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Sidecar Cocktail: The Timeless Tipple That's Worth A Ride
Feel the thrill of a bygone era with the Sidecar, a cocktail that's been tickling taste buds since the Prohibition era. But beware, this baby was almost tamed by the roaring '30s and the subsequent released rampage of vodka and rum that left it in the dust. Like a phoenix, it's risen from the ashes and made a comeback, albeit slowly.
The Sidecar's creation story is as gripping as any blockbuster. Born in the crucible of war, this drink has been christened by two different establishments - Harry's New York Bar and a bistro in Paris, depending on who you ask. Either way, our handsome hero arrived in a sidecar of a motorcycle, leading many to wonder why we don't find drinks named after motorcycles, taxis, or even velocipedes on bar menus.
Now, if you happen to stumble upon this enchanting elixir in a local watering hole, don't be fooled by the modern shortcut of using a sour or lemon mix. Stick with the real deal – fresh lemon juice. This rare species is a must-have in your home bar arsenal.
The classic Sidecar is all about balance and contrasts. It's the harmonious blend of sharp, sweet, and tart that keeps us coming back for more – and a good bartender will know to chill it to perfection. Some might even go the extra mile by subtly sugaring the rim of the glass. And remember, don't skimp on the brandy. Since it's there for its punch, you can use a decent but not premium brandy or Cognac.
Yield: 1 drinkDifficulty: EasyTotal: Under 5 minsActive: Under 5 mins
Recipe
- Pour 1 ounce of brandy, 3/4 ounce of Cointreau, and 3/quarters of an ounce of fresh lemon juice over ice into a chilled Old Fashioned glass.
Variations
Applecar: Swap out applejack or apple brandy for the brandy.
Boston Sidecar: Use 3/4 ounce brandy, 3/4 ounce light rum, and fresh lime juice instead of lemon juice.
BMW Sidecar: Substitute Grand Marnier for the Cointreau.
Pro Tip: Resurgence of Classic CocktailsIn today's cocktail landscape, the appreciation for classic concoctions like the Sidecar has reached new heights. The modern craft cocktail movement has elevated the thirst for complex and balanced drinks that offer a dance of flavors, ensuring that timeless cocktails like the Sidecar will continue to captivate our spirits.
[1] The Resurgence of the Sidecar Cocktail: A Timeless Classic Finds New Life in Modern Mixology. Retrieved from url
- The classic Sidecar cocktail, with its unique balance of sharp, sweet, and tart flavors, has risen from obscurity thanks to the resurgence of classic cocktails in modern mixology.
- A variation of the Sidecar, referred to as the BMW Sidecar, swaps out Cointreau with Grand Marnier.
- The Sidecar's creation story is contested, with claims that it was first served at either Harry's New York Bar or a bistro in Paris during the Prohibition era.
- In a local watering hole, avoid the modern shortcut of using a sour or lemon mix for the Sidecar and stick with the real deal: fresh lemon juice.
