The Sidecar - A hint of days gone by

A Sidecar for the Holidays - Memories of Days Gone By

Vintage cocktails are all about bringing back memories of great times with friends and family . . . and for the cocktail aficionado, memories of great - and classic - cocktails from days gone by.  The Sidecar, which came to us from Europe, about the time of WWI is one of these.  An officer, it is reputed, chilled from riding in a motorcycle sidecar, entered a Parisian bar (said to be either Harry's or the Ritz) and asked for a warming drink, from the bartender.

 We don't need to ride in a motorcycle sidecar or even go to Paris.  You can enjoy much the same warming drink, right at home or at any good bar.  Either way, a Sidecar is a great vintage cocktail. 

Here's how I make mine:

The Sidecar

1  Jigger brandy

1/2 Jigger Cointreau

1/2 Jigger freshly squeezed and strained lemon juice

Combine the ingredients in a shaker with cracked ice.  Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.  No garnish necessary, but I think a thin strip of lemon peel or a small piece of orange is very appropriate.

TIP:  Use Cointreau, not triple sec.  The flavor speaks for itself.