Go Back

Bourbon Sidecar

An elegant cocktail combining smooth bourbon whiskey, bright fresh lemon juice, and Cointreau for a balanced, sophisticated drink with a hint of 1920s speakeasy charm.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Classic American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
  • 0.75 ounces fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 ounces Cointreau or other orange liqueur
  • Ice cubes as needed for shaking
  • Lemon twist or wheel optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or shot glass
  • Strainer
  • Coupe glass or martini glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Citrus juicer or lemon squeezer
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 2 minutes to chill.
  2. Cut a fresh lemon in half and juice it to yield 0.75 ounces of fresh lemon juice.
  3. Fill a cocktail shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes.
  4. Add 2 ounces of bourbon whiskey to the shaker.
  5. Add 0.75 ounces of fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
  6. Add 0.5 ounces of Cointreau (orange liqueur) to the shaker.
  7. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until well chilled and the shaker feels cold.
  8. Remove the chilled glass from the freezer and strain the cocktail into the glass using a strainer to hold back the ice.
  9. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel and serve immediately while cold.

Notes

Always use fresh lemon juice and chill the glass before serving; best enjoyed immediately for optimal flavor and temperature.