Sidecar Ritz Cocktail Recipe

The origins of the Sidecar are somewhat debated, with two main stories vying for credibility. The first and most widely accepted version attributes the creation of the Sidecar to Harry's New York Bar in Paris during World War I. According to this account, an American army captain, who often traveled to the bar on a motorcycle sidecar, inspired the name of the cocktail. The captain requested a pre-dinner drink that would serve as a warming beverage in the chilly Parisian weather. The bartender, keen to accommodate, mixed cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice, resulting in the delightful concoction we know today as the Sidecar. The second version of the story places the creation of the Sidecar in London, at the renowned Buck's Club or the Ritz Hotel. This account also involves a military man, likely influenced by the same practical need for a warming drink. Regardless of its precise origin, what remains clear is that the Sidecar was a product of the era's bartending ingenuity, blending the influences of French and English cocktail culture. The popularity of the Sidecar soared during the Prohibition era in the United States, as Americans flocked to European bars in search of well-crafted cocktails. It quickly became a favorite among expatriates and travelers, appreciated for its refined taste and simple elegance.