Description
Barefoot Contessa Sidecars with Dried Cherries blend French cocktail elegance with rustic charm. Rich cognac and sweet dried cherries create a sophisticated drink that transports drinkers to a Parisian café with one delightful sip.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquors:
- 6 ounces (177 milliliters) good Cognac (VS, not VSOP)
- 3 ounces (89 milliliters) Grand Marnier liqueur
Fruits and Sweeteners:
- 3 ounces (89 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 lemon (juice)
- ¼ cup (50 grams) sugar
- ¼ cup (40 grams) dried cherries
Other:
- Ice
Instructions
- Prepare cocktail glasses by delicately moistening the rims with fresh lemon juice, then gently coating with granulated sugar to create a sparkling, crystalline edge. Allow glasses to air dry and set aside.
- Create a luxurious cherry infusion by combining dried cherries with 2 fluid ounces (60 milliliters) of premium Cognac. Warm the mixture in the microwave for approximately 60 seconds to enhance the flavor absorption, then let the cherries steep and cool.
- In a sophisticated cocktail shaker, combine the remaining 4 fluid ounces (120 milliliters) of Cognac, freshly squeezed lemon juice, smooth Grand Marnier liqueur, and one teaspoon of the aromatic cherry marinating liquid.
- Fill the cocktail shaker three-quarters full with high-quality ice cubes, securing the lid tightly. Vigorously shake the mixture for 30 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients thoroughly, creating a perfectly balanced and cold cocktail.
- Carefully strain the cocktail into the prepared sugar-rimmed glasses, choosing between serving straight up or over additional ice for personal preference.
- Elevate the presentation by threading 3-4 marinated cherries onto elegant cocktail skewers. Place the garnished skewers across the glasses, ensuring the drink remains ice-cold and visually appealing.
Notes
- Invest in a high-quality VS Cognac to ensure a robust and smooth base for your cocktail.
- Squeeze lemons moments before mixing to capture the brightest, most vibrant citrus essence.
- Shake vigorously with ice for exactly 30 seconds, creating a perfectly chilled and well-balanced drink.
- Rim the glass with granulated sugar after a light lemon juice dip for a delightful sweet-tart contrast.
- Soak dried cherries in Cognac overnight to transform them into intensely flavorful cocktail garnishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: Approximately 225
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg