This is a unique, festive twist on a classic Sidecar cocktail, which makes it great for the holidays. We incorporate the lavish blood orange to elevate the flavors. A classic Sidecar contains cognac, orange liquor, and lemon juice. Here, we substitute blood orange juice for lemon juice and use Solerno blood orange liquor instead of Cointreau. 

[ sidenote on the definition of Cognac… Cognac is brandy made in the region of Cognac, France. Brandy – a distilled wine spirit – can be made anywhere. This is similar to Champagne which can only be made in the Champagne region of France. It goes by other names (Cava (Spain), Prosecco (Italy)) when produced elsewhere ]

As we get close to the holidays, we are all looking for the something special to put on the table. For some, it’s a fun side dish. For others, it’s the centerpiece (a Christmas goose or rack of lamb). Still for others, it will be that speakeasy-grade cocktail that people will remember for years to come. This is that cocktail. 

Not to get all Yogic on you guys, but Manipura, the third chakra associated with the fire element, is translated from Sanskrit to mean “City of Jewels.” In Vinyasa yoga classes, it is frequently the chakra associated with the intensity of holding positions, such as planks, to generate ‘burn’ within the workout. I called this Sidecar The City of Jewels because it has that intensity, that sweet, intricate balance of citrus and velvet smooth. Plus, the rim is sparkly.

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