Side by Sidecar

The century-old Sidecar is likely the most famous of cognac drinks, a simple yet elegant combination of brandy, orange liqueur and lemon juice—essentially a cognac sour. Created sometime around the first World War and named for the attached car of a motorcycle, it has seen innumerable variations over the years. Many, like the Calvados Sidecar or Pear Brandy Sidecar, are as simple as swapping out the base spirit for another kind of brandy, and perhaps tweaking the proportions a bit. But the Side by Sidecar from bartending veteran Eben Freeman goes further, and splits the base between the obligatory cognac and a pomegranate liqueur.

Calvados Sidecar

37 ratings

Freeman doesn’t specify which cognac label or triple sec to use in the Side by Sidecar, but Cointreau for the orange liqueur is always a good bet. For cognac, it’s best to use a bottle that is affordable but high-quality, and to save the pricey stuff for drinking on its own. However, Freeman is particular about the pomegranate liqueur: Pama Pomegranate. There are a few alternatives on the market, including one from Alize, but Pama is the most readily available in most markets. Tart, sweet and a touchy boozy, it adds a juicy red touch to the vaunted classic.

When it comes to the sugared rim, it’s advisable to cover only half. That way, you and your guests can choose how much sugar to have with each sip. It’s best not to skip the sugar entirely, as the pomegranate liqueur and lemon juice create a tart sidecar.

Pear Brandy Sidecar

6 ratings