Eye of Newt (Side Car)

Eye of Newt Cocktail

If you're on the haunt for a sophisticated and well-balanced witches brew look no further than the Eye of Newt cocktail. This exquisite sweet-and-sour cocktail has its gnarled roots in the traditional Sidecar Cocktail. Get ready to explore its history, undeniable charm, and how you can make the perfect Eye of Newt Cocktail for your All Hallows Eve in just three easy steps.

Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn and caldron bubble.

Fillet of a fenny snake,

In the caldron boil and bake;

Eye of newt and toe of frog,

Wool of bat and tongue of dog,

Adder's fork and blind-worm's sting,

Lizard's leg and howlet's wing,

For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

 

BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

A Brief History of the Sidecar Cocktail

The Sidecar's origin harkens back to around 1918 when it was reputedly created in Paris by an American army captain during World War I. Known for traveling around in a motorcycle sidecar, he inspired the cocktail's iconic name. The legendary Harry's New York Bar in Paris often claims credit for this enduring classic, as it does for several other renowned cocktails like Between the Sheets and White Lady.

As an International Bartender Association's (IBA) official cocktail, there are clear-cut definitions for Sidecar's essential ingredients:

1. Cognac
2. Orange liqueur (Grand Marnier, Cointreau or triple sec)
3. Sweet and sour mix

Mastering the Art of Making a Sidecar Cocktail

Whipping up a Sidecar is incredibly easy – all you need is three simple steps and quality ingredients:

1. Shake It Up:
Using a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, vigorously shake together cognac, Grand Marnier, Cointreau or triple sec, and sweet and sour mix until thoroughly combined.

3. Strain and Serve:
Strain your concoction into a old fashion glass filled with ice. Finalize your creation with an elegant candied cherry. Luxardo Cherries are my preferred choice but having a price point north of $20 a jar for this Italian import you may want to find a less expensive USA brand. However, the Luxardo Cherries are incredibly good though.

Transform Your Cocktail Experience with the Sidecar

Now that you're well-versed in the art of making a sensational Sidecar cocktail, it's time to ponder how it will skyrocket your cocktail experience. With its divine balance of sweet, tart, and boozy flavors, this timeless classic offers a luxurious and complex journey that excites and satisfies. Prepare to enchant your taste buds as you explore a new favorite alongside other notable sours like the Whiskey Sour and New York Sour.

Dive into the World of Cognac

Cognac, a luxurious French brandy crafted by distilling wine, comes in various grades depending on its aging process:

•  VS or 3 stars (2 years)
• VSOP (4 years)
• Napoléon (6 years)
• XO (10 years)

Beware, XO bottles can cost a staggering $200! However, you don't have to splurge – a reasonably priced VS or VSOP Cognac works perfectly for a delectable Sidecar cocktail. Crave more Cognac concoctions or brandy beverages? Give the Between the Sheets, Stinger, French Connection, or Sazerac a try!

The Allure of Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, or Cointreau – which to choose?
Although Triple Sec is a common ingredient in Sidecars, I highly recommend using Grand Marnier or Cointreau instead. With its harmonious blend of bitter and sweet orange notes, Grand Marnier elevates the flavor profile as opposed to Triple Sec's possibly harsh taste. Still undecided about investing in a bottle? Fortunately, there's an array of captivating Grand Marnier cocktails waiting for you: explore the best Margarita Recipes, Cosmopolitan, Mimosa, and more!

A Sidecar Cocktail with a Twist

There's more to the Sidecar family than meets the eye!
As an iconic sour cocktail, the Sidecar combines citrus juice, liquor, and sweetener—in this instance: tantalizing Grand Marnier orange liqueur. Get creative with variations like Vodka Sidecar, Bourbon Sidecar, or Between the Sheets (an enticing mix of bourbon and rum). Don't stop there—check out these related sour cocktails that share the same irresistible DNA as the Sidecar:

Try these other spooky recipes

Spicy Bloody Bakon

Candy Flavored Vodka Shots

Voodoo Chicken with Gris Gris Sauce

Find the ingredients on Amazon.

Luxardo Cherries