Is it spring yet? As I peek out from beneath my warm comforter every morning, before the children’s giggles (and shrieks) begin from across the hall, I gaze outside at the bare trees and realize it hasn’t sprung up on us yet, darn it. It feels close, though! The days are lengthening, the sunlight is starting earlier; we just need to get through the fierce March wind that is blowing out there.
Fine.
I’m just going to fake it.
What can be more warm-weather inspiring than the combination of ripe blackberries with lemon? Add a splash of amber cognac & an unexpected burst of tart cherry juice, and you have a sophisticated cocktail to beat back the Ides of March. This Blackberry-Cherry Sidecar reminds us that cherry blossoms, warm breezes, and long afternoons are just around the corner.
Blackberry-Cherry Sidecar
makes one 8 oz drink
2 ounces cognac/brandy, whichever is your favorite!
1 ounce cointreau
1 ounce unsweetened bottled cherry juice
1 once fresh lemon juice
1.5 ounces simple syrup
6 fresh blackberries + more for garnish ice
In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon juice and blackberries. Muddle thoroughly with a muddler (or in a pinch, the handle of a wooden spoon).
Add a handful of ice and combine the simple syrup, cointreau, cognac (or brandy), and cherry juice to the shaker. Close the shaker and vigorously shake for 30 seconds.
Take your chosen glass and fill with a few ice cubes. Set a small sieve over the glass and strain the cocktail. Garnish with fresh blackberries, and dream of spring.
Blackberry-Cherry Sidecar Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces XO grade if possible cognac/brandy
- 1 ounce cointreau
- 1 ounce unsweetened bottled cherry juice
- 1 once fresh lemon juice
- 1.5 ounces simple syrup
- 6 fresh blackberries + more for garnish
- ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon juice and blackberries. Muddle thoroughly with a muddler (or in a pinch, the handle of a wooden spoon).
- Add a handful of ice and combine the simple syrup, cointreau, cognac (or brandy), and cherry juice to the shaker. Close the shaker and vigorously shake for 30 seconds.
- Take your chosen glass and fill with a few ice cubes. Set a small sieve over the glass and strain the cocktail. Garnish with fresh blackberries.
Unknown says
These pictures are just wonderful. I feel like I can almost taste the cocktail. I'm also insanely jealous of your cocktailware. Are they something you make often? I never make cocktails, the closest I get is a Gin & Tonic!
Is the blackberry garnish frozen? They look amazing.
Jessie-Sierra says
Thank you Angela! This is a really deeply berry version of a sidecar, and I love it! I make cocktails often, but a G&T using Hendricks Gin and lime is my go to! The blackberries are frozen- I prep them about two hours ahead of time and pull them out about ten minutes before serving. They get this lovely frosty look!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I've never tried a sidecar cocktail before.. but I sure do love my berry flavours so I can imagine I would love it. Looks so refreshing & delicious.
Jessie-Sierra says
This is a drink to try for sure. It's a classic and with the berry twist, totally delicious! Thanks for commenting!