My Chartreuse Sidecar Cocktail recipe is a take on the classic Sidecar Cocktail. The classic Sidecar recipe is Cognac, lemon juice, and Triple Sec liqueur. I substitute Chartreuse liqueur and my Rosemary and Bitter Orange Simple Syrup for the typical orange liqueur.
Chartreuse is a French liqueur that has been made by the Carthusian Monks since 1737. It has a secret formula made up of 130 plants and herbs and has a whopping 55% ABV or 110 Proof. Chartreuse is a very herbaceous liqueur and I love to mix it with an equally herbaceous gin. However, today I’m mixing it with a good Kentucky Bourbon.
My Rosemary and Bitter Orange Simple Syrup recipe adds an additional herbal and citrus quality to the Chartreuse Sidecar Cocktail that I think you’re going to love.
Sidecar Ingredients
- Bourbon is an American whiskey. It is believed that Bourbon gets its name from Bourbon County, Kentucky. The following information is based on the American Bourbon Association website. In order for whiskey to be called Bourbon, it must be made in the USA. The mash must contain at least 51% corn, with no additives or artificial colors. Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels. The barrels of bourbon are stored on their sides to allow good airflow. In order to be considered ‘Straight Bourbon Whiskey’ it must be aged for a minimum of 2-years. This is a very condensed version of what Bourbon is. I highly recommend the American Bourbon Association website if you’d like more detailed information.
- Chartreuse is made by the Carthusian monks in the Chartreuse Mountains of France since 1737. It was originally made as a medicine by the monastery’s apothecary and is naturally green in color. This powerful and unique liqueur has a rich and interesting history. The sale of this liqueur is what funds the monestary and supports the monks. I highly recommend the Chartreuse website for further reading.
- My recipe for Rosemary and Bitter Orange Simple Syrup: This simple syrup has a nice herbal quality with the addition of orange peel and fresh rosemary.
Here’s my Chartreuse Sidecar Cocktail recipe:
Chartreuse Sidecar Cocktail
Ingredients
Rosemary and Bitter Orange Simple Syrup
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Cup Water
- 1/2 Cup Rosemary Leaves Crushed and chopped
- 1 Orange Peel only
Chartreuse Sidecar Cocktail
- 1 Ounce Chartreuse Liqueur
- 1 Ounce Bourbon
- 1/2 Ounce Rosemary and Bitter Orange Simple Syrup
Instructions
Rosemary and Bitter Orange Simple Syrup
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil
- Remove from heat, cover, and let cool completely. Strain and refrigerate
Chartreuse Sidecar Cocktail
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake until ice cold.
- Serve in a coupe, garnish with an orange peel twist and fresh rosemary tied with kitchen
Nutrition
