This Gin Sidecar cocktail is slightly sweet, citrusy, floral, and refreshing. Made with gin, simple syrup, lemon and orange liqueur, they're quick and easy to make (and so pretty!).
Our gin sidecar is essentially a twist on the classic sidecar cocktail. For this version, we're replacing cognac with gin (which we actually prefer). It's light, refreshing, and the perfect slow sipping cocktail.
In case you were wondering, we're using Empress Gin in this drink for that gorgeous purple hue. Empress gin is naturally purple/blue from blue butterfly pea flowers, which also add a floral, earthy note to the gin that we love. It's totally optional (you can use any gin), but we love the color!
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy cocktail: With a few easy-to-find ingredients, this gin sidecar is super easy to whip up for any event or summer evening.
- Well balanced flavors: This gin sidecar combines citrusy flavors of orange liqueur with a hint of sweetness from the simple syrup. Lemon juice adds the perfect amount of acidity, and gin adds a lovely herbal flavor.
- Twist on a classic: A traditional sidecar cocktail contains cognac, lemon juice and orange liqueur. Our version keeps that same base flavor profile, swapping out cognac for gin.
- Lemon sugar rim: This is totally optional (and not traditional), but we love adding a lemon zest sugar rim to our gin sidecar! It makes the drink extra cute and also adds an extra pop of citrus flavor.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this gin sidecar:
Ingredient Notes
- Gin: Since it's the star ingredient of this cocktail, we recommend using a good quality gin for this recipe. We used Empress gin, which has a natural purple hue (from blue butterfly pea flowers). It's totally optional - you can use any variety of gin you'd like!
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is ALWAYS best in cocktails. Avoid using the stuff that comes in a can or bottle, which always contains preservatives and never tastes nearly as fresh.
- Simple syrup: You can also sub 1:1 with agave syrup. To make simple syrup from scratch, simply combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then remove from heat and let cool.
- Orange Liqueur: Alongside the gin, this is helps to create a well-balanced flavor profile. You can use Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or Triple Sec.
Instructions
(1) Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
(2) Shake well for 10 seconds.
(3) Moisten the rim of your glass with a lemon wedge.
(4) Mix together all ingredients for the rim on a shallow dish. Then, dip the rim of your glass in the lemon zest mixture to coat.
Strain the cocktail into rimmed glasses. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Tips and FAQs
- Lemon sugar rim: Mix together lemon zest, sugar and salt. (A touch of salt balances the flavor so it's not too sweet.) Dip the rim in agave or run a lemon wedge around the rim to moisten it. Then, dip the rim in the lemon sugar mixture to coat. Easy and delicious! This step is totally optional, though – the cocktail is still great without it.
- Garnish: We love to garnish this gin sidecar with a lemon twist. Simple, classic, and chic!
- Make ahead for a crowd: You can multiply and make the base cocktail mixture ahead of time and store in a pitcher. When ready to serve, stir well, then pour into each glass and garnish!
More Cocktail Recipes to Enjoy
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📖 Recipe
Gin Sidecar
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Gin Sidecar cocktail is slightly sweet, citrusy, floral, and refreshing. Made with gin, simple syrup, lemon and orange liqueur, they're quick and easy to make (and so pretty!).
Ingredients
Cocktail:
- 4 ounces gin (we used this)
- 2 ounces orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Triple Sec)
- 3 ounces lemon juice
- 2 ounce simple syrup
Rim (optional):
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½-2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well for 10 seconds.
- Mix together all ingredients for the rim on a shallow dish.
- Moisten the rim of your glass with a lemon wedge. Then, dip the rim of your glass in the lemon zest mixture to coat.
- Strain the cocktail into rimmed glasses. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Notes
Gin: Since it's the star ingredient of this cocktail, we recommend using a good quality gin for this recipe. We used Empress gin, which has a natural purple hue (from blue butterfly pea flowers). It's totally optional - you can use any variety of gin you'd like!
Orange Liqueur: You can use Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or Triple Sec.
Make ahead for a crowd: You can multiply and make the base cocktail mixture ahead of time and store in a pitcher. When ready to serve, stir well, then pour into each glass and garnish!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Shaker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13.8 g
- Sodium: 1.3 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 14.8 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
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