The Sidecar cocktail is a classic concoction that’s been delighting palates since the early 20th century. With its harmonious blend of brandy, triple sec, and lemon juice, this elegant drink needs the right brandy.
I’ve discovered that the best brandy for a sidecar cocktail should be smooth with fruit and wood flavours to elevate this drink from merely good to genuinely sublime.
Best Brandy For A Sidecar
The Sidecar, a timeless cocktail, demands quality brandy. Discovering the best brandy for a Sidecar will ensure your creation truly shines.
1. Hennessy VSOP
Overview
- Distiller: Hennessy
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Dark Amber
Review
Hennessey is a staple in the world of cognac, Hennessy VSOP offers a harmonious blend of matured wood and nutty fragrances that will elevate your Sidecar to the max.
On The Nose
Notes of vanilla, rich fruits, and spices.
On The Palate
A delightful dance of oak and hazelnuts, with a hint of leather. The palate is further enriched with undertones of dried fruits, especially apricots and raisins.
Why In A Sidecar?
The rich profile of Hennessy VSOP seamlessly blends with the cocktail’s sharpness. Also, try it in a Brandy Crusta.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Rémy Martin VSOP
Overview
- Distiller: Rémy Martin
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Amber
Review
Rémy Martin VSOP is a symphony of ripe fruit and floral notes with a touch of liquorice.
On The Nose
Apricot, vanilla with a touch of white flowers.
On The Palate
A velvety texture with ripe fruit, ending in a hint of vanilla. The taste further evolves with subtle notes of caramel and honey with hints of liquorice.
Why In A Sidecar?
The fruits, vanilla and sweet liquorice of Rémy Martin VSOP elevate the Sidecar cocktail for a refreshing yet deep flavour profile.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Metaxa 7 Stars
Overview
- Distiller: Metaxa
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Greece
- Colour: Amber
Review
Metaxa brandy is a Greek treasure, and this Metaxa 7 Stars is a unique blend of wine distillates aged up to seven years.
On The Nose
Prunes, figs, flowers and a whisper of oak.
On The Palate
Silky with dried fruit, citrus, and a spicy finish. The palate is further enhanced with hints of lingering smooth toffee.
Why In A Sidecar?
The unique blend of Metaxa brandy brings a touch of exotic Mediterranean flair to your Sidecar.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Courvoisier VSOP
Overview
- Distiller: Curvoisier
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Amber
Review
Courvoisier cognacs are always great mixers, and their VSOP blend of fruity and sweet flavours will make a memorable sidecar.
On The Nose
Fresh grapes and blossoming jasmine.
On The Palate
A harmonious blend of oak, florals, and stone fruits. The taste further unravels with notes of caramel and a slight hint of gingerbread spice.
Why In A Sidecar?
The rich and deep flavours of Courvoisier VSOP meld perfectly with the Sidecar’s citrus notes, offering a luxurious sip.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Martell VSOP
Overview
- Distiller: Martell
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Mahogany
Review
With its golden copper colour, Martell VSOP offers a pleasant fruitiness and a hint of wood.
On The Nose
Fresh plum, apricot and lemon zest.
On The Palate
A dance of candied fruit and delicate spices. As it lingers, the palate is treated to undertones of caramel and a soft touch of oak.
Why In A Sidecar?
Martell’s vibrant fruitiness adds a fresh twist to the cocktail’s citrus elements, offering a harmonious and refreshing experience.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Asbach 15 Year Old
Overview
- Distiller: Asbach
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Germany
- Colour: Dark Amber
Review
A distinctive German brandy, Asback 15 Year Old is a smooth brandy that’s rich in fruit, wood and spice.
On The Nose
Apple, pear, stone fruit, spice, vanilla
On The Palate
It is a delightful blend of apple, pear, stone fruits and a hint of spice. The taste further evolves with subtle notes of vanilla and a touch of almond.
Why In A Sidecar?
The smooth and fruity profile of Asback 15 Year Old adds depth to the Sidecar, making each sip a delightful journey.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Camus VSOP Borderies Single Estate
Overview
- Distiller: Camus
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Amber
Review
With its floral and spicy notes, Camus Cognac is a journey through the Borderies cru.
On The Nose
Orange zest, vanilla, and spice
On The Palate
Flavours of orange zest and vanilla with a slight nuttiness and enjoyable spice. I got oak flavours on the long, smooth finish.
Why In A Sidecar?
The unique character of Camus VSOP, with its zest, vanilla and spice, provides a fragrant and tangy twist to the classic Sidecar.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
8. Pierre Ferrand Ambre
Overview
- Distiller: Pierre Ferrand
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Deep Gold
Review
Aged in oak casks, Pierre Ferrand Ambre is a symphony of grapes, apricots, and a hint of vanilla just screaming out to be in your Sidecar!
On The Nose
Fruity plum and blossoming flowers.
On The Palate
A satisfying blend of plum and a touch of nutmeg, unfolding further with exotic spices and soothing honey.
Why In A Sidecar?
I recommend Pierre Ferrand Ambre Cognac because its rich fruitiness, spice and honey work well with the zesty side of the Sidecar.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
9. Osborne Carlos I
Overview
- Distiller: Osborne
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Spain
- Colour: Deep Amber
Review
A Spanish marvel, Osborne Carlos I is a blend of Airén grape wines distilled and then aged in American oak barrels previously used for sherry.
On The Nose
Rich fruits, vanilla and cocoa
On The Palate
Velvety with notes of dried fruit, oak, and a hint of spice. As it settles, there’s a soft whisper of caramel and vanilla.
Why In A Sidecar?
Osborne Carlos I is a brandy with a seductive sweetness that integrates flawlessly with the cocktail’s inherent sharpness, offering a regal sip. Also a great brandy for Sangria.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
10. Hine Rare VSOP
Overview
- Distiller: Hine
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Amber
Review
Hine Rare VSOP, with its floral and fruity notes, is a journey through the Grande and Petite Champagne.
On The Nose
Jasmine, vanilla, apricot and a hint of oak.
On The Palate
A delightful blend of apricot, almond, and a touch of vanilla fused with notes of honey, cocoa and a hint of spice.
Why In A Sidecar?
I find the elegant sweetness with its hints of cocoa, and vanilla ensures Hine Rare VSOP will shine in a Sidecar.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
11. St-Remy XO
Overview
- Distiller: Cointreau
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Rich Amber
Review
A French classic, St-Remy XO is a French brandy that offers a harmonious ripe fruit and oak blend.
On The Nose
Plum, fig, and a touch of spice.
On The Palate
Rich with notes of plum, vanilla, and a hint of chocolate, it unfolds to a fanfare of caramel, vanilla and a soft undertone of apple, almond and oak.
Why In A Sidecar?
For me, the crisp apple and rich plum make St-Remy XO cognac an ingredient for a Sidecar worth experiencing. Another great brandy for Sangria.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
12. Seven Tails XO
Overview
- Distiller: Seven Tails
- ABV: 41.8% (83.6 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Amber
Review
A blend of aged brandies, Seven Tails XO aged 5 to 30 years and then finished in casks that previously held port wine.
On The Nose
Golden raisins, nutty with a touch of toasted vanilla.
On The Palate
I found this a full-bodied brandy with flavours of pecans, figs, berries, and burnt vanilla and a hint of cinnamon on the seductive finish.
Why In A Sidecar?
The intricate flavours of Seven Tails XO (especially the berries, spice, and burnt vanilla) add a layer of complexity to the Sidecar.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Ingrid’s Top Pick
St-Remy XO
My top pick brandy for a Sidecar is St-Remy XO. The Extra Old brandy is full-bodied with flavours of plum, vanilla, and cocoa to ensure your Sidecar is magnificent.
Sidecar Quick Recipe
Simple to make, the Sidecar mixes 2oz Brandy (or Cognac) with 1oz of lemon juice and 1oz of triple sec. Check out my fantastic Full Sidecar recipe with some extra tips!
Conclusion
Let’s face it: The Sidecar is not just a cocktail; it’s an experience. The best brandy for a sidecar cocktail can transform your creation from average to unforgettable.
Also Read: 12 Game-Changing Mixers to Pair with Your Brandy
As the Sidecar is a delicate balance of sour and sweet, consider adjusting the lemon juice or Cointreau ration to your taste if you prefer a bit sweeter or more tart.
Also Read: 7 Stunning Armagnac’s For Brandy Lovers Everywhere
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
