The Classic Sidecar

by ShakeAndSip
Prep: 5m
0
drink
The Classic Sidecar - Image

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Ingredients
Servings:1
2ozbrandy
1oztriple sec
3/4ozlemon juice
2tspsugar
1lemon
Nutrition Facts

Per serving

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Instructions
  1. 1

    Sugar the rim

    Pour the sugar onto a small plate. Cut a wedge from the lemon and run it around the rim of a chilled coupe glass, then press the rim into the sugar for a crisp, sweet edge. Skip this if you like it drier — the drink stands on its own.

  1. 2

    Shake it cold

    Fill a cocktail shaker three-quarters full with ice. Add the brandy, triple sec and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cover and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds, until the shaker is frosty and your hands are cold.

  2. 3

    Strain and garnish

    Strain into the prepared coupe. Twist a strip of lemon peel over the top to release the oils, then drop it in. Sip slow — this one's got backbone.

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The Classic Sidecar

Created by: ShakeAndSip

Prep Time: 5m
0
Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz brandy
  • 1 oz triple sec
  • 3/4 oz lemon juice
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Sugar the rimPour the sugar onto a small plate. Cut a wedge from the lemon and run it around the rim of a chilled coupe glass, then press the rim into the sugar for a crisp, sweet edge. Skip this if you like it drier — the drink stands on its own.
  2. Shake it coldFill a cocktail shaker three-quarters full with ice. Add the brandy, triple sec and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cover and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds, until the shaker is frosty and your hands are cold.
  3. Strain and garnishStrain into the prepared coupe. Twist a strip of lemon peel over the top to release the oils, then drop it in. Sip slow — this one's got backbone.

Notes & Tips

The sidecar is one of those old-school classics that never went out of style — brandy, orange liqueur, and a big hit of fresh lemon, shaken until it's ice cold. The magic is the balance: brandy for warmth, triple sec for sweetness, lemon to keep it bright. Use fresh lemon juice, not the bottled stuff — it makes all the difference. That 2:1:3/4 ratio is your friend; nail it and you've got a drink that tastes like a proper cocktail bar. Mocktail swap: skip the brandy and triple sec and shake 2 oz apple juice, 1 oz orange juice, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and a splash of vanilla with ice — same bright, citrusy sipper, no proof required.