Festive & Easy Cranberry Sidecar Recipe - Sugar & Cloth co*cktails (2024)

Looking for a seasonal twist on a classic? Try our Cranberry Sidecar recipe. The bright cranberry notes perfectly complement the smooth brandy for an unforgettable sip

Festive & Easy Cranberry Sidecar Recipe - Sugar & Cloth co*cktails (1)

This time of year we always look to classic co*cktails for inspiration for holiday drinks to serve at parties. Just like with a LBD, I, Ashley believe that you can’t go wrong with a classic!

Once you have a classic recipe down, you can start branching out and make variations on them. By adding in syrups, swapping out juices or even changing the base spirits, you can create a whole new drink without having to start from scratch.

To update the Sidecar co*cktail, a touch of cranberry adds a compliment to the bright lemon and the orange liqueur and the sugar rim adds a bit of sparkle. Basically, this Cranberry Sidecar co*cktail is a real crowd pleaser!

Festive & Easy Cranberry Sidecar Recipe - Sugar & Cloth co*cktails (2)

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Table of Contents

What is a Sidecar Drink?

The Sidecar is a classic co*cktail that has been enjoyed for nearly a century. It’s a simple and elegant drink that balances the flavors of brandy, citrus, and a touch of sweetness. The exact origins of the Sidecar co*cktail are a bit murky, with several theories surrounding its creation.

However, the most widely accepted story attributes the creation of the Sidecar to a Parisian bar in the early 20th century. One popular story suggests that the Sidecar was created in the early 20th century at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.

The classic Sidecar is composed of brandy, Triple Sec or Cointreau and fresh lemon juice. We gave ours a festive fall variation with the addition of cranberry that pairs well with Thanksgiving food.

Ingredients Needed

Brandy or cognac — Use a good quality brandy for the best flavor. A VS or VSOP cognac works well in this co*cktail.

Cointreau —Or anyorange-flavored liqueur like Triple Sec.They can be used interchangeably in this recipe.

Cranberry simple syrup —Check out our easy recipe below.

Fresh lemon juice

Sugar — Optional for rimming.

Grated lemon peel —Optional for rimming.​​​​​​​

Festive & Easy Cranberry Sidecar Recipe - Sugar & Cloth co*cktails (3)

How to Make Cranberry Simple Syrup

Cranberry simple syrup is a sweet and tart syrup made from cranberries and sugar. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used to sweeten desserts, co*cktails, mocktails, and a variety of other beverages.

Other delicious simple syrup variations include mint simple syrup and brown sugar simple syrup. Cranberry simple syrup is simply an equal parts ratio of cranberry juice and sugar.

Step-by-step instructions:

1 — In a saucepan, add the cranberry juice and sugar.

2 — Heat the mixture over medium heat to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Allow to cool. Store in an air-tight jar in the fridge for up to one month.

Festive & Easy Cranberry Sidecar Recipe - Sugar & Cloth co*cktails (4)

How to Make aCranberry Sidecar co*cktail Recipe

To rim the glass:

1 — Ina plate, mix the sugar and grated lemon peel.

2 — Take a lemon or lime wedge and run it along the outer rim of your co*cktail glass. Ensure that the entire rim is moistened.

3 — Hold the glass at an angle and gently dip the moistened rim into the plate of sugar and lemon. Rotate the glass slightly to ensure an even coating of sugar.

To make the co*cktail:

1 — In a co*cktail shaker filled with ice, addthe brandy,Cointreau,lemon juice and cranberry simple syrup. Shake until chilled.

2 — Strain and pour into a co*cktail glass.

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Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Chill all glasses and ingredients: If you have the time, you can chill the co*cktail glass in the freezer before pouring in the mixture. This helps maintain the drink’s temperature.
  • If you don’t want a sugar rim: The classic Sidecar co*cktail is topped with alemon twist, orange twist or a cherry.
  • Adjust based on your preference: The balance between the sweetness of the Triple Sec and the tartness of the lemon juice is crucial. Adjust the proportions to suit your personal preference. If it’s too tart, you can add a bit more triple sec, and vice versa.
  • Types of cranberry juices to use: Freshly squeezed cranberry juice is preferable, but you can use store-bought, ensuring it’s 100% cranberry juice with no added sugar.
Festive & Easy Cranberry Sidecar Recipe - Sugar & Cloth co*cktails (6)

More Fall Inspired co*cktail Recipes

This Sidecar recipe is perfect for a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dinner or even New Years party. For more festive co*cktail using staple fall ingredients, check out a few of our favorite recipes below —

  • Apple Cider co*cktail
  • Apple Brandy
  • Thanksgiving Punch
  • Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Festive & Easy Cranberry Sidecar Recipe - Sugar & Cloth co*cktails (7)

Festive & Easy Cranberry Sidecar Recipe - Sugar & Cloth co*cktails (8)

Cranberry Sidecar Recipe

Print Recipe

4.75 from 4 votes

This non-traditional cranberry co*cktail is a classic take on a Sidecar co*cktail that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Total Time10 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine co*cktails

Ingredients

For the cranberry simple syrup:

  • 1 cup cranberry juice
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar

For the Cranberry Sidecar:

  • 2 oz brandy VS or VSOP
  • 3/4 oz cranberry simple syrup
  • 1 oz Cointreau
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp grated lemon peel optional for rimming
  • 1/8 cup sugar optional for rimming

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 56g | Vitamin A: 23IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

Servings: 5

Calories: 254kcal

Instructions

To make the cranberry simple syrup:

  • In a saucepan, add the cranberry juice and sugar.

  • Heat the mixture over medium heat to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Allow to cool.

Optional: To rim the glass:

  • In a plate, mix the sugar and grated lemon peel.

  • Take a lemon or lime wedge and run it along the outer rim of your co*cktail glass. Ensure that the entire rim is moistened.

  • Hold the glass at an angle and gently dip the moistened rim into the plate of sugar and lemon. Rotate the glass slightly to ensure an even coating of sugar.

To make the Cranberry Sidecar co*cktail:

  • In a co*cktail shaker filled with ice, addthe brandy,Cointreau,lemon juice and cranberry simple syrup. Shake until chilled.

  • Strain and pour into a co*cktail glass.

KEYWORD: cranberry sidecar

Festive & Easy Cranberry Sidecar Recipe - Sugar & Cloth co*cktails (9)

Don’t forget to share your cranberry sidecarwith us onInstagramusing the hashtag#sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Fnd them allright here!

Festive & Easy Cranberry Sidecar Recipe - Sugar & Cloth co*cktails (2024)

FAQs

Festive & Easy Cranberry Sidecar Recipe - Sugar & Cloth co*cktails? ›

You can't go wrong with a classic! Otherwise known as a "vodka cran," the Cape Codder co*cktail is as simple as it gets: vodka and cranberry juice with a lime wedge for garnish. "I loved the tartness of this drink," says reviewer Sarah Jo.

What liquor goes with cranberry juice? ›

You can't go wrong with a classic! Otherwise known as a "vodka cran," the Cape Codder co*cktail is as simple as it gets: vodka and cranberry juice with a lime wedge for garnish. "I loved the tartness of this drink," says reviewer Sarah Jo.

What is the history of the sidecar co*cktail? ›

Embury says of the Sidecar's origin: "It was invented by a friend of mine at a bar in Paris during World War I and was named after the motorcycle sidecar in which the good captain customarily was driven to and from the little bistro where the drink was born and christened."

What's the best alcohol to mix with juice? ›

Orange juice works with gin, vodka and rum — freshly-squeezed adds another layer of texture and flavor. Grapefruit juice is better with gin than vodka, as the florals of gin and the sharpness of the juice complement each other nicely and is always a great match with rum and tequila.

What is a vodka and cranberry called? ›

The Cape Cod or Cape Codder is a type of co*cktail consisting of vodka and cranberry juice. Some recipes also call for squeezing a lime wedge over the glass and dropping it into the drink.

What is a fun fact about sidecar co*cktails? ›

Fun Fact: In bartending culture, a Sidecar also refers to something leftover in a shaker if a bartender made too much of a co*cktail. The remainders of the shaker can be served in a shot glass; et voilà a sidecar. The fusion of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon was one of the favorites around Prohibition.

What alcohol is in sidecar? ›

Image of What alcohol is in sidecar?
Brandy is a liquor produced by distilling wine. Brandy generally contains 35–60% alcohol by volume and is typically consumed as an after-dinner digestif. Some brandies are aged in wooden casks.
Wikipedia

What is the taste of sidecar co*cktail? ›

What Does a Sidecar Taste Like? The sidecar balances the rich flavors of Cognac with acidity and a subtle sweetness from the Cointreau and lemon juice. “The orange flavor is refreshing like a fruity drink, but not really sweet,” shares Luis Serrano, head bartender at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City.

What does cranberry pair well with? ›

cranberry
  • Thyme (Orange) citrus. grassy. woody. floral.
  • Sage (Common) savory. herbal. menthol.
  • Rosemary. savory. herbal.
  • Mexican Tarragon. citrus. anise.
  • Zaatar Marjoram. woody. floral.
  • Marigold Flower. citrus. grapefruit. grassy.
  • Epazote. oregano. anise. mint. gasoline.
  • Basil (Purple Ruffles) cinnamon. anise. menthol.

Does cranberry juice go well with whiskey? ›

Black & White Cranberry

The whisky's rich notes complement the cranberry's tangy sweetness, creating a balanced and refreshing beverage. Served over ice and garnished with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint, this co*cktail is perfect for both casual gatherings and formal occasions.

Is cranberry good with whiskey? ›

This is the perfect co*cktail for Friendsgiving, your Thanksgiving gathering, or Christmas too with a warm winter feel. Whatever winter happy hour you have going on, a Cranberry Whiskey Sour is the perfect co*cktail to make. If you love whiskey, also try this Jameson Whiskey Irish Lemonade.

Does rum and cranberry juice go together? ›

While the original Cranberry Mule recipe uses vodka, we've branded it our own with a dash of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum. Tuck into this delicious drink and enjoy hints of hot ginger, cranberry juice and lime. It's a combination worth seeking out.

References

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