This Apple Spice Sidecar is positively cocktail perfection. Brandy is infused with spices and apple, lending a sweetness to this well rounded cocktail.
A Little Sweet, A Little Spice
When I think of the perfect Winter sipper, this one comes to mind. The spirit in this cocktail, Brandy, gets a sweet kiss from an infusion of apple and classic spices. It gives the drink a different layer of warmth that imparts coziness on a chilly night.
What Is A Sidecar?
A Sidecar is a classic cocktail that everyone should have in their drink repertoire. It combines just three simple ingredients:
- Cognac (Brandy)
- Orange Liqueur, such a Triple Sec or Cointreau
- Lemon Juice
It’s served straight up, this cocktail is perfectly balanced: not overly tart or sweet.
How To Make An Apple Spice Sidecar
The Brandy used in this lip smacking cocktail is infused with apples, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. It infuses for just 24 hours, leaving a spicy sweetness that rounds out this already delicious drink.
When combined with the orange liqueur and lemon juice, it’s remarkable how well balanced this cocktail is. The sweetness from infusing the brandy is offset by the pucker from the lemon, and it’s impossible to imagine the drink tasting as good as it does without the hint of orange.
Stay Warm: Inside & Out
I can’t think of a better cocktail to be snowed in with. Mix this one up for your next cozy evening in, or enjoy it as a post-dinner sip when company is over. Cheers!
Apple Spice Sidecar
Equipment
- Coup glasses
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Apple Spiced Brandy, recipe follows
- 1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz Cointreau, or other orange liqueur
- Apple slice and orange peel as garnish
For the Apple Apiced Brandy:
- 1 cup Brandy
- 1 small apple, thinly sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
Instructions
- Combine Apple Spiced Brandy, lemon juice, and Cointreau in an ice filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for at least 10 seconds.
- Strain in to a coup glass, garnish with skewered apple slice and rolled orange peel.
For the Apple Apiced Brandy:
- Combine all ingredients in a mason jar. Cover, shake, and allow to sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
- Strain liquid and keep in refrigerator until ready to use.