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Sidecar cocktail on a black backgroundPublished recipe

Shaken · one serving

Sidecar

Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon in a dry, polished sour.

Short answer

Sidecar is a shaken cocktail made with cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice. Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon in a dry, polished sour. Follow the one-serving recipe below for exact quantities, optional garnishes and steps; preparation takes about 5 minutes.
Time5 min
MethodShaken
GlassCoupe
LevelEasy
By Kokto EditorialCatalog reviewed Kokto published catalog snapshotHow we review recipes

1 serving

Sidecar ingredients

Use the original amounts for one serving. Compare cl, US fluid ounces and parts to use the measure you have at home.

Sidecar ingredients in original amounts, cl, oz and parts
IngredientAmountclozparts
Cognac50 ml5 cl1.7 oz2 parts
Triple Sec25 ml2.5 cl0.8 oz1 part
Lemon Juice25 ml2.5 cl0.8 oz1 part

Garnish: Orange twist

Method

How to make Sidecar

Follow the 6 reviewed catalog steps in order.

  1. 01

    Chill a coupe glass thoroughly in the freezer, or fill it with ice and water while you mix.

  2. 02

    Add 50 ml Cognac, 25 ml triple sec, and 25 ml fresh lemon juice to an empty shaker.

  3. 03

    Fill the shaker about two-thirds with ice and seal it securely.

  4. 04

    Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds, until the shaker feels frosty and very cold.

  5. 05

    Empty any chilling ice and water from the coupe, then fine-strain the cocktail into it without serving ice.

  6. 06

    Serve immediately while the Sidecar is bright, cold, and freshly aerated.

Tasting profile

What does Sidecar taste like?

The strongest signals in Kokto’s five-axis profile are sourness (5/5) and strength (5/5).

Kokto editorial profile for this exact house build. Scores are directional, not laboratory measurements or universal values.

Sweetness2 / 5
Sourness5 / 5
Bitterness1 / 5
Strength5 / 5
Freshness2 / 5

Quick answers

Sidecar questions

What is in a Sidecar?

Kokto’s build uses cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice.

How long does a Sidecar take to make?

The governed recipe allows about 5 minutes for one serving. Equipment, ice and ingredient preparation can change the real time.

How is a Sidecar prepared?

It uses a shaken method and is served in a coupe. Follow the reviewed steps above instead of relying on the method label alone.

Is a Sidecar alcohol-free?

No. This Kokto recipe contains alcoholic ingredients and is intended only for adults of legal drinking age.

Continue exploring

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Corpse Reviver No. 2

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Evidence

Sources & editorial note

The ingredients and steps above are Kokto's recipe specification. An external classic reference may use different amounts or techniques; follow one complete specification when mixing.

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