Episode 147

Now, here’s why this history lesson is necessary. Originally, the Sidecar was an “Equal Parts” cocktail, as published in Harry MacElhone’s 1922 book, Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails. So, in terms of the ingredients, that would come out to one oz each of Cognac, Cointreau, and Lemon juice, which are the bones of the cocktail. This has come to be known as the “French School” of the Sidecar.

However, in 1930, London bartender Harry Craddock published his legendary Savoy Cocktail Book, which offered a 2 : 1 : 1 ratio of Cognac to Cointreau to Lemon juice. This came to be known as the “English School” of making the drink.

Eric’s Take

Now, if you’re asking me which version I prefer, of course, I’m going to lean toward the English school because it most closely resembles your classic “sour ratio,” and this three ingredient drink really does want to be a sour. The mellowness of the orange liqueur is the perfect mediator between the zippy lemon juice and the rich cognac, and my main concern with this drink being in equal parts is that it turns out both too sweet and too sour at the same time. When you do this, the Cognac somehow becomes the mediator between the lemon juice and the orange liqueur, and if there’s anyone who’s supposed to be driving the motorcycle this sidecar is attached to, it should really be the base spirit.

Anyway, give us a shout-out on Instagram or Facebook to let us know which version of the Sidecar cocktail YOU prefer, and please, just because it’s called a sidecar doesn’t mean you should drink one before your next motorcycle ride. In fact, definitely don’t do that.

Lightning Round

Favorite Cocktail

The Death & Co. Boulevardier – 2 : 1 : 1 Whiskey to Campari to Sweet Vermouth.

If You Were a Cocktail Ingredient, What Would You Be and Why?

Maraschino Liqueur. If you know anything about the “Improved” cocktail, then you know that just a little bit of Maraschino liqueur can make the cocktail better. And I feel like you just need a little bit of me can improve your day.

Cocktail with Anyone, Past or Present

Gary Vaynerchuk – he’s been a major inspiration. If you know anything about Applejack, you know it’s made in New Jersey (where Gary V. is from). So I would drink a Jack Rose cocktail with Gary Vaynerchuk to convince him that he likes cocktails, and we would talk about wine, cocktails, and business.

What is a Common Cocktail Ingredient You’ve Never Tasted and Why?

The one thing that sticks out to me is Old Tom gin. I don’t know that I’ve ever had it. I made a Hanky Panky the other day, and my buddy Carlos told me to make it with Old Tom gin, so I’m looking to break into that.