Sidecar: The Back to School Cocktail.

It’s that time of year when the heat begins to settle down and the axis of the earth begins to turn away from the direct rays of the sun. Lady Autumn begins her dress fitting for her walk along the earth in a few short weeks. But more on these Autumnal drinks later. In reality, it is that time when intellectual activity is placed into full swing and students as well as teachers begin to wake their brains up from the slumber of summer.  But after a hard, days work, most children go home to Hot Chocolate after a long hard day, to those students of higher learning (and most teachers) they can go home to a smooth, crisp drink called: The Sidecar.  

The Sidecar is a sour drink. Sours were quite popular during the golden age of cocktails in the early 1900's and were a simple mix of base spirit, sour (primarily lemon), and a touch of sweetness.  It is a drink which history brings out of the World War I era. The ingredients, though simple, are very rich and elegant. Served in a Cocktail glass, rimmed with sugar (if your sweeter kind of person), it has a crisp beginning, smooth finish, with lingering notes of oranges. Be careful drinking this stylish-concoction, for it is a head turner and should be sipped, while talking about things of higher intellectual pursuits. It also goes well in the hands of very well-dressed, persons. 

Recipe:

1 1/2 oz Cognac

1 oz Cointreau

1/2 oz lemon juice

Lemon twist for garnish

Sugar for rimming (optional)

Shake well (with ice for a crisper experience) and strain into a prepared cocktail glass. Garnish with Lemon Twist.