This delicious twist on the classic sidecar is the perfect cocktail to celebrate St. Patricks Day. Made with Irish whiskey, Blue Curacao, and orange juice this whiskey sidecar is a stunner!
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Sidecars are a delicious vintage cocktail. They are traditionally made with cognac, cointreau, and lemon juice but with a few simple swaps this cocktail becomes a delicious St. Patrick's Day staple!
This whiskey sidecar is great served before or after a meal, or along with your favorite appetizers. If you are looking for other St. Patrick's Day meals be sure to consider my recipe for low carb Dublin Coddle!
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Ingredients and Substitutions
- Irish Whiskey such as Jameson or Teeling - Classic sidecars are made with Cognac or Brandy and you could certainly use either of those here.
- Blue Curacao - To give this cocktail it's gorgeous emeral green hue, I swapped the traditional cointreau or triple sec with blue curacao. If you don't mind losing the green hue, you can use either of those options instead.
- Orange Juice is used in place of the traditional lemon juice. This makes the cocktail sweeter that the original and also contributes to the green color. If you prefer, you can replace some or all of the orange juice with lemon or even lime juice.
- Sugar and Orange Wedge this is only necessary if you want to sugar the rim of your glass. I used golden colored sugar which I think really made this cocktail beautiful.
- Ice
- Orange Twist and/or Maraschino Cherry - These are optional garnishes. Learn how to make an orange twist here!
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This cocktail is SO easy to make. If you want to sugar the rim of your glass, then you are going to do that before you mix the cocktail.
Simply place a thin layer of sugar on a small plate. Then, rub the inside of an orange wedge around the rim of cocktail glass.
Dip the rim in the sugar until it is coated. Set the glass aside while you prepare the rest of the cocktail.
Next, simply add the whisky, blue curacao, orange juice, and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Secure the lid and shake it until the liquid is chilled.
Strain the liquid into the prepared glass and discard the ice.
Garnish your whiskey sidecar with an orange twist and a marachino cherry if desired and enjoy!
Hint: Just before serving sprinkle a little golden sugar over the cocktail. This adds a beautiful sparkle to the drink that is sure to wow!
Variations
- Make it sweeter - if you find this cocktail too strong or not sweet enough you can add a ½ to 1 teaspoon of simple syrup.
- Make it sparkling - add a splash of seltzer or lemon-lime soda
If you are looking for low or no sugar cocktails, check out my recipe for a low carb hurricane or a sugar free mint julep!
Equipment
Mixing up cocktails is so easy to do when you have the right equipment. Luckily you don't need anything fancy either. To make this cocktail, you will need the following:
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail strainer - Many cocktail shakers have strainers built into the lid. Be sure to check yours before you buy a strainer.
- Small plate for the sugar rim
- A cocktail glass - Sidecars are traditionally served in coupe or martini glasses, but any cocktail glass will work.
- A jigger or measuring cup with ounces
Storage
Many people don't realize that you can make most cocktails, including this one in advance! You can mix as many as you need, then store in a sealed container in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
FAQs
The exact origins of the sidecar are somewhat fuzzy, but from what we know the cocktail was made popular in the 1920s and it is believed that it is named 'sidecar' because an American Navy captain who often ordered them rode in a motorcycle sidecar.
Sidecars are sour cocktails traditionally made with cognac or brandy, Cointreau or triple sec, and lemon juice. Today, there are many variations of the classic and you can often find them made with gin, rum, or whiskey.
You can use Irish whiskey in any cocktail that calls for whiskey. Here are some good ideas to get you started: Jameson Old Fashioned, Irish Coffee, or a Jameson Whiskey Sour.
Blue curacao is an orange liqueur. Because of the bright blue color and orange flavor, blue curacao is often used in tropical drinks. Here are some great options: Midnight Kiss, Blue Margarita, or Blue Hawaii.
Other St. Patrick's Day Cocktails
Don't like green beer, but do you still want to celebrate? You are in luck with plenty of St. Patrick's Day-themed cocktails to pick from you will surely find something you like! Here are a few suggestions:
Top tip
Use golden-colored sugar to rim the glass, then just before serving sprinkle a little over the drink to make it really beautiful and festive!
📖 Recipe
Whiskey Sidecar | St. Patrick's Day Cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Cocktail Glass
- Small Plate optional, for sugar rim
- Jigger or measuring cup with ounces
Ingredients
- 2 oz Irish Whiskey
- 1 oz Blue Curacao
- 1 oz Orange Juice
- Sugar and Orange Wedge optional, for rim
- Handfull Ice
- Orange Twist and/or Maraschino Cherry optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Optional Sugar Rim: Rub an orange wedge around the rim of a cocktail glass. Dip the rim into a plate of sugar to coat the rim. Set the glass aside while you prepare the cocktailSugar and Orange Wedge
- Place the whiskey, blue curacao, orange juice, and a handful of ice into a cocktail shaker. Put the lid on and shake until the liquid is chilled.2 oz Irish Whiskey, 1 oz Blue Curacao, 1 oz Orange Juice, Handfull Ice
- Strain the liquid into the prepared glass and discard the ice.
- If desired, garnish with an orange twist and/or Maraschino cherriesOrange Twist and/or Maraschino Cherry
Be sure to read the entire post for tips, tricks, and help troubleshooting.
The nutrition information listed here is only an estimate and is simply provided as a courtesy. It nor any other information within this post should constitute medical or nutritional advice. Be sure to read all packaging and ingredient labels for potential allergens. Optional ingredients are not included unless otherwise specified.
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