Pages
Home
My Bar
Cocktails
Listmania
A.I. Search
Level-up
Ingredients
Log in
Cocktails we love
Strawberry Woo Woo
Strawberry Woo Woo Peach Schnapps, Vodka, Raspberry vodka, Cranberry Juice, Strawberry Puree
Gooseberry and Elderflower French 75
Gooseberry and Elderflower French 75 Dry gin, Champagne / prosecco, Lemon Juice, Elderflower syrup, Gooseberries
Dry Martini
Dry Martini Gin, White vermouth
Martinez
Martinez Dry gin, Maraschino cherry liqueur, Red vermouth, Orange Bitters
Strawberry Fizz
Strawberry Fizz Vodka, Strawberry Schnapps, Lemonade
Level up
Mastering the Shake
Shaken or Stirred?
The History of the Manhattan
Pairing Cocktails with Food
Muddling - The Why, What, and How?
No results found
esc to close
enter to select
Congratulations!

Welcome to Make Me a Cocktail PREMIUM - where your cocktail adventure begins!

We're absolutely delighted to have you join our community of spirited enthusiasts. As a premium member, you've just unlocked a shaker full of exciting features: from crafting personalized cocktail lists, jotting down those tasty tasting notes and using our most advanced AI-driven cocktail tools.

Our platform is your playground to mix, mingle, and explore the vibrant world of cocktails, so get shaking and get mixing!
Congratulations!

Welcome to Make Me a Cocktail - where your cocktail adventure begins!

We're absolutely delighted to have you join our community of spirited enthusiasts. You've just unlocked a shaker full of exciting features: from crafting personalized cocktail lists, jotting down those tasty tasting notes and storing your bar for future use.

Our platform is your playground to mix, mingle, and explore the vibrant world of cocktails, so get shaking and get mixing!
Congratulations!

You've just been upgraded to our super amazing PREMIUM membership - where your new cocktail adventure begins!

We're absolutely delighted to have you join our community of spirited enthusiasts. As a premium member, you've just unlocked a shaker full of exciting features: from crafting personalized cocktail lists, jotting down those tasty tasting notes and using our most advanced AI-driven cocktail tools.

Our platform is your playground to mix, mingle, and explore the vibrant world of cocktails, so get shaking and get mixing!
You need to be registered for that

You want to start using some of our amazing tools, and not lose your bar ingredients. Register for free!

  • Save your bar forever, without loosing it when you close the window
  • Access to Cocktail Colin; ask Cocktail Colin anything on an individual cocktail and he'll give you the answers you need.
  • Access to more Cocktail Creator credits, allowing you to create more wonderful concoctions.
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • Like and dislike cocktails, finding these collections easily later on
  • Find out what to buy next, with personalised recommendations for your next ingredient
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (measurement choices, search personalisation...)
see more
Login / register
Social share
Toggle white / black
Premium

Join thousands of premium members and get access to this and a heap more.

You want to be an even better mixologist, get access to cutting-edge tools and use the power of AI to create wonderful cocktails.

    Personalised Cocktail Mastery

  • Cocktail recipe masterclass tips
  • Access to Cocktail Connie
  • Cocktail creator plus

    • Supercharged Tools

  • Serving size alteration
  • Powerful A.I. search
  • All menu creator themes

    • Smarter Home Bar Management

  • Photo your bar
  • Ignore kitchen cupboard staples
  • Personal My Bar image

    • A Cleaner Experience

  • No ads, no intrusions
  • ... and so much more ...
Learn more Register and get premium
logo

Make Me a Cocktail

Sidecar
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.97 / 5

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

The Sidecar is a classic cocktail steeped in history, believed to have been invented around the end of World War... ... more

The Sidecar is a classic cocktail steeped in history, believed to have been invented around the end of World War I in either London or Paris. The Sidecar strikes a balance between the robust warmth of cognac and the sharp, citrus notes provided by freshly squeezed lemon juice, complemented by a touch of sweetness and complexity from the triple sec.

Traditionally served in a chilled cocktail glass, the drink's presentation is elegant and timeless. Its flavor profile is a harmonious blend of tart and sweet, making it a sophisticated choice for a before-dinner aperitif.

The Sidecar remains a favored choice among those who appreciate classic cocktails with an illustrious past.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Invented
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1922
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cognac
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
193 calories
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31.11% | 2.8 units *
Details
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Classic
Shaken

Tags

Cognac ingredient icon
Cognac cocktails
Triple Sec ingredient icon
Top ten Triple Sec cocktails
Lemon Juice ingredient icon
Top ten Lemon Juice cocktails
Cognac ingredient icon
Top ten Cognac cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Cognac cocktail ingredient icon for the Sidecar cocktail
Cognac
Triple Sec cocktail ingredient icon for the Sidecar cocktail
Triple Sec
Lemon Juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Sidecar cocktail
Lemon Juice
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Sidecar remains an impeccably balanced cocktail, where the warmth and richness of the cognac perfectly marry the zesty sharpness of lemon juice and the subtle sweetness of Triple Sec. This concoction not only highlights each component’s strength but achieves a harmonious blend that sings of sophistication and historical charm.

Method
How to make a Sidecar

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Cognac 50ml, Triple Sec 20ml, Lemon Juice 20ml
Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve

Power tips
Elevate the Sidecar with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
Use VSOP or better quality cognac to ensure a well-rounded and rich base for your Sidecar cocktail.
Add a sugar rim to your cocktail glass for an extra touch of sweetness to balance the drink's tartness; use lemon juice to adhere the sugar to the rim.
Upgrade to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.

Sidecar masterclass

Master the craft of the Sidecar cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

Who Invented the Sidecar Cocktail?

An irresistible combination of cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice, the Sidecar has been a classic c...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Comments

Featured in

FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the history behind the Sidecar cocktail?

The Sidecar is a classic cocktail believed to have been invented at the end of World War I in either London or Paris. The drink was associated with the fast living of the 1920s and has been said to be named after the motorcycle sidecar. However, its exact origins remain a subject of debate among cocktail historians.

Customization ideas icon

How can I adjust the Sidecar cocktail to my taste?

The Sidecar can be adjusted according to personal preference by playing with the ratio of its three main ingredients. For a sweeter drink, increase the amount of triple sec. For a more sour taste, add more lemon juice. And, for a stronger drink, increase the amount of cognac.

Ingredient specifics icon

What type of glass is best for serving a Sidecar, and how should it be prepared?

A Sidecar is traditionally served in a cocktail glass, also known as a martini glass. For an extra touch of elegance, you can prepare the glass by rimming it with sugar: rub the rim of the glass with a lemon wedge, then dip it in fine sugar before adding the drink.

Faq icon

Are there any popular variations of the Sidecar cocktail?

Yes, there are several popular variations of the Sidecar, including the White Lady, which substitutes gin for cognac, and the Margarita, which can be considered a tequila-based Sidecar with lime juice instead of lemon and salt on the rim.

Alcohol content comparison icon

What is the significance of the alcohol content in the Sidecar, and how does it compare to other cocktails?

The Sidecar has an alcohol content of 31.11%, making it a moderately strong cocktail. This content is due to its high proportion of cognac. Compared to other classic cocktails, the Sidecar is stronger than some, like the Mojito or Pimm's Cup, but not as strong as others like the Martini or Manhattan. This makes the Sidecar a good choice for those seeking a balanced cocktail with both flavor and potency.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Access to Cocktail Colin; ask Cocktail Colin anything on an individual cocktail and he'll give you the answers you need.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Register now for free Find out more about premium

Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?

Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.

Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.

Find out more

You might also like

Discover this exquisite blend of cognac and spices

Lovelight

Cognac, Aperol, White vermouth, Cinnamon syrup, Chocolate bitters

Discover this iconic blend of absinthe and cognac

Sazerac

Absinthe, Cognac, Peychaud's Aromatic Bitters, Sugar

Discover this luxurious blend of cognac and champagne

French 125

Cognac, Champagne / prosecco, Lemon Juice, Sugar / simple Syrup

Discover this rich blend of cognac and bitters.

The Bâton Rouge

Cognac, Gold rum, Red vermouth, Angostura Bitters, Peychaud's Aromatic Bitters
* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image
Jump
Top
Ingredients
Method
Power tips
Tasting notes
Comments
Featured in
FAQs
Cocktail Colin

Cocktail Colin

Your cocktail expert

Cocktail Colin

Hi! I'm Cocktail Colin

Ask me anything about this cocktail - how to make it, substitutions, variations, or any other questions!

Colin is thinking...
Become a member to access Cocktail Colin

Become a member (for free) to pick Cocktail Colin's cocktail filled brain on everything on this cocktail, from substitutions, if you can use what you have, to serving suggestions and more.

Become a member