An opulent and high-class cocktail, the Hennessy Sidecar satisfies with one fancy sip after another.
It appears as though I had been sent on a wild goose chase, forcing me once again to have an inadvertent adventure. What should have been a straightforward case, now has me bracing every muscle in my body for dear life as I sit, squished into the low-riding sidecar of a Triumph motorcycle as it rips down a deserted road at at least 120mph. My pilot behind the handlebars was boisterous, to say the least. As we weaved in and out of traffic—the wrong way, mind you—they gave every other motorist the dreaded “finger” before we were out of the city and all alone on the highway.
My confusion at being picked up at the airport by this rapscallion was pretty clear, and I naturally asked a million questions. Every one of them was shoved away with a friendly and dismissive wave. Until finally, an hour later, as the bugs collected on my goggles, they finally turned to me, bellowing over the engine with laughter.
“Okay, I get it now! You kept telling me you’re here doing research on the Hennessy Sidecar, a fancy shmancy cocktail, but your travel agent must’ve had a bad connection or something, because I’m who you ended up with instead. Name’s Tennessee. Hope you like my sidecar.”
I could only shake my head. Another fine mess. Up ahead, I could make out a crossroads along with the only traffic light for miles… and a car in the next lane. Tennessee pulled up alongside a gleaming Rolls Royce Phantom, slowing down to a stop. In the back seat was a dapper fellow of means, looking very relaxed. He slowly turned to gawk at us. His bemused expression said everything, as he sipped on an orange libation from a long-stemmed and elegant crystal coupe. Since I was so thirsty, I couldn’t help but speak up, spitting insects out of my mouth as I did so.
“What is that you’re drinking?”
The dapper passenger breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, thank heavens. People only ever ask if I have Grey Poupon. This, my rough-looking friends, is a lovely bit of tipple. Cointreau, cognac and lemon juice. Shaken over ice and-”
I interrupted, excited. “Hey, that’s a Sidecar!”
The well-dressed gentleman looked down at what I was sitting in, wondering if he should go there, smirking. Opting not to, he simply replied, “Yes. A Hennessy Sidecar to be specific. Made with Hennessy, naturally. For only Hennessy will do for a chap like me.” He pronounced chap like chyap.
The light changed and the Rolls sped off, disappearing into the horizon. Tennessee and I sat there in silence watching it drive away, the motorcycle idling like an old cat. Finally, the biker chuckled.
“There ya go. Hennessy Sidecar. See? It all worked out”.
He kicked the Triumph into gear and we rolled on down the road. Where to, I had no idea. Strange day.
What Is The Best Triple Sec To Use In A Hennessy Sidecar?
Since a Hennessy Sidecar technically wouldn’t be one without Hennessy, let’s pick a bottle of triple sec to make our cocktail with. Now technically, you can choose any triple sec from the store, and as long as you’re using Hennessy, you still have a Hennessy Sidecar. Cointreau is a solid and spiffy choice, as is Grand Marnier, which is a sweet blend of cognac and orange essence, giving your cocktail a more potent and citrusy sip.
Ingredients
- Sugar and lemon wedge for the rim, optional
- 1 1/2 ounces Hennessy Cognac
- 1 ounce orange liqueur such as Cointreau
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- Lemon or orange twist for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled coupe or martini glass. Dip the rim into a small plate of sugar to lightly coat (optional).
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the Hennessy Cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.
- Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass and garnish with a lemon or orange twist, if you like.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?
Rub the rim of a coupe with a lemon wedge, then coat it with sugar. After you’ve prepared and poured your drink, garnish with a lemon or orange twist.
WHAT IF YOU USE ANOTHER COGNAC?
I’m unaware of any court ruling on this cocktail, but don’t call it a Hennessy Sidecar if you’re not using Hennessy. People will find out.
Other Fancy-Looking Cocktails Worth Trying
If an elegant and sophisticated-looking libation in a long-stemmed glass, with a biting, delectable flavor and twist of something on the rim is your kind of thing, look no further than Twist & Toast. Check out some of these auspicious and sometimes historic recipes, then try a few with friends this weekend.
- Between the Sheets – This naughty cocktail adds rum to the Sidecar mix.
- Old Pal – Make this Campari and whiskey drink your newest friend.
- Southside – This Prohibition-era recipe is said to have been one of Al Capone’s favorites.
- Paper Plane – Bourbon and Aperol help make this plane soar.
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