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Hennessy Sidecar

A classic cocktail that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, featuring the warm burn of cognac paired with bright citrus. This timeless drink strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and accessibility, requiring just three simple ingredients and creating something smooth, citrusy, and endlessly sippable.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces Hennessy Cognac
  • 1 ounce Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • 0.75 ounces Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Ice Cubes for shaking and chilling glass
  • 1 strip Orange Peel for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
  • Bar spoon or long mixing spoon
  • Jigger or measuring spoon set
  • Strainer or cocktail strainer
  • Coupe glass or martini glass
  • Citrus peeler or vegetable peeler
  • Cutting board and sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Fill your coupe glass with ice and set it aside for a few minutes to chill thoroughly.
  2. Using a jigger, measure out 2 ounces of Hennessy cognac, 1 ounce of triple sec, and 0.75 ounces of fresh lemon juice.
  3. Add a handful of ice cubes to your cocktail shaker, filling it about halfway full.
  4. Pour the Hennessy cognac, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice into the shaker with the ice.
  5. Cap the shaker and shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds, moving it in a strong, rhythmic motion.
  6. Remove the ice from the coupe glass you prepared earlier and discard it.
  7. Position your cocktail strainer over the shaker and slowly pour the mixture into the chilled glass, leaving the ice behind in the shaker.
  8. Using a citrus peeler or vegetable peeler, cut a strip of orange peel about 2 inches long and 0.5 inches wide. Twist the peel gently over the drink to release the oils into the cocktail, then place it on the rim or float it in the drink as a garnish.

Notes

Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Chill your glass before pouring to keep the cocktail cold and refreshing. Shake harder than you think you need to for 10 to 15 seconds. Serve immediately after straining. The orange peel twist adds aromatic oils that elevate the entire experience. If you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, add 0.5 ounces of simple syrup during the shaking step and reduce the triple sec to 0.5 ounces.