Bourbon Sidecar Recipe

As I pour myself a glass of this zesty Bourbon Sidecar, I can’t help but feel like I’m channeling a bit of vintage sophistication with a modern twist, ready to savor every sip of citrus-laden elegance.

I enjoy making the timeless Bourbon Sidecar and feel it offers the perfect complement of ingredients: 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of orange liqueur, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. This cocktail, served over ice, has a subtle citrus zing.

A lemon twist or sugared rim can take it to a new level.

Bourbon Sidecar Recipe Ingredients

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• Bourbon: Known for its smooth, rich flavor; adds warmth and depth to cocktails.
• Orange Liqueur: Sweet and citrusy; provides a zesty and fruity balance.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Offers a bright, tangy acidity; refreshes and lightens the drink.
• Ice Cubes: Essential for cooling and diluting; balances the cocktail’s strength.
• Lemon Twist or Slice: A fragrant garnish; enhances aroma and visual appeal.
• Sugar (for rimming): Adds a touch of sweetness; contrasts the tart lemon juice.

Bourbon Sidecar Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 1 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• Ice cubes
• Optional: lemon twist or slice, for garnish
• Optional: sugar, for rimming the glass

How to Make this Bourbon Sidecar Recipe

1. Get a cocktail shaker and pack it with ice.

2. Add into the shaker 2 ounces of bourbon.

3. Include 1 ounce of orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec, in the shaker.

4. Weigh and then add 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice to the mixture.

5. Fasten the lid tightly on the shaker and shake with intensity for about 15-20 seconds.

6. (Optional) For a sugared rim, take a chilled cocktail glass and run a lemon wedge around the rim. Dip the rim into a plate of sugar. Voila! You have a cocktail glass with a sugared rim.

7. Pour the mixture into the glass that you have prepared.

8. (Optional) Garnish with a twist of lemon or a slice of lemon.

9. Relish your Bourbon Sidecar while it is fresh and ready to drink.

10. If desired, adjust the ingredient balance to taste.

Bourbon Sidecar Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker
2. Ice cube tray or bag
3. Jigger or measuring tool
4. Lemon squeezer or juicer
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Plate (for sugar, optional)
8. Cocktail glass
9. Optional: Zester or peeler (for lemon twist)

FAQ

• What type of bourbon should I use?Feel free to substitute any top-notch bourbon of your choice. We tend to go with the standard of smoothness and sweetness that makes for a well-done Sidecar, but these first two elements are entirely about bourbon preference.
• Can I use a different type of orange liqueur?Indeed, Cointreau can be replaced with either Triple Sec or Grand Marnier, based on how you like to mix your drinks.
• Why is fresh lemon juice recommended?Bottled lemon juice offers a comparatively muted flavor, whereas fresh lemon juice provides a bright, vibrant flavor that one can almost feel in the color of the drink. This is the level of taste enhancement that fresh lemon juice can give. In a cocktail, it is the vehicle for pure, radiant lemon expression.
• How do I create a sugared rim?Take a lemon wedge and run it around the rim of the glass. Then, take a plate of sugar and dip the glass into it, twisting gently to coat the rim in sugar.
• What’s the best way to serve a Bourbon Sidecar?Present it in a cocktail or coupe glass, either direct or with a visual boost from a lemon garnish. This way of delivering makes it an impressive yet simple serve.
• Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?An alcohol-free version can be made using non-alcoholic bourbon substitutes, orange juice or orange syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Can I make this cocktail in advance?Making this drink is best when done fresh. If fresh is not possible, the mixing of the ingredients can still happen in advance. Pre-mixing should be done in the absence of ice and not long before serving. The drink ingredients can be stored in the refrigerator for some time. The final step, which is shaking the mixture with ice, should happen right before the drink is served.

Bourbon Sidecar Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Bourbon can be replaced with 2 ounces of whiskey (like rye or Canadian whiskey).
You can substitute 1 ounce Grand Marnier or homemade orange syrup for orange liqueur.
Instead of fresh lemon juice, you can use 3/4 ounce lime juice to achieve a different citrus note.
If you want a sugar-free alternative, skip the sugar completely or use a sugar substitute to rim the glass.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Lemon Juice Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can have a less vibrant taste and may contain preservatives.

2. Chill Your Glass Prior to making your cocktail, place your cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes. This will keep your drink colder for longer once served.

3. Experiment with Bourbon Different bourbons have distinct flavor profiles. Try experimenting with different brands or age statements to find the one that complements the orange liqueur and lemon juice to your liking.

4. Perfect the Shake Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure all the ingredients mix thoroughly, and that the mixture is well-chilled. This helps to bring out the balanced flavors of the drink.

5. Fine-Strain for Clarity Use a fine mesh strainer in addition to your cocktail strainer when pouring into the glass. This will remove any small ice shards and lemon pulp, giving the cocktail a smooth and clean appearance.