Ah, the sidecar cocktail. It's a classic—a beautiful blend of tart citrus and sweet liqueur.
With a few minor tweaks, you can enjoy an alcohol-free version of the sidecar that is just as delicious as the original.
In this article, we'll share a foolproof recipe for an alcohol free sidecar cocktail. You'll learn the key steps to making the perfect sidecar, the secret ingredients that give it the same sweet-tart taste, and some creative ways to serve it up.
So raise your glass and get ready to make a sidecar that's delicious and alcohol-free.
A traditional Sidecar is a combination of cognac (or brandy), Cointreau (orange flavored liqueur), and lemon juice served in a sugared rim glass with a twist of orange or lemon peel. The exact ratio is a bit of a debate, either equal parts of all three, or two parts cognac to one part Cointreau and lemon juice.
Origins of the Sidecar Cocktail
Like most food and beverages, the origins of the Sidecar Cocktail are also up for debate. It is believed to have originated sometime around World War I in either London or Paris. The name comes from the motorcycle attachment that was popular at the time.
Making an Alcohol Free Sidecar
To get the same taste without the alcohol you need to substitute both the cognac and the Cointreau.
While orange juice could be used for the Cointreau, true Cointreau has undertones of warm spices in addition to the orange. So, I used Constant Comment Tea (affiliate link) that had been brewed and cooled. Constant Comment is a black tea with orange flavor. You could also use an herbal orange tea like this from Bigelow or this from Celestial Seasonings (affiliate links) if you want to avoid the caffeine.
For the cognac replacement you can use a non-alcoholic cognac or brandy (which I found very difficult to find). Or keep it simple and use white grape juice. Use the 1:1:1 ratio to balance the fruity taste of the juice with the sour of the lemon juice and keep it closer to the original taste.
Garnishes for a Sidecar
Traditional garnishes for the drink include a sugared rim glass and a lemon or orange peel twist.
You can use any type of sugar you prefer including table sugar. I like a little coarser sugar for drinks, sometimes called decorating or sanding sugar. You could also get a sugar specifically labelled cocktail sugar. Colored sugar adds a nice touch.
For the twist, you can use a vegetable peeler and cut off a twist of fresh lemon or orange peel. But, I am not particularly adept at it. So, I prefer just a simple slice.
More Virgin Cocktail Recipes from #OurFamilyTable
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Recipe
Ingredients
- fresh orange or lemon
- coarse sugar (orange colored optional)
- 2 ounces white grape juice
- 2 ounces orange spice tea (brewed and cooled)
- 2 ounces lemon juice
- ice
Instructions
- Slice orange or lemon in slices. Put sugar in a small plate.
- Wet rim of a coupe glass with an orange/lemon slice. Dip in sugar.
- In a cocktail shaker combine remaining ingredients. Shake to chill and combine. Pour into prepared glass.
- Garnish with lemon or orange slice and serve.
Sound fabulous? Share it!
Until next time, happy eating!
~Audrey
Wendy Klik
This is a wonderful mocktail to serve to guests. Quite elegant looking.