Kentucky Sidecar Recipe with Bourbon

Last Updated on May 14, 2024 by Carne Diem

Beverages and Libations

Origin: American

This twist on the classic sidecar replaces the cognac with bourbon making it a great cocktail for bourbon lovers like myself.

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Give Your Sidecar a Kentucky Kick: A Twist on a Classic

The Sidecar is a timeless cocktail – a delightful blend of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. But sometimes, you want a taste of something a little different, something with a bit more...well, Kentucky. That's where the Kentucky Sidecar comes in!

This twist on the classic swaps the cognac used in a traditional sidecar cocktail for bourbon, giving the drink a richer, deeper flavor profile and making it a perfect cocktail for the bourbon lover. The citrus and sweetness are still there, but they're balanced by the smooth warmth of bourbon. It's a perfect choice for anyone who loves a good bourbon cocktail or wants to explore a new take on an old favorite.

Ingredients for a Kentucky Sidecar

This is a simple cocktail with only a few ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

Bourbon:  Selecting the best bourbon for a sidecar is a matter of preference. Use your favorite Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.  For a milder, smoother cocktail use a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark, Weller, or Larceny.  If you want a bit more bite in your Kentucky sidecar, consider using a rye whiskey like Sazerac or Basil Hayden Rye in place of the Kentucky Bourbon. 

Orange Liquor:  Use a high-quality orange liquor like Cointreau or Grand Marnier in your bourbon sidecar recipe.  In a pinch you can use a high-quality triple sec. 

Fresh lemon juice: A little lemon juice adds a little bit of acidic bite to the bourbon cocktail. 

Simple syrup: While not common in the classic cocktail, the addition of a little simple syrup adds a subtle sweetness and helps balance the bite of the bourbon and lemon juice.

Optional: Use a dash of orange bitters or your favorite bitters.

Optional: Rim the sidecar glass this orange sugar or other flavored sugar.

Mixing the Bourbon Sidecar Cocktail

1. If you're rimming your glass, dip it in water or simple syrup, then dip it in sugar.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add the lemon juice, bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters (if using) to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds, until the drink is well chilled.
5. Strain into your chilled cocktail glass or chilled coupe glass.
6. Garnish the delicious cocktail with an orange twist or lemon twist.

Tips and Tricks

• For a more tart drink, use a bit more lemon juice.
• Out of simple syrup? It is easy to make at home. Just combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves, and then let cool.
• Play around with the bourbon! Try a wheated bourbon for a smoother taste, or a high-rye bourbon for a spicier kick.

What to pair with a Kentucky Sidecar

The Kentucky Sidecar is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that's perfect for the Kentucky Derby or any occasion. The bourbon cocktail pair perfectly with Kentucky classics like a Hot Brown sandwich or Kentucky BBQ. So next time you're looking for a new twist on an old classic, give this recipe a try!  

For most recipes of our favorite cocktails be sure to some of our other great cocktail recipes:

• Coconut Mai Tai
• Kansas City Horsefeather Cocktail
• Southern Comfort Blackberry Hard Arnold Palmer
• Campari Old Fashioned
• Mezcal Paloma
• Spicy Mango Habanero Margaritas

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