How To Make A Delicious Bourbon Sidecar (With Step By Step Photos)

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

When it comes to learning how to become your own in-house mixologist, I always recommend starting with the basics. Basil spritzes, blood orange sours, lilac gimlets, white negronis, passion fruit martinis, and raspberry margaritas should always be in your repertoire. Yet another classic cocktail to add to the list? Sidecars!

The sidecar cocktail is a true classic in the world of libations. This delightful drink is made with three simple ingredients: a base spirit (usually brandy or cognac), orange liqueur (e.g. Cointreau or Triple Sec), and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The result is a sweet and tangy concoction that's perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening or serving at a fancy dinner party.

The smooth, oaky flavor of bourbon mixed with the sweet and sour notes of orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice makes for a drink that's both sophisticated and approachable. It's like a high five from your favorite bartender, all wrapped up in an elegant coupe glass.

So, if you're looking for a way to drink warming whiskey in even the hottest summer months, this bourbon sidecar recipe is the way to go! Aside from being wildly delicious, this cocktail sidecar is also:

• Quick & Easy - Measure, shake, strain, and serve. The whole process takes mere minutes!
• Made With Only 3 Ingredients - If you’ve got bourbon, orange liqueur, and a lemon on hand, you’re in for a seriously delicious treat.
• Versatile - The great thing about the sidecar recipe is that there are dozens of variations. Gin sidecar? Sure! Amaretto sidecar? Go NUTS! Rum sidecar? Why the heck not? Read on below for tons of other ideas to keep the good spirits flowing.
• Crowd-Pleasing - The bright, citrusy notes of lemon and orange smooth out the heavier notes of whisky, making this a super approachable adult beverage for any crowd.

🍴Ingredients

As promised, you only need a handful of ingredients to make this delicious drink sidecar recipe:

• Cointreau - This orange-flavored liqueur adds a bright, sunshiny note to balance out the warmth of the bourbon. If you don't have Cointreau on hand, fear not! One of the most popular and easiest-to-find alternatives is triple sec, which is another type orange liqueur. Another option is Grand Marnier, which has a richer and more complex flavor from its blend of cognac and orange. You can even swap in a simple orange juice concentrate or orange bitters if needed.
• Bourbon - Feel free to swap in rye whiskey, which is spicier than bourbon. Another alternative is Irish whisky, which is smoother and less sweet. You can also use Canadian whisky if you like. Alternatively, you are welcome to totally switch up your spirit game and swap in gin, run, amaretto, or scotch for a totally different flavor experience.
• Lemon - You’ll want to use fresh lemons for this cocktail, not only because the flavor is better, but ALSO because you want to be able to add a pretty garnish. Adding a lemon twist or an orange twist to bump up the flair!

📖 Step by Step Instructions

Making this sidecar recipe bourbon-style is super simple. Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Shake. Add ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. 

Step 2: Serve. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with lemon zest or candied lemon slices and serve!

⏲️ Substitutions & Variations

• Add a Sugar Rim - Depending on who you talk to, a sugared rim may just be a non-negotiable. Run a lemon wedge around the edge of your glass and dip it into a shallow plate of sugar. Bonus points if you flavor your sugar with orange zest, lemon zest and/or spent vanilla pods.
• Swap Your Spirits - Make a French Sidecar by swapping in cognac for bourbon. You can also make a Boxcar Cocktail by swapping in gin for bourbon and adding an eggwhite and a splash of grenadine. Other fun variations include rum, amaretto, or even a brandy sidecar recipe.
• Go Smoky - Swap in a peated bourbon for a layer of smoky, earthy flavor. Go the extra mile and rim your glass with a mix of sugar and smoked salt.
• Spiced - For a little extra warmth and spice, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your bourbon sidecar. You can also use a splash of spiced simple syrup for added cozy vibes - similar to the syrup used in this spiced white russian.
• Or Everything Nice - If you’re more a fan of sweet flavors, try using maple-infused bourbon, add a splash of maple syrup to the shaker, and use maple sugar to rim the glass for a fall-flavored libation that’s sure to please.
• Non-Alcoholic - DD’s, fear not! We’ve got you covered. Simply swap in your favorite NA whisky and use orange juice in place of the orange liqueur for a delicious, spiritless mocktail.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

​​When it comes to making the perfect bourbon sidecar, attention to detail is key. Here are some expert tips to help you craft a delicious cocktail that's sure to impress:

• Use high-quality ingredients! The quality of your ingredients can make all the difference in the final product. Use fresh lemon juice, premium orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier, and a reputable bourbon brand for the best results.
• Don't skimp on the ice, which helps to give your cocktail the perfect chill. Fill your cocktail shaker with plenty of ice, and make sure your glass is chilled before straining the cocktail.
• For an extra touch of sweetness, rim your glass with sugar before pouring in the cocktail. You can also add citrus zest, a pinch of cinnamon or other spices, or even vanilla beans to the sugar for added flavor.
• Shake your cocktail like you mean it! Make sure to shake it vigorously for at least 15 seconds to properly mix the ingredients and create a frothy, airy texture.
• After shaking the cocktail, strain it into your glass using a cocktail strainer. Be careful not to let any ice or pulp get through, as this can affect the texture and flavor of the drink.

❄️ Storage Instructions

While shaken drinks are best served immediately, there’s no reason for waste. If you have any leftover bourbon sidecar, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. When ready to enjoy, give it a good stir with fresh ice before straining into a chilled glass.

💭 Recipe FAQs

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