Traditionally a citrus-flavoured cocktail made with cognac, triple sec and lemon juice, Sidecar was always one of my favourites. To give it a Christmassy twist, we added cranberry flavours to the cocktail for a bit of extra festive cheer! We hope you enjoy our Festive Cranberry Brandy Cocktail as much as we do!
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A Special Brandy Christmas Cocktail
We hardly ever make cocktails at home, but when we do, it is for a very special occasion, like Christmas! Whilst my personal favourite is a good old-fashioned Negroni, this Christmas Sidecar comes a close second. With bittersweet triple sec, the woodiness of the brandy and tartness from the cranberries and lime, this cocktail has it all! It's like Christmas in a glass...
Ingredients for Cranberry Brandy Cocktail
What makes a good cocktail? Ingredients that you like, the perfect balance of quantities used, and, most importantly, a good company to have the cocktails with.
- cranberry juice: you may use the reduced-sugar option in this Christmas Brandy Drink recipe.
- caster sugar: also known as superfine sugar.
- brandy: or Cognac.
- triple sec: like Cointreau.
- lime juice: freshly squeezed.
My personal favourite is Volare Triple Sec Classic Liqueur paired with good old Courvoisier. Any cranberry juice will do but I do like to crush a few of the fresh ones in with the shop-bought juice to add some extra tartness. You will also need some sugar to make the cranberry syrup.
Scroll down to the recipe card to see a full list of ingredients, quantities and the method.
How To Decorate Cranberry Sidecar Glass?
We love decorating the edge of martini glasses for the WOW factor. To recreate the look in the photos, you will need some granulated sugar (not fine caster sugar) and lime zest. Simply dip the rim of the glass into one of the liquid ingredients (I dipped them straight into brandy), then roll in the sugar and zest mixture.
Equipment Needed
You will ideally need a cocktail shaker to make this Christmas Brandy Drink, but if you don't have one and can't justify buying one, here are a few suggestions:
- A thermal coffee mug with a lid tightly screwed on
- A sturdy mason jar
- A smoothie maker glass
Other Christmas Drink Recipes
If you enjoyed our Cranberry Sidecar, let us know in the comments below. For other ideas for this Christmas, have a look at our Christmas recipe collection, here. And don't forget to check out the 17 Best Christmas Gin Cocktails For The Festive Season. Our favourite Christmas drinks are below:
- Spiced Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail
- Passionfruit Martini (Cocktail and Mocktail)
- Christmas Eggnog Latte | Just Like in a Coffee Shop
Recipe Card
Christmas Sidecar | A Festive Cranberry and Brandy Cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker (or see notes if you don't have one)
Ingredients
Cranberry Syrup (makes enough for approx. 2 cocktails):
- 30 ml cranberry juice
- 30 g caster sugar
For Two Cranberry Sidecar Cocktails:
- 50 ml cranberry syrup
- 120 ml brandy
- 75 ml triple sec
- 75 ml lime juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
Make Cranberry Syrup:
- Mix cranberry juice and caster sugar in a ratio of 1:1 in a small saucepan. Stir to dissolve the sugar, bring to the boil and take off the heat. Leave to cool down completely.
Make Cocktails:
- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with 4 cubes of ice and shake. Pour into martini glasses.
Notes
- A thermal coffee mug with a lid tightly screwed on
- A sturdy mason jar
- A smoothie maker glass
Nutrition
Clare greber says
I loved this. Very festive looking and tasting. I made for Christmas eve . As i couldn't get hold of triple sec I substituted Cointreau. Strong so lasted all evening!
Ieva says
So glad to hear! Good value for money too if one drink lasts all night, right?
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
Cranberry flavour is so good in cocktails and this combination of flavours is perfect. Think I've found my Christmas cocktail!
Ieva says
It's been our Christmas cocktail for a few years now! Really hope you and your family enjoy it just as much! 🙂
Stephanie says
I love cranberry cocktails, and anything with brandy in it. This one looks so good! I may have to enjoy one while wrapping gifts this evening!
Ieva says
Lovely! A nice cocktail whilst wrapping gifts sounds like a wonderful evening to me 🙂
Nathan says
This is the perfect holiday cocktail! The cranberry flavor really gives it that festive flair. Excited to make this for my family this year!
Dannii says
Anything that has cranberry in is good with me and this cocktail looks delicious and very festive.
Aimee Mars says
There's nothing like a festive Christmas cocktail to get you in the holiday spirit and this sidecar delicious! It's also beautiful.
Ieva says
Thanks, Aimee! very kind 💗
Toni says
This is so gorgeous and festive! A must-have for the holidays!
dana says
Love this! Turned out fantastic. I love doing festive cocktails and these did not disappoint. Great flavors.
Ieva Greber says
Thanks, Dana! 💗
Kathleen says
What a refreshing and festive cocktail. The flavors are fantastic, and I am looking forward to trying this.
Ann says
I can enjoy a good sidecar anytime of the year. This one just makes things extra festive. Thanks!
Ieva Greber says
Same, Ann! Love sidecar 💗.
Bobby says
I tried this over the weekend and it was a huge hit. Will definitely be serving for the holidays!
Ieva Greber says
Thanks, Bobby! Glad our recipe brought a bit of festive cheer to you! 🙂