilled coupe glass with sugar.
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In a shaker, combine cognac, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup (if using) with ice.
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Shake well and strain into the glass.
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Garnish with a lemon twist.
Tasting Notes: Smooth, tangy, and slightly sweet—like sunshine in a glass.
2. The Smoky Mezcar
A seductive twist with mezcal’s smoldering depth.
What You’ll Love: If you enjoy a hint of smoke, this Sidecar cocktail recipe swaps brandy for mezcal, adding a mysterious, earthy edge.
Ingredients:
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2 oz mezcal
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1 oz orange liqueur
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¾ oz lemon juice
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½ oz agave syrup
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Smoked salt & chili powder (for rimming)
How to Make It:
Rim the glass with smoked salt and chili powder.
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Shake all ingredients with ice and strain.
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Garnish with a dehydrated citrus wheel.
Tasting Notes: Bold, smoky, and just a little spicy—perfect for adventurous sippers.
3. The Bourbon Sidecar
Whiskey lovers, this one’s for you.
What You’ll Love: Bourbon brings caramel and vanilla notes, making this Sidecar cocktail recipe richer and bolder.
Ingredients:
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2 oz bourbon
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1 oz Cointreau
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¾ oz lemon juice
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½ oz maple syrup
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Orange twist (garnish)
How to Make It:
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Shake bourbon, Cointreau, lemon juice, and maple syrup with ice.
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Strain into a sugar-rimmed glass.
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Express an orange twist over the drink and drop it in.
Tasting Notes: Warm, oaky, and just sweet enough—like a hug from an old friend.
4. The Sparkling Sidecar
Bubbles make everything better.
What You’ll Love: A fizzy, celebratory take on the Sidecar cocktail recipe, perfect for toasting.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ oz cognac
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½ oz orange liqueur
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½ oz lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup
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2 oz champagne or prosecco
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Lemon peel (garnish)
How to Make It:
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Shake cognac, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and syrup with ice.
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Strain into a flute and top with champagne.
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Garnish with a lemon peel.
Tasting Notes: Effervescent, light, and irresistibly festive.
5. The Spiced Apple Sidecar
Autumn in a glass.
What You’ll Love: Apple brandy and warm spices transform this Sidecar cocktail recipe into a cozy fall favorite.
Ingredients:
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2 oz apple brandy (or Calvados)
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½ oz cinnamon syrup
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¾ oz lemon juice
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½ oz allspice dram
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Cinnamon stick (garnish)
How to Make It:
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Shake all ingredients with ice.
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Strain into a cinnamon-sugar-rimmed glass.
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Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Tasting Notes: Like biting into a spiced apple pie—comforting and delicious.
6. The Tropical Sidecar
A vacation in every sip.
What You’ll Love: This Sidecar cocktail recipe gets a fruity makeover with pineapple and coconut, making it perfect for poolside sipping.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ oz cognac
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½ oz coconut rum
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½ oz pineapple juice
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½ oz lime juice
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½ oz orgeat syrup
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Toasted coconut (for rimming)
How to Make It:
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Rim the glass with toasted coconut.
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Shake all ingredients with ice and strain.
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Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Tasting Notes: Sweet, tangy, and tropical—like a beach getaway in a glass.
7. The Ginger Sidecar
A spicy, refreshing kick.
What You’ll Love: Ginger adds a fiery punch to this Sidecar cocktail recipe, making it crisp and invigorating.
Ingredients:
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2 oz cognac
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1 oz ginger liqueur (or ½ oz ginger syrup)
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¾ oz lemon juice
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½ oz honey syrup
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Candied ginger (garnish)
How to Make It:
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Shake all ingredients with ice.
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Strain into a chilled glass.
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Garnish with candied ginger.
Tasting Notes: Zesty, warming, and perfectly balanced—great for cold nights.
8. The Lavender Sidecar
Elegant, floral, and oh-so-smooth.
What You’ll Love: Lavender syrup adds a delicate floral note, making this Sidecar cocktail recipe feel like a garden party.
Ingredients:
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2 oz cognac
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1 oz lavender-infused simple syrup
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¾ oz lemon juice
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½ oz St. Germain (elderflower liqueur)
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Edible lavender (garnish)
How to Make It:
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Shake all ingredients with ice.
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Strain into a coupe glass.
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Sprinkle with edible lavender.
Tasting Notes: Soft, fragrant, and subtly sweet—a true sophisticate’s drink.
9. The Chocolate Orange Sidecar
Dessert meets cocktail hour.
What You’ll Love: Dark crème de cacao and orange blend beautifully in this decadent Sidecar cocktail recipe.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ oz cognac
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½ oz dark crème de cacao
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½ oz Cointreau
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¾ oz lemon juice
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Chocolate shavings (garnish)
How to Make It:
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Shake all ingredients with ice.
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Strain into a chocolate-rimmed glass.
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Garnish with chocolate shavings.
Tasting Notes: Rich, velvety, and reminiscent of a chocolate orange—pure indulgence.
10. The Smoked Rosemary Sidecar
Herbaceous and aromatic.
What You’ll Love: Smoky rosemary infusion takes this Sidecar cocktail recipe to new, savory heights.
Ingredients:
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2 oz cognac
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½ oz rosemary-infused simple syrup
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¾ oz lemon juice
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½ oz Lillet Blanc
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Smoked rosemary sprig (garnish)
How to Make It:
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Lightly torch a rosemary sprig for aroma.
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Shake cognac, rosemary syrup, lemon juice, and Lillet Blanc with ice.
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Strain into a glass and garnish with the smoked rosemary.
Tasting Notes: Earthy, herbal, and slightly smoky—a modern twist on a classic.
Conclusion
There you have it—10 incredible Sidecar cocktail recipes that prove this classic is anything but outdated. Whether you prefer the timeless original or an inventive new spin, the Sidecar cocktail recipe is endlessly versatile.
So, grab your shaker, pick your favorite variation, and let’s bring back the Sidecar in style. Cheers to a drink that’s stood the test of time—and is ready for its next act!
