Bracing, citrusy, and oh-so-refined—the Sidecar Cocktail is the perfect balance of sour and spirit-forward sophistication. Born in Paris and raised in the jazz clubs of the 1920s, it pairs Cognac (or brandy), orange liqueur, and lemon juice into something timeless. In Los Angeles, it's the go-to for those who want class with a kick.
Whether you're in a Beverly Hills cigar lounge or a Venice Beach art opening, the Sidecar makes every moment feel a little more luxe.
Ingredients The Sidecar Cocktail (One Serving)
- 2 oz Cognac or Brandy
- 1 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Optional: Sugar rim
- Ice
- Coupe or martini glass
- Garnish: Lemon twist or orange peel
LA Local Tip: Find premium Cognacs at Wally's in Beverly Hills or Mission Wines in Pasadena. For LA-based alternatives, ask Party Shakers about small-batch California brandies like those from Charbay or Ventura Spirits.
How to Make the Sidecar Like a Pro
1. Prepare the glass.
Optional: Rim your glass with sugar by running a lemon wedge around the edge and dipping into superfine sugar. Chill the glass afterward.
- Shake the ingredients.
Add 2 oz Cognac, 1 oz orange liqueur, and ¾ oz lemon juice to a shaker with ice. - Shake hard.
You want a crisp, frothy texture and ice-cold temperature—shake for 15 seconds. - Double strain into your glass.
Use a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth, pulp-free pour. - Garnish with a citrus twist.
Express a lemon or orange peel over the drink and drop it in or rest it on the rim.
Why the Sidecar Still Dominates LA's Cocktail Scene
The Sidecar is for drinkers who appreciate tension—between sweet and sour, between old and new. In LA, it's served at:
- Sunset cocktail hours in Silver Lake
- Michelin-star pre-games in West LA
- Classic movie screenings in Hollywood
- Rooftop jazz nights in Downtown LA
It's also a go-to for weddings and formal events where elegance is essential.
FAQs
Is the Sidecar very sour?
It's tart but balanced. The orange liqueur softens the lemon, and the Cognac rounds it out with depth. A sugared rim can also tame the sharpness if desired. This makes The Sidecar Cocktail great.
Can I use brandy instead of Cognac?
Yes—and many bartenders do. Cognac is technically just a high-end French brandy. Party Shakers offers both based on event style and budget. Many other drinks are also great.
Is it good for batching?
Yes, with a caveat: it's best shaken fresh for ideal texture. For events, we batch the base and shake per order for the best results. Other drinks are also good for that.
Book an Icon with Attitude – The Sidecar Cocktail in LA
Elegant, refreshing, and loaded with legacy—the Sidecar is a cocktail that wears a tuxedo and throws a punch. Party Shakers serves it chilled, balanced, and tailored to your guests' tastes.
✅ Available throughout LA County: Hollywood Hills, Pasadena, Brentwood, El Segundo
✅ Choose from sugar rimmed or clean-edged presentation
✅ Optional pairing with citrus-forward amuse-bouche or savory bites
✅ Served by Party Shakers' pros who love old-school charm with modern flavor
Book Party Shakers – Serve the Sidecar and Let Classic Style Steal the LA Spotlight