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Bourbon Sidecar Cocktail

A sophisticated twist on the classic sidecar, swapping brandy for bourbon to create something with more edge, more warmth, and more character. This cocktail delivers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spirit with bourbon's vanilla and oak notes adding richness.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1.5 ounces bourbon
  • 0.75 ounces Cointreau or Triple Sec
  • 0.75 ounces fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 ounces simple syrup
  • Ice for shaking, cubed ice not crushed
  • Lemon twist for garnish, optional but recommended

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker (Boston shaker or standard shaker)
  • Jigger for measuring spirits and liqueurs
  • Strainer (preferably a Hawthorne strainer)
  • Bar spoon
  • Coupe glass or cocktail glass
  • Citrus juicer or hand juicer
  • Cutting board and paring knife for lemon twists

Method
 

  1. Place a coupe glass or cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes before you start to chill it.
  2. Cut a fresh lemon in half and juice it until you have at least 1 ounce of juice. You'll need about 0.75 ounces for this recipe.
  3. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with cubed ice.
  4. Using a jigger, measure out 1.5 ounces of bourbon and pour it into the shaker.
  5. Measure 0.75 ounces of Cointreau and add it to the shaker.
  6. Pour 0.75 ounces of fresh lemon juice into the shaker.
  7. Measure 0.25 ounces of simple syrup and add it to the shaker.
  8. Place the shaker lid on securely and shake hard for about 10 to 12 seconds until the shaker frosts up on the outside.
  9. Remove your coupe glass from the freezer and place a strainer on top of the shaker. Pour the cocktail through the strainer into the glass, leaving the ice behind in the shaker.
  10. Using a paring knife, cut a thin strip of lemon peel about 2 inches long. Express the oils over the drink by twisting the peel over the surface, then drop it into the glass as garnish.

Notes

Always use fresh lemon juice squeezed within the hour. Bottled juice will make your sidecar taste flat and lifeless. Use quality bourbon with a proof around 90 to 100 for best results. Measure everything with a jigger for consistency and flavor balance. The drink should be consumed immediately after preparation.