This yummy, gorgeous take on the classic Sidecar cocktail recipe features gin (instead of cognac), along with fresh lemon juice, Cointreau, and simple syrup. It’s easy to make and super sippable.

Classic Gin Sidecar Cocktail Recipe

Rumor has it that the original Sidecar cocktail recipe, which features cognac, was invented by a bartender at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris at the end of World War I. And it was named after the man who first requested it — a military captain who rode to the bar in a motorcycle sidecar.

This gin-based version of the drink, sometimes called a Chelsea Sidecar, a Delilah, or a White Lady, is a delicious, refreshing variation. Especially if you’re a gin lover like me!

For this recipe, I used Empress 1908 Gin. The subtle floral, earthy notes of the gin pair perfectly with the tangy citrus flavor of the drink. Plus, the color is pretty gorgeous, thanks to the signature butterfly pea blossom botanicals used in the gin’s distilling process. But you can use any gin you like!

How To Make A Sidecar Cocktail With Gin

This bright and refreshing gin sidecar cocktail is super easy to make with just 4 simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need.

GIN: For this gin sidecar cocktail, I’ve used Empress Gin. (Full Disclosure: Empress 1908 Gin sent me two free bottles of their gin. And yes, I love them for that!) You can order on the Drizly app or buy at your local liquor store. Or you can use any gin you love. Some of my favorites include Hedrick’s, Rock Rose (from Scotland), as well as Gray Whale, a local California brand.
COINTREAU: Cointreau is a clear, orange-flavored liquor used in many popular cocktails, including Margaritas and Cosmos.
FRESH LEMON JUICE: Tangy lemon juice helps balance the cocktail.
SIMPLE SYRUP: A little bit of simple syrup add a touch of sweetness. And it is super easy to make. I’ve added the directions below. But you can also leave it out if you’d prefer.
GARNISH OPTIONS: Garnish your cocktail with a lemon twist. You can also rim the glass in sugar if you want.

Cocktail Recipe Tips

Here are a few more things to keep in mind when making this gin sidecar cocktail.

WHY DOES EMPRESS GIN CHANGES COLOR?: The color of Empress Gin is vivid indigo blue. It gets this signature color from the butterfly pea blossom used in the gin’s distilling process. But it can change to a delicate soft purple/pink color when you add citrus (like the lemon juice in this recipe) or tonic to it. This is due to the change in the pH of the cocktail.
SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPE: You can easily make simple syrup by adding equal parts sugar and water to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. You don’t want to cook it. Just stir until the sugar is melted. Then let cool to room temperature before using. You can store extra syrup in a sterile, airtight container for up to a month in the refrigerator. I usually use 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.

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