Dave reminices about his grandpa’s favorite drink recipe:
“From when I was very young I remember my father serving my grandmother (Kirk) Sidecars. Her husband was Howard and back in the day, he would make pitchers of Sidecars for guests at happy hour at ‘the Point’ where the family cottage has been for almost 100 years.
The Sidecar is a simple cocktail that originated in Harry’s bar in Paris during WW I. It is said to have been made for an American Army captain who liked to…you guessed it…ride in a motorcycle sidecar. The recipe was first published in the early 20’s and popularized in the 30’s. It is said to be the predecessor to the Margarita.”
Sidecars
Shake with cracked ice:
2 oz Cognac (or Brandy)
1/2 oz Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
1 oz Lemon Juice
Serve in chilled cocktail glasses with a sugar coated rim (powdered or very fine granulated if necessary)
Caution: these drinks are sweet and pack a powerful punch. I can’t even imagine making up an entire pitcher (and we have that pitcher in our cupboard at home!) of these drinks.
My own memories of Sidecars comprise one of my first contacts with the Kelley family. I went to meet Dave’s parents and his mom and dad met me warmly at the door. Before I got across the threshold, Dad offered me a Sidecar. I’d never heard of such a thing. In fact, what I heard him say was, “Do you want a Psychar?” That also made no sense to me. So I smiled and asked for water instead after my long drive in the car! I later learned to appreciate this tasty before-dinner aperitif’.
BK
