Artillery
The Artillery cocktail has a bold, robust flavor profile with a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. It is strong, slightly sweet, and herbal with a hint of citrus.
Boston Sidecar Cocktail Recipe
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Boston Sidecar Nutrition Facts
Calories:~150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~7g
Alcohol:~22%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
Contents
History
The Boston Sidecar is a lesser-known cousin of the classic Sidecar cocktail. The Sidecar is a Prohibition-era drink that has stood the test of time, and the Boston variation adds a unique twist by incorporating rum.
- Origins: While the exact origins are murky, it's believed to have been created in the 20th century.
- Popularity: This drink is a hit among those who appreciate classic cocktails with a twist.
- Audience: Ideal for connoisseurs looking for a balance of citrus and spirit-forward flavors.
How Boston Sidecar Tastes?
The Boston Sidecar offers a harmonious blend of sour and sweet with a robust spirit backbone. The rum adds a touch of tropical warmth, while the brandy provides a rich, fruity depth. The triple sec delivers a bright citrus note, making the cocktail complex and well-rounded.
Interesting facts about Boston Sidecar
- The Boston Sidecar can be considered a hybrid between a classic Sidecar and a Daiquiri.
- It's a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed all year round, but it's particularly refreshing in the summer.
- The drink's name suggests a connection to Boston, but it's more about the variation than the location.
Ingredients
- Light rum: 1 oz(30ml)
- Brandy: 1 oz(30ml)
- Triple sec: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
Light Rum
Light rum adds a subtle sweetness and a clean, crisp spirit base to the cocktail. If you skimp on the rum, you'll miss out on the alcoholic backbone that gives the Boston Sidecar its structure. Using too much might overpower the delicate balance with the brandy and triple sec.
Mary Mitkina
Brandy
Brandy provides warmth and depth, bringing in notes of vanilla and wood depending on its age and origin. Leaving brandy out would significantly flatten the flavor profile. Substituting with cognac would retain the cocktail's character but add a more refined edge.
Emma Rose
Triple Sec
Triple sec is the citrusy soul of the cocktail, offering a sweet, orangy zing that complements the lime juice. Using less could make the cocktail too tart, while more would make it overly sweet. Cointreau could be an alternative for a smoother and more intense citrus flavor.
Alex Green
Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice is crucial for the zesty punch and acidity that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Too little and the cocktail may become cloying; too much can wince-inducingly sour. Lemon juice could be an alternative but would offer a different type of citrus note.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Boston Sidecar Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Pour in 1 oz of light rum, 1 oz of brandy, 1 oz of triple sec, and 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lime twist.
Pro Tips
- Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Chill the cocktail glass beforehand to keep the drink colder for longer.
- If you prefer a less tart cocktail, adjust the lime juice to taste.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Ceviche: The lime juice in the Boston Sidecar enhances seafood flavors.
- Cheese Platter: Choose aged cheeses like Manchego to complement the brandy's richness.
Main Courses
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: Light proteins pair well with the citrus notes.
- Pork Tenderloin: The sweetness of the rum and brandy can amplify a glaze.
Desserts
- Lemon Tart: The zesty lime juice pairs with similar citrus desserts.
- Dark Chocolate: The complexity of brandy stands up to the richness of chocolate.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Sparkling water with a twist of lime: Keeps the palate refreshed without overpowering the cocktail's flavors.
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What you could change in Boston Sidecar
- Light Rum: A white rum like Bacardi can be used for a clean taste.
- Brandy: Cognac can be a luxurious substitute for a richer flavor.
- Triple Sec: Cointreau or Grand Marnier can be used for a more refined citrus profile.
Explore all drinks starting with B here
And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Boston Sidecar
- Ingredients: Substitute brandy with mezcal, adjust lime juice to 0.75 oz.
- Recipe: Follow the original recipe but with mezcal and extra lime juice.
- Flavor: The smokiness of mezcal will give a daring twist and the extra lime balances it out, ideal for those who like their cocktails with a kick.
Herbal Boston Sidecar
- Ingredients: Add 0.5 oz of green Chartreuse.
- Recipe: Pour Chartreuse with the other ingredients and shake well.
- Flavor: This introduces a complexity of herbal flavors that dance alongside the citrus notes, creating an aromatic experience.
Berry Boston Sidecar
- Ingredients: Muddle a handful of raspberries before adding the other ingredients.
- Recipe: Muddle, pour, shake, and strain into the glass with fresh ice.
- Flavor: The raspberries add a fruity sweetness and a beautiful color, resulting in a drink that's as delightful on the eyes as it is on the palate.
In case you forgot basics how to make Boston Sidecar
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Boston Sidecar
What is the best type of ice to use when shaking a cocktail?
Using large, dense ice cubes is preferable as they melt slower, reducing dilution and resulting in a well-chilled cocktail.
Why do we strain the cocktail after shaking?
Straining is done to remove any ice shards or herb remnants to ensure a smooth texture and consistent taste.
Can I make a large batch of the Boston Sidecar for a party?
Yes, the Boston Sidecar can be batched for parties. Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests, mix in a large container, chill, and then serve. Keep the ratios the same to maintain the flavor profile.
How important is the garnish in a cocktail, such as the Boston Sidecar?
The garnish plays a dual role by adding visual appeal and enhancing the cocktail's aroma, sometimes contributing subtly to the taste.
What's the difference between shaking and stirring a cocktail?
Shaking a cocktail usually chills and dilutes it faster than stirring and is generally used for cocktails with citrus or other opaque mixers, while stirring is smoother and preserves the clarity of spirit-forward drinks.
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