This three-ingredient Spiced Rum Sidecar cocktail is a tasty blend that will have spiced rum enthusiasts cheering.
This twist on the classic sidecar introduces the warm, rich notes of spiced rum, with the sharp zest of lemon juice, harmonized by the delicate sweetness of orange liqueur. . Imagine a timeless classic, reimagined with a bold, exotic twist – it’s an irresistibly charming combination that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The Essentials of a Spiced Rum Sidecar
The spiced rum sidecar is made with three crucial ingredients but the extras really do make the drink special.
Spiced Rum – There are a lot of brands of spiced rum to choose from. The one that I chose is Barcardi. Keep in mind than when choosing you will notice black spiced rum and gold spiced rum. For this recipe choose a gold spiced rum.
Orange Liqueur – When it comes to the orange liqueur you do have choices. My favorite choice lately is Grand Marinier. However, you can use Triple Sec, Royale Orange Liqueur or Cointreau.
Lemon – Don’t just use the stuff from the bottles for this recipe. Use fresh lemon juice.
Optional Simple Syrup – This is not a must have ingredient but I feel like it adds enough to the cocktail that I strongly recommend it. It is super easy to make at home, here is our recipe.
Optional Sugar Rim – Here you can just use granulated sugar or you could use a cinnamon sugar mix.

Mixing and Serving
A spiced Rum Sidecar is a cocktail that any home bartender can create. There are a few tips here that should help you out.
Preparation Techniques
To begin crafting your Spiced Rum Sidecar, mix golden rum, Cointreau (or a similar orange liqueur), and fresh lemon juice. For a spiced twist, infuse your rum with spices like cinnamon or star anise before mixing. Shake these ingredients with ice until well-chilled and then strain the mixture into a pre-chilled glass to maintain its temperature.
Garnishing Tips
Garnishing adds both visual appeal and flavor depth to your Spiced Rum Sidecar. A sugar rim on your glass creates a sweet contrast, while a twisted lemon peel can provide a zesty aroma. You can even add a stick of cinnamon as a stirrer that guests can use to swirl their drink, releasing more of the rum’s spiced notes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Spiced Rum Sidecar in a cocktail or coupe glass to enhance its classy look. If you’re preparing this cocktail for guests, serve it immediately after mixing to ensure it’s enjoyed at the optimal cold temperature. For an immersive experience, accompany the cocktail with a plate of light appetizers that complement the drink’s warm spices. Personally, I love fun appetizers so this is my favorite way to make a cocktail special.

Spiced Rum Sidecar
Immerse yourself in the delightful blend of sweet, tart, and spicy with this Spiced Rum Sidecar recipe. Perfect for evenings of reflection or gatherings with friends, it promises a journey of flavors, combining the warmth of spiced rum, the zesty kick of lemon, and the sweet allure of orange liqueur. This cocktail is more than a drink; it's a sensory experience that invites you to savor each moment.
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Ingredients
- 2 oz Spiced Rum
- 1 oz Orange Liqueur
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Optional - Simple Syrup
- Optional - Sugar Rim
- Orange Twist or Lemon Wheel: For garnish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass (Optional): If you're using a sugared rim, run a lemon wedge around the edge of the glass and dip it into a plate of sugar or sugar-cinnamon mix.
- Mix the Drink: In a shaker, combine the spiced rum, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a splash of simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake: Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds or until well-chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. The chilled mixture should have a slight frothiness.
- Garnish: Add an orange twist or a lemon wheel for an aromatic garnish.
Notes
- For a personalized touch, experiment with different brands of spiced rum to find the one that best suits your palate.
- Fresh lemon juice is key for the brightest flavor, but in a pinch, high-quality bottled lemon juice can work as well.
- The sugar and cinnamon rim is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor.
- If you're a fan of bitters, a dash can add an interesting dimension to the cocktail.
- Serve in a chilled glass for the best experience.
- Always drink responsibly and savor each sip.