Apple Cider Sidecar

When I think of fall cocktails, I automatically think of cognac. And when I think of cognac, I immediately think of a Sidecar. It’s a super easy 3-ingredient cocktail that doesn’t get nearly as much love as it deserves. It’s just Cognac (brandy), orange liqueur, and lemon juice, but I’m adding apple cider to make it the ultimate fall sip. I’m not exaggerating when I say I batch this cocktail all the time in the fall because it’s just so freaking easy (instructions below). Perfect for post-apple picking happy hour at home, the Apple Cider Sidecar feels like a new instant classic.

How to Make an Apple Cider Sidecar

1. To a cocktail shaker with ice, add Cognac, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and apple cider.
2. Shake it up.
3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Garnish with a sage leaf and enjoy!

What is a Sidecar?

A sidecar is a super simple 3-ingredient cocktail made with Cognac + orange liqueur + lemon juice. You can use any type of brandy instead of Cognac if you prefer, as well as any type of orange liqueur, though a triple sec like Cointreau is the most common. For my fall riff of a classic sidecar, I just add apple cider to the base recipe.

Apple Cider Sidecar Ingredients

Cognac

Cognac is a protected type of brandy made only in the Cognac region of France. It’s made from wine grapes, is twice-distilled in copper pots, and is aged in French oak barrels. It also might just be one of my favorite smells in the world.

Apple Cider

The difference between apple cider and apple juice is it’s processing. Apple cider is raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized and is usually made in the fall during apple harvest. It therefore has a shorter shelf life than apple juice, but is darker, richer, and has a stronger apple flavor. Some come sweetened, so look for ones that are unsweetened to ensure your sidecar isn’t too sweet. Also, we’re using non-alcoholic cider.

Orange Liqueur

Triple sec is a very popular type of orange liqueur, most commonly used in margaritas. I use Cointreau for most of my orange liqueur needs, but you could also use Grand Marnier for a deeper, richer flavor.

Lemon Juice

If it’s not fresh squeezed, we don’t want it!

Tips for Making the Best Apple Cider Sidecar

• Sure, you can use any kind of brandy, but nothing beats Cognac. And with so few ingredients in this cocktail, you’ll be able to taste the difference.
• Shake the ingredients in the cocktail shaker thoroughly until the shaker gets nice and frosty on the outside. You want to make sure your cocktail is well-chilled.
• To keep your cocktail even colder for longer, chill the coupe glass beforehand in the freezer.
• Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice and a high-quality orange liqueur like Cointreau.
• Straining the cocktail prevents ice chips and apple cider sediment from getting in the final cocktail. The result is a super smooth drinking experience.
• Batch it for whenever you’re hosting or are bringing the booze to a fall dinner party.

Batching Tips

To serve 8 guests, just change the units in the recipe from oz. to cups (that’s a little math magic right there). Add all the ingredients to a large pitcher along with 1/2 cup water and stir to combine. Keep cold in the fridge until the guests arrive. That’s it!

Why You’ll Love an Apple Cider Sidecar

• It’s honestly one of the easiest cocktails to have in your cocktailing repertoir. 4 ingredients, shake, strain, sip. Plus, all the ingredients are ones you’ll use again and again in other cocktails throughout the year.
• Fall calls for warmer, richer cocktails like this one. Even just the smell of Cognac makes me think of orange leaves and pumpkin patches and apple pie. Adding apple cider makes it perfect for fall.
• A batch of Apple Cider Sidecars for your fall dinner party is truly a no-brainer. It’s so easy and can be made ahead of time. Everyone will love it and you might even convert your guests into brandy-lovers for life.
• If you love apple cider, and especially mixing it into a cocktail, like my Apple Cider Margaritas, Sangria, Spaghett, and Spritz.

Apple Cider Sidecar Variations

• Make it bubbly. Top it off with 2-3 oz. of Champagne for a sort of combo between a Sidecar and a French 75.
• Perfect Pear-ing. Make it a Pear Sidecar by either swapping the apple cider for Perry, an alcoholic cider made from fermented pears, or muddling the base ingredients with fresh pear slices.
• Rims and garnishes. A traditional sidecar often has a sugar rim, but you could do a cinnamon-sugar rim to make it more fall. Garnish with a sage leaf, star anise pod, or go more traditional with an orange or lemon peel twist.