Stranded Foodie Cocktail of the Month ~ My Greek Metaxa Orange Sidecar Recipe

Since this is Greek week for me, I am continuing on this theme with a simply divine Greek cocktail that I concocted some years ago. My Greek Metaxa Orange Sidecar.

Having occasionally traveled to Portland, Oregon on business, I discovered this oyster bar where I would have these delicious sidecar cocktails made by this very talented bartender. She used a Greek liqueur called Metaxa. After my Portland business travel ended, I found myself missing those exquisite drinks. I knew I had to create my own version if I wanted to continue to enjoy this amazing cocktail. So, off to my home bar I went, to design my own unique sidecar recipe.

Just a little history on the sidecar cocktail: made with brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon, the classic sidecar cocktail has been around since the 1920‘s. It’s one of my favorite cocktails.

The only thing I remember that the bartender used in her sidecar cocktail was a Greek liqueur called Metaxa. If you haven’t heard of Metaxa liqueur, it’s a Greek distilled spirit that’s a blend of brandy and wine. It’s blended with aged Muscat wine from Greece, Mediterranean botanicals and rose petals. It’s much smoother than brandy and it doesn’t taste as harsh. It’s perfect for my unique Greek Orange Sidecar Cocktail. What a discovery this liqueur was!

Using freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice makes a huge difference in the taste of this yummy drink. Hope you enjoy this recipe. Happy Friday to all my fellow Stranded Foodies out there!

How to Make Stranded Foodie Cocktail of the Month ~ My Greek Metaxa Orange Sidecar Recipe

You’ll need Metaxa Liqueur, orange liqueur, lemon, oranges, and some superfine sugar.

Here’s a great bar and kitchen tip: This style of juice squeezer is a great tool. You can find these in most kitchen speciality stores. They make one for limes too, but I just use my lemon version for squeezing small oranges and limes too. A real time saver!

Happy Friday. Cheers to all my fellow Stranded Foodies out there!

Stranded Foodie Cocktail of the Month ~ My Greek Metaxa Orange Sidecar Recipe

Makes 2 cocktails

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup Metaxa Liqueur ( I use the 5 Star)
• 1/3 cup of orange liqueur
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons superfine sugar, plus extra to rim glasses

Lemon wedge to rim glasses

Directions: Rim martini glasses with a lemon wedge and dip the rim in superfine sugar coating the edge of each glass, about 1/4-inch down the glass. Chill the glasses in refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.

In a medium-sized pitcher, stir to combine the brandy, orange liquor, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Superfine sugar dissolves quickly, but make sure to stir a few times so the sugar has a chance to completely dissolve. Earlier in the day, you can chill the cocktail mixture at this point to save time. Just cover your cocktail mixture with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill. Sure helps to have your cocktails made ahead of time!

For my smaller cocktail shaker, I like to make one cocktail at a time. So, let’s get started. Place half the cocktail mixture into a large cocktail shaker and fill with ice, shake until icy cold and pour into chilled martini glass. Repeat for second cocktail. Serve icy cold.