If you’re a cocktail enthusiast like me, you’re going to love making the Blackberry Sidecar from Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
The combination of fresh blackberries, Remy Martin VSOP cognac, and Cointreau creates a balanced and refreshing flavor that’s hard to resist.
I love how the addition of Fee Bros. Plum Bitters adds a unique twist to this classic drink.
Start by muddling the blackberries in a cocktail shaker to release their juices.
Add ice, cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice, and plum bitters, then shake until well-chilled.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with extra blackberries.
Using fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in the taste, so don’t skip that step.
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Blackberry Sidecar Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 oz Cognac (Remy Martin VSOP)
- 1 1/4 oz Cointreau
- 1 oz Lemon Juice (fresh)
- 5 Blackberries
- 1 sprig Thyme (optional, for garnish)
- Ice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Start by muddling the blackberries in the bottom of your cocktail shaker.
This will release the juice and flavor from the berries.
Step 2:
Add the Cognac, Cointreau, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the shaker.
Step 3:
Fill the shaker with ice and shake the mixture vigorously for about 30 seconds.
Step 4:
Prepare your serving glass by dipping the rim in lemon juice and coating it with sugar.
This adds a sweet touch to each sip.
Step 5:
Strain the cocktail mixture into your prepared glass.
Step 6:
Garnish with a skewer of blackberries and a sprig of thyme, if you like.
Serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Fresh Ingredients Matter
Using fresh lemon juice and plump blackberries really makes a difference in the flavor of your cocktail.
Pre-packaged juice won’t give you the same bright, fresh taste.
Shake It Well
Shaking the cocktail mix well ensures that all the flavors meld together perfectly and that the drink is nicely chilled.
I always shake for at least 30 seconds.
Sugar Rim Adds Extra Flair
Don’t skip rimming the glass with sugar.
It adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the tartness of the lemon juice and the fruitiness of the blackberries.
Customize the Garnish
Feel free to get creative with your garnish.
While a sprig of thyme adds a nice aroma, you can also try a twist of lemon peel for a citrusy note or a simple skewer of fresh blackberries.
What to Serve with Ruth’s Chris Blackberry Sidecar Recipe
Cheese Platter
A well-curated cheese platter pairs beautifully.
Opt for a mix of sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and tangy goat cheese.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
Prosciutto-wrapped melon brings a savory and sweet harmony that enhances the cocktail’s fruitiness.
The salty prosciutto contrasts nicely with the juicy and chilled melon.
Tapenade-Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms with a tapenade filling offer a savory, umami burst.
The earthy flavors of mushrooms complement the rich blackberry notes in the cocktail.
Spicy Nuts
A bowl of spicy nuts adds a delightful crunch and a bit of heat.
The spice level can be adjusted according to personal preference, balancing the sweetness of the drink.
Dark Chocolate Bites
Dark chocolate adds a luxurious touch to your evening with its rich, bitter-sweet flavors.
This treat pairs wonderfully with the blackberry and cognac in the Sidecar.
Variations and Substitutions
You can swap out Cognac for Brandy if you prefer a slightly oakier flavor.
Some people like to use blackberry brandy instead for an added berry boost.
Experiment with different types of citrus beyond lemon, such as lime or even grapefruit.
Feel free to replace Cointreau with Triple Sec for a more budget-friendly option.
If you enjoy herbal notes, try muddling in a sprig of rosemary or thyme.
Alternative Spirits
For a twist, replace Cognac with Bourbon, giving the drink a warm, caramel taste.
Using light rum can lighten the drink and add tropical flavors you might enjoy.
Sweetness Adjustments
Replace simple syrup with agave nectar for a different sweetness profile that blends well with fruit.
Use honey syrup instead of simple syrup if you enjoy a richer, deeper sweetness.
Bitters Choices
You can substitute plum bitters with Angostura bitters if that’s what you have on hand.
Try orange bitters for a citrusy undertone that complements the blackberries nicely.
How to Store Leftover Ruth’s Chris Blackberry Sidecar
Airtight Containers
Store your leftover cocktails in airtight containers.
This keeps them fresh and preserves their flavors.
You can use mason jars or other sealed bottles.
Refrigeration
Always keep your leftover Blackberry Sidecar refrigerated.
It helps maintain the drink’s consistency.
Cold storage is key to keeping the flavors intact.
Duration
Consume your leftover cocktail within two days.
Longer storage affects the cocktail’s quality.
Fresh ingredients like lemon juice degrade over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-Muddling the Blackberries
When you muddle the blackberries, be gentle to avoid breaking them down too much, as this can make the cocktail too pulpy and less attractive.
A few presses are enough to release the juices without pulverizing the fruit.
Using Store-Bought Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice makes a significant difference in taste and freshness.
Store-bought lemon juice can be too acidic or have preservatives that affect the final flavor.
Squeeze lemons just before mixing to get the best results.
Forgetting to Rim with Sugar
Rimming the glass with sugar is crucial for balancing the drink’s tartness with a touch of sweetness.
Skip it, and the cocktail might taste more sour than you intend.
Dip the glass in lemon juice before coating it with sugar for the best adhesion.
Ruth’s Chris Blackberry Sidecar Recipe
- 1 1/4 oz Cognac Remy Martin VSOP
- 1 1/4 oz Cointreau
- 1 oz Lemon Juice fresh
- 5 Blackberries
- 1 sprig Thyme optional, for garnish
- Ice
- Start by muddling the blackberries in the bottom of your cocktail shaker.
- This will release the juice and flavor from the berries.
- Add the Cognac, Cointreau, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake the mixture vigorously for about 30 seconds.
- Prepare your serving glass by dipping the rim in lemon juice and coating it with sugar.
- This adds a sweet touch to each sip.
- Strain the cocktail mixture into your prepared glass.
- Garnish with a skewer of blackberries and a sprig of thyme, if you like.
- Serve immediately.
- Ruth’s Chris Grilled Asparagus Recipe - November 13, 2024
- Texas Roadhouse Mango Margarita Recipe - November 13, 2024
- Texas Roadhouse Grilled Chicken Recipe - November 13, 2024