This easy barefoot contessa cocktail combines Cognac, Grand Marnier, and lemon juice for a smooth, citrusy drink. Marinated dried cherries add a sweet twist, making it perfect for any occasion. You can substitute brandied or fresh cherries if desired. Shake well and serve chilled for a refreshing experience.
Ingredients Needed
For sugaring the glasses:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup sugar
For the cocktail:
- ¼ cup dried cherries
- 6 oz good Cognac (VS, not VSOP), divided
- 3 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 3 oz Grand Marnier liqueur
- Ice
How To Make Sidecars with Dried Cherries
- Sugar the Glass Rims: Dip the rim of 2 highball or martini glasses in the lemon juice, then in sugar. Set aside to dry.
- Marinate the Cherries: In a small bowl, combine dried cherries with 2 oz Cognac. Microwave on high for 60 seconds, then set aside.
- Make the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, mix the remaining 4 oz Cognac, lemon juice, Grand Marnier, and 1 tsp of the cherry marinating liquid.
- Shake and Serve: Fill the shaker three-quarters full with ice, shake for 30 seconds, and strain into prepared glasses (straight up or over ice).
- Garnish: Thread 3–4 marinated cherries onto small skewers and serve each drink ice-cold with the skewers.
Recipe Tips
- Use Good Quality Cognac: Opt for VS (Very Special) Cognac for a balanced flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste.
- Proper Shaking: Shake the cocktail for a full 30 seconds to ensure it’s well-chilled and properly diluted.
- Sugar the Rim: Dipping the glass rim in lemon juice and then sugar adds a sweet touch that complements the drink’s tartness.
- Marinate the Cherries: Soaking dried cherries in Cognac enhances their flavor and adds depth to the cocktail.

How To Store Leftovers
Pour leftover sidecars with dried cherriesinto a sealed container and refrigerate. Consume within 24 hours for optimal flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: Approximately 225
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1mg
- Potassium: 25mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 9g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 0g
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Barefoot Contessa Sidecars with Dried Cherries
Description
This easy barefoot contessa cocktail combines Cognac, Grand Marnier, and lemon juice for a smooth, citrusy drink. Marinated dried cherries add a sweet twist, making it perfect for any occasion. You can substitute brandied or fresh cherries if desired. Shake well and serve chilled for a refreshing experience.
Ingredients
For sugaring the glasses:
For the cocktail:
Instructions
- Sugar the Glass Rims: Dip the rim of 2 highball or martini glasses in the lemon juice, then in sugar. Set aside to dry.
- Marinate the Cherries: In a small bowl, combine dried cherries with 2 oz Cognac. Microwave on high for 60 seconds, then set aside.
- Make the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, mix the remaining 4 oz Cognac, lemon juice, Grand Marnier, and 1 tsp of the cherry marinating liquid.
- Shake and Serve: Fill the shaker three-quarters full with ice, shake for 30 seconds, and strain into prepared glasses (straight up or over ice).
- Garnish: Thread 3–4 marinated cherries onto small skewers and serve each drink ice-cold with the skewers.
Notes
- Use Good Quality Cognac: Opt for VS (Very Special) Cognac for a balanced flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste.
- Proper Shaking: Shake the cocktail for a full 30 seconds to ensure it’s well-chilled and properly diluted.
- Sugar the Rim: Dipping the glass rim in lemon juice and then sugar adds a sweet touch that complements the drink’s tartness.
- Marinate the Cherries: Soaking dried cherries in Cognac enhances their flavor and adds depth to the cocktail.
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