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    Home » Recipes » Cocktails

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

    Published: Apr 25, 2023 · Modified: Apr 1, 2024 by Emily Laurae · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Bourbon Sidecar.
    Bourbon Sidecar.
    Bourbon Sidecar.

    Are you looking for an easy bourbon cocktail recipe for your next Happy Hour at Home? Look no further than the Bourbon Sidecar! This classic cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and sour, with a burly kick of American whiskey. Best of all, it's made with just 3 simple ingredients in about as many minutes!

    Bourbon sidecar cocktails in a coupe glass.
    Jump to:
    • ⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 
    • 🍴Ingredients
    • 📖 Step by Step Instructions
    • ⏲️ Substitutions & Variations
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • ❄️ Storage Instructions
    • 💭 Recipe FAQs
    • More Cocktail & Beverage Recipes
    • Bourbon Sidecar
    • 💬 Comments

    ⭐ 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

    Labeled ingredient shot of a bottle of bourbon, lemon and cointreau on the counter.

    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:

    Cocktail shaker on the counter filled with bourbon sidecar ingredients.

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

    Strained sidecar in a coupe glass with a lemon twist.

    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.
    Bourbon sidecar cocktail in a coupe glass with a lemon and jigger nearby.

    👩🏻‍🍳 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.

    Closeup of a coupe glass filled with a bourbon sidecar cocktail.

    💭 Recipe FAQs

    Why is the drink called ​a sidecar?

    The origins of the name for this delicious "sidecar" cocktail are a bit of a mystery. Some say it's because the drink was originally served in a small glass that resembled a sidecar for a motorcycle. Others believe it's because the drink was created during the 1920s by an American army captain who rode a motorcycle with a sidecar and the drink was his most trusty sidekick.

    Regardless of the origin story, though, there's no denying that the bourbon sidecar is a beloved cocktail that is certain to remain a classic. Its sweet and sour flavors, balanced with the warmth of whiskey, make it a perfect choice for sipping on your couch or out with friends at a cocktail party.

    Why is bourbon only made in America?

    The reason bourbon is only made in America is actually because of a legal requirement that's similar to Champagne being made in a particular region of France. According to U.S. law, bourbon must be made in the United States in order to be considered true bourbon. In addition, there are strict guidelines for the production of bourbon that must be followed in order to earn the official bourbon label.

    One of the most important of these guidelines is that the mash used to make bourbon must contain at least 51% corn, and it must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. This gives bourbon its signature sweet, smoky flavor that's beloved by so many around the world.

    While other countries certainly produce their own types of whisky (note that whisky with no "e" is not American, whereas whiskey with an "e" is American), bourbon is a uniquely American spirit that has become a symbol of our country's rich history and traditions.

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    If you try this recipe for a Bourbon Sidecar, please leave a 🌟 review and share your creation with me on social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest - for more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter! 📧 

    Bourbon Sidecar.

    Bourbon Sidecar

    Are you looking for an easy bourbon cocktail recipe for your next Happy Hour at Home? Look no further than the Bourbon Sidecar! This classic cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and sour, with a burly kick of American whiskey. Best of all, it's made with just 3 simple ingredients in about as many minutes!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Course: Beverages
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 Cocktail
    Calories: 168kcal
    Author: Emily Laurae

    Equipment

    • Measuring cup or jigger
    • Cocktail Shaker/Strainer
    • Shot glasses
    • Paring Knife
    • Cutting Board

    Ingredients

    • ¾ oz Cointreau
    • 1 ½ oz Bourbon
    • ¾ oz Lemon Juice, zested
    • Lemon twist garnish

    Instructions

    • Shake the cointreau, bourbon and lemon juice until chilled and frothy in a cocktail shaker with ice.
      ¾ oz Cointreau, 1 ½ oz Bourbon, ¾ oz Lemon Juice
    • Strain into the sugared your cocktail glass, garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!
      Lemon twist garnish

    Video

    Notes

    Optional 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.
    • 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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Enjoyed this recipe?Mention @emilylaurae or tag #emilylaurae!

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    About Emily Laurae

    Emily is the recipe developer, writer, and food photographer behind Emily Laurae. After finishing Pastry School and working as a chef in the restaurant industry, she created this blog to share those skills with home bakers and creators all over the world!

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