Sidecar
Brandy · Coupe
Created around 1920 at Harry's Bar in Paris, this became a favorite of American expatriates during Prohibition. The sugar rim helped mask the harsh bite of inferior cognac.
| Glass | Coupe |
| Garnish | None |
| ABV | 25% |
| Category | prohibition |
| Flavor | citrus, sweet, sophisticated, balanced |
Ingredients
- Cognac2 oz
- Orange Liqueur1 oz
- Fresh Lemon Juice1 oz
- Sugar1 rim
- Orange Peel1 twist
Method
- Rim coupe glass with sugar
- Add cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice to shaker
- Fill with ice and shake vigorously
- Double strain into prepared coupe
- Garnish with orange peel
Pro Tips
- 1920s Paris creation — cognac + Cointreau + lemon + sugar rim.
- The sugar rim helped mask cheap cognac; modern versions can skip it if using good brandy.
- Harry's Bar Paris and the Ritz both claim origin; the drink doesn't care.