Sidecar Cocktail - ABV, Recipe & Taste Guide
ABV Technique Glass 용량
24.0% SHAKE MARTINI 100ml

What is Sidecar?

The Sidecar is a classic cocktail made with cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice, with an ABV of approximately 24%.

An elegant cocktail born in 1920s Paris, it perfectly harmonizes cognac's deep character with orange and lemon citrus notes.

A quintessential "sour style" cocktail alongside the Margarita and Cosmopolitan, recommended for those who prefer sophisticated flavors.

Sidecar ABV

The Sidecar has an ABV of approximately 24%, placing it in the medium-high range for cocktails.

Cognac (40%) at 50ml and triple sec (40%) at 20ml combined with 20ml lemon juice, plus dilution from shaking, creates roughly 24% alcohol content.

Similar to a Margarita (25%) and Negroni (24%), lighter than a Manhattan (28%). Lemon's acidity makes the alcohol feel smoother.

Sidecar Ingredients

Cognac
Triple Sec
Lemon Juice

Sidecar Recipe

  1. Add brandy (or cognac), triple sec, and lemon juice into a shaker.
  2. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.

Garnishing the rim with sugar adds an elegant and sweet touch.

Sidecar Taste

The Sidecar opens with cognac's distinctive grape, oak, and vanilla notes spreading elegantly across the palate.

Triple sec's sweet orange character and lemon juice's bright acidity then create balance, delivering a dry yet fruit-forward finish.

Overall sophisticated and balanced, highly recommended for brandy or cognac lovers, or those seeking a sweet-sour cocktail.

Sidecar History

The Sidecar was born in 1920s Paris, just after World War I. Harry's New York Bar and the Ritz Hotel in Paris famously compete for credit as the originator.

The name's origin includes tales of an army captain who arrived by motorcycle sidecar, or that it was a "side" drink to the main cocktail.

It's the prototype for the Margarita (tequila + triple sec + lime), with various variations possible by changing the base spirit. It remains a steadily beloved classic in traditional bars today.