French Berry Sidecar

Old Fashioned & Riffs August 05, 2026

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A photo of the French Berry Sidecar cocktail containing Blackberries, Hennessy V.S. Cognac, Chambord Liqueur, Giffard Triple Sec, Giffard Sugar Cane Syrup (Sirop Sucre de Canne), Peychaud's Bitters in a Coupe.

Other Ingredients

  • 3.00 fresh Blackberries
  • 0.17 fl oz Giffard Sugar Cane Syrup (Sirop Sucre de Canne)

Directions

  • Muddle blackberries in stirring glass
  • Add remaining ingredients to stirring glass
  • Add ice and stir well
  • Fine strain into chilled coupe glass
  • Garnish with blackberry and raspberry dusted with icing sugar plus dark chocolate

Cocktail Description

This is the Sidecar your grandmother wished she could have ordered at her favorite Parisian café—sultry, berry-kissed, and refined enough to make even the stodgiest cocktail purist crack a smile.

The French Berry Sidecar starts with muddled blackberries that release their dark, jammy sweetness before mingling with Hennessy V.S. Cognac, Chambord, and Giffard Triple Sec. A whisper of sugar cane syrup smooths the edges while Peychaud's Bitters add a subtle floral spice that keeps things interesting. The result tastes like a classic Sidecar decided to take a detour through a summer berry patch—bright citrus and brandy warmth wrapped in rich, fruity complexity. It's elegant without being fussy, though you'll want a very fine strainer to catch every blackberry seed unless you enjoy a gritty finish.

This is a special-occasion drink, best saved for intimate dinner parties, anniversary celebrations, or those rare evenings when you want to feel like you're doing something a little extraordinary. The recipe only fills a modest 3-ounce coupe, so plan to make multiples if you're entertaining or simply want more than a few sophisticated sips. Pair it with duck confit, dark chocolate desserts, or a cheese board featuring aged Comté and fig jam—anything that can stand up to the berry intensity without getting steamrolled.