Barsys
Sidecar
About
The sidecar cocktail is proof that less is more. A sleek blend of cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, it’s a drink that delivers boldness and balance in every sip. It’s citrusy without being sour, strong without being harsh, and classic without being boring.
The sidecar drink dates back to the 1920s, rumored to be born in Paris (or London, depending who you ask), and it carries that same old-world elegance today. Whether served straight up or with a sugared rim, it’s a cocktail that’s just as comfortable at a dinner party as it is on a low-lit lounge menu.
With the right shake and balance of sweet and sour, the Sidecar lands right where it should: smooth, sharp, and unmistakably timeless.
Shaken or Stirred? Shaken. Always. You need that citrus to blend with the liqueurs and create a clean, chilled finish with a slight froth.
What You'll Need
For one Sidecar cocktail:
- 50ml cognac
- 25ml orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
- 25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
Optional garnish: Lemon twist or a sugared rim for a touch of sweetness
Pro tip: Use a VSOP cognac and balance with fresh lemon juice—aged spirit, fresh acidity.
How to Make It
Prep time: 3-4 minutes
Skill level: Easy, but precision matters
- Add cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice to a shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake hard for 15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or rim the glass with sugar if preferred.
Using Barsys?
Making cocktails with Coaster 2.0 gives you that balanced flavor every single time. Load up your cognac and orange liqueur—Barsys handles the precision. Just add lemon juice, shake, and serve it like a pro.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
The sidecar recipe is all about the sweet-sour balance. One misstep and it swings too sharp or too soft. Barsys keeps your spirit and liqueur pours on point—so your only job is nailing the citrus and the shake.
Precision in every pour. Consistency in every sip.
Sip Setting
Great for golden hour hangs, holiday dinners, or anytime you want something classy but unfussy. The Sidecar straddles the line between warm and fresh—sippable, social, and stylish.
Garnish Game
A lemon twist gives it a bright, elegant lift. Prefer a sweeter edge? Rim half or the full glass with sugar for contrast and sparkle.
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FAQs
What is a sidecar cocktail?
A sidecar is a classic cocktail made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. It's bright, boozy, and beautifully balanced.
What’s the best cognac for a sidecar drink?
VS or VSOP cognac works well—smooth, aged, but not too heavy.
Should I sugar the rim?
Optional. Sugar adds contrast to the citrus but isn’t traditional. Great for first-timers.
Can I make a sidecar with brandy instead?
Yes. Brandy is a more affordable alternative to cognac and still delivers solid flavor.
Does Barsys work for this drink?
Absolutely. Let Barsys pour the cognac and liqueur to spec. You add citrus and shake for cocktail-bar results, at home.