What does a Sidecar taste like?
A Sidecar tastes tart, orangey and warm: cognac, orange liqueur and lemon shaken together, often with a sugared rim, like a richer, brandy version of a margarita.
Sidecar
cognac, orange and lemon
A Sidecar is cognac (or another brandy), orange liqueur like Cointreau and fresh lemon juice, shaken and served up, often in a glass with a sugared rim. The lemon gives it a sharp, tangy start, the orange liqueur adds sweetness and a candied-peel flavor, and the cognac brings warmth with dried fruit, vanilla and a little oak. The sugar rim lets you pick how sweet each sip is. It's a classic sour that feels a little dressed up, and it's cozier than a margarita.
Where you’ll see it
On classic and Prohibition-era cocktail lists, served up in a coupe with a sugared rim and an orange twist. You'll sometimes see it made with bourbon or apple brandy.
Order it if you like a tart citrus cocktail but want something warmer than tequila or gin.
Quick questions
- Is a Sidecar sweet or sour?
- It leans tart. The lemon leads, and the orange liqueur and sugar rim balance it. Lick less of the rim if you want it sharper.
- What's the difference between a Sidecar and a margarita?
- Same build of spirit, orange liqueur and citrus. A Sidecar uses cognac and lemon, so it is warmer and fruitier. A margarita uses tequila and lime, so it is brighter and more peppery.