Sidecar cocktail

Sidecar Cocktail Recipe with Ingredients and Instructions

The Sidecar is the definitive Cognac sour: a golden trio of cognac, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice shaken hard and served straight up. A light sugar rim is optional, but the magic is the seamless balance of bright citrus, orange-liqueur sweetness, and warming oak from the brandy. Timeless, elegant, and aromatic, this Sidecar recipe is a must-know for fans of sophisticated, spirit-forward classics.

Glass:

Coupe

Strength

Feature Your Brand Here

Sponsor the "Sidecar" recipe and reach an engaged audience.

Learn How

Ingredients

1

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rim a chilled coupe with sugar and set aside.

    Optional
  2. 2

    Add cognac, triple sec, lemon juice, and sugar syrup to a shaker with ice.

  3. 3

    Shake hard for 12–15 seconds until well chilled.

  4. 4

    Double strain into the coupe and garnish with a lemon twist.

Details

Glass: Coupe
Makes: 1 serving
Strength:

Community rating

Loading rating...

Log in to rate this recipe. Log in

Ingredient Status

Select ingredients in your bar to see what you can make.

Editorial Notes

More context for the Sidecar

The Sidecar combines Cognac, Triple Sec, and Lemon Juice. These quick notes add context on structure, flavor, and where the drink fits best.

Updated Dec 22, 2025 • 4 ingredients • 4 steps

Build at a glance

This version uses 4 ingredients across 4 steps. For a home bar, that makes it manageable rather than fussy.

What to expect

Expect sweet, spirit forward, and citrusy notes. Served in a Coupe, the drink lands spirit-forward and more evening-leaning and keeps its structure clear.

Best moment

This style fits after-dinner pours and slower evening rounds. If you already enjoy Liqueur cocktails, it is an easy recipe to keep in rotation.

Love the Sidecar?

Use the Cocktail Mixer to find more drinks you can make with what you already have.

You Might Also Like

Between the Sheets cocktail

Between the Sheets

Rating...
Strength:
🍬sweet🥃spirit forward🍊citrusy

Ingredients4

  • Cognac
  • Rum
  • Triple Sec
  • Lemon Juice
Beverly Hills Iced Tea cocktail

Beverly Hills Iced Tea

Rating...
Strength:
🍬sweet🍋sour🥃spirit forward💭effervescent🍊citrusy

Ingredients9

  • Gin
  • Rum
  • Tequila
  • Vodka
  • Triple Sec
  • Champagne
  • Lemon Juice
  • Sugar Syrup
  • Ice Cubes
Mai Tai cocktail

Mai Tai

Rating...
Strength:
🍬sweet🍋sour🥃spirit forward🥜nutty🍓fruity🍊citrusy

Ingredients6

  • Dark Rum
  • Overproof Rum
  • Triple Sec
  • Lime Juice
  • Almond Orgeat
  • Crushed Ice
Caipirinha cocktail

Caipirinha

Rating...
Strength:
🍬sweet🍋sour🥃spirit forward🍊citrusy

Ingredients4

  • Cachaça
  • Lime Juice
  • Sugar Syrup
  • Crushed Ice
Long Island Iced Tea cocktail

Long Island Iced Tea

Rating...
Strength:
🍬sweet🍋sour🥃spirit forward

Ingredients9

  • Gin
  • Rum
  • Tequila
  • Vodka
  • Triple Sec
  • Lemon Juice
  • Sugar Syrup
  • Cola
  • Ice Cubes
Long Beach Iced Tea cocktail

Long Beach Iced Tea

Rating...
Strength:
🍬sweet🥃spirit forward🍓fruity🍏tart

Ingredients9

  • Gin
  • Rum
  • Tequila
  • Vodka
  • Triple Sec
  • Cranberry Juice
  • Lemon Juice
  • Sugar Syrup
  • Ice Cubes