Winter is finally on its way out in London, or at least it’s now alternating between bone-chilling cold and warm sunshine. I think the season of cognac and whisky cocktails is on the wane, and I’m looking forward to Negronis and daiquiris and all manner of summery drinks. Maybe I’m a bit too strict with my seasons here, but I can’t help associating those spirits with hunkering down and warming up. I’m so looking forward to the point where I’ll want to cool down instead. But before spring really hits, here’s a lovely Sidecar to celebrate the last of winter citrus and the fiery burn of brandy.
I love this cocktail – it’s the perfect smoothing out of two intense flavours together, the Cointreau forming a bridge between them. Such a lovely way to say goodbye to the cold weather – something I sincerely hope I’m about to do!
Ingredients:
2 oz cognac
1 oz Cointreau
1 oz lemon juice
Optionally, rub a wedge of lemon around the rim of your cocktail glass and press it into a saucer of fine sugar. Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into the (chilled) glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
Coupe Half Full 
can i have one too, please? 🙂
Looks great. I am a big believer in that seasons don’t matter when drinking spirits. They don’t only grow in one season (like a strawberry or tomato), and they stay good for all 4. Drink negronis in winter! Free your spirits!
Certainly wouldn’t want to be prescriptive about it, I guess my tastes do just change with the seasons!
Ahh, the sidecar. Such a wonderfully simple and overall wonderful drink. Looks great! Though I think you’re not giving whiskey enough summertime credit. I can drink these all year round.
These do straddle the seasons well, I must admit.