Who Invented the Sidecar Cocktail?

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An irresistible combination of cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice, the Sidecar has been a classic cocktail at the top of every good mixologist’s repertoire since the end of the First World War. So where did this delicious drink come from and who is responsible for bringing it to the public?

TL;DR

• Classic Cocktail of the Roaring Twenties: The Sidecar, a blend of cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice, emerged as a popular drink during the 1920s, epitomizing the era's elegance and sophistication.
• Debated Origins: Paris vs. London: Both Paris and London claim to have created the Sidecar, with stories linking the drink to the Ritz Hotel's Frank Meier and London's Buck's Club bartender, Pat MacGarry.
• The Name’s Inspiration: The cocktail is believed to be named after a motorcycle sidecar, adding a touch of adventure and intrigue to its identity and appeal.
• Variations and Recipes: The Sidecar has different recipes, with French and English versions offering varying proportions. It continues to inspire many variations, allowing enthusiasts to experiment with flavors.

A Drink Born in the Roaring Twenties

The Sidecar cocktail emerged during the Roaring Twenties, a time characterized by jazz, flapper culture, and a booming nightlife. This was an era when cocktails were gaining immense popularity, partly due to Prohibition in the United States, which drove drinkers to speakeasies and European bars. The Sidecar, with its delicate balance of sweetness, sourness, and a punch of brandy, perfectly captured the spirit of the time—a blend of elegance, rebellion, and modernity.

This cocktail quickly became a favorite in upscale bars across Europe and America. As with many classic cocktails, its exact origin is clouded in mystery and debate. However, its rise to prominence is undeniable, and its unique flavor profile helped it stand out amid a growing repertoire of Prohibition-era drinks. The Sidecar became synonymous with sophistication, providing a touch of class to those seeking a memorable night out in an era of great social and cultural change.

The Rival Claims: Paris vs. London

The invention of the Sidecar cocktail has long been contested by two iconic cities: Paris and London. Both cities have laid claim to being the birthplace of this classic drink, and both have compelling stories and influential bartenders backing their versions of events. In Paris, the Sidecar is often attributed to the famous Ritz Hotel, where it is said to have been invented by a bartender named Frank Meier for a customer who arrived at the bar in a motorcycle sidecar.

On the other hand, London offers its own narrative, with many attributing the creation of the Sidecar to Pat MacGarry, a celebrated bartender at Buck's Club. According to this story, MacGarry concocted the drink for an American army captain who frequented the club during World War I. The two cities continue to debate the cocktail’s origins, each claiming it as a hallmark of their bartending history, reflecting a larger competition for cultural influence in the golden age of cocktails.

The Ritz Hotel: The Parisian Connection

One of the most popular origin stories for the Sidecar comes from the Ritz Hotel in Paris. The cocktail is believed to have been created in the early 1920s by Frank Meier, the head bartender of the Ritz's famous bar. According to legend, Meier concocted the drink for a dashing American army captain who would often arrive at the bar in a motorcycle sidecar, seeking a bracing yet refined drink to match his adventurous spirit. Thus, the cocktail was named after the unusual mode of transportation that characterized its first patron.

The Ritz Hotel, a symbol of Parisian elegance, was a natural setting for the creation of a cocktail like the Sidecar. It was a hub of sophistication and innovation, frequented by writers, artists, and socialites of the day. The Sidecar’s association with the Ritz lends it a glamorous air, cementing its status as a drink for those with a taste for luxury and adventure. This connection to one of Paris's most prestigious establishments further strengthens the claim that the city was indeed the birthplace of this classic cocktail.

Harry MacElhone and the French Influence

Another Parisian figure often credited with inventing the Sidecar is Harry MacElhone, the legendary bartender and owner of Harry's New York Bar in Paris. MacElhone was a master mixologist and one of the most influential bartenders of his time, and he is said to have created the Sidecar for a customer who wanted a pre-dinner drink that was both refreshing and potent. Harry’s New York Bar, a popular hangout for American expatriates and celebrities, was a melting pot of cultures and a hotbed for cocktail experimentation.

MacElhone's involvement in the creation of the Sidecar is often linked to his publication, "Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails," where the recipe first appeared in print in the 1920s. The book became a bartender's bible, and the Sidecar, with its perfect balance of cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice, quickly gained a reputation as one of the most sophisticated drinks of the era. This association with Harry MacElhone and his influential bar adds another layer to the Parisian claim to the Sidecar's origins.

Pat MacGarry: The London Contender

Across the English Channel, another claim to the Sidecar's invention comes from Pat MacGarry, a renowned bartender at Buck's Club in London. Buck's Club was a fashionable gentleman's club known for its high-society clientele and its creative cocktails, including the famous Buck's Fizz. MacGarry is said to have created the Sidecar in the early 1920s for an American army captain who frequented the club, mixing cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice to produce a drink that was both bold and refined.

MacGarry’s reputation as a mixologist and his association with one of London's most exclusive clubs lend credibility to this claim. The story reflects the dynamic cultural exchange between Britain and America during the post-war period, when tastes and styles were rapidly evolving. Whether or not MacGarry was the true inventor, London’s claim to the Sidecar highlights the city's role as a key player in the global cocktail scene and its ability to create timeless drinks that resonate with drinkers worldwide.

A Motorcycle and a Cocktail: The Inspiration Behind the Name

The name "Sidecar" itself is part of what makes the story of this cocktail so intriguing. The drink is believed to have been named after the motorcycle sidecar, a unique attachment that allowed passengers to ride alongside the driver. This association with a sidecar—a small, adventurous, and stylish vehicle—fits perfectly with the cocktail's identity as a bold yet sophisticated drink, often enjoyed by the daring and fashionable.

The story goes that the American army captain, who is a central figure in both the Paris and London origin stories, frequently arrived at the bar in a motorcycle sidecar. This quirky mode of transport made an impression on the bartenders, who decided to name the cocktail after it. The name "Sidecar" adds a sense of adventure and personality to the drink, enhancing its mystique and contributing to its lasting appeal in cocktail culture.

The Exact Measurements

Not only are there arguments over who created the drink, but it seems few people can agree on the right proportions of it either! While the English version, and the one you’ll find on Make Me a Cocktail, call for two parts brandy, one part triple sec, and one part lemon juice, the French version suggests equal amounts of all ingredients. Almost everyone agrees that the glass should have a sugar rim to keep the drink sweet.

The best bet is to make your own Sidecar at home and experiment with proportions until you get a drink to your taste.

And if you want to play with this drink a little more, you might like to make a Chelsea Sidecar, a Yard House Orange Agave Sidecar, a Winter Sidecar, or a Boston Sidecar!