Sidecar: The Descendant of the Brandy Crusta, Reimagined with Bourbon

Laura Kuhn
May 28
2 min read

The Descendant of the Brandy Crusta

Left Bank bourbon

lemon juice

orange liqueur

sugar rim

Before the martini claimed the crown and before the old fashioned made its comeback, there was the Sidecar—a cocktail born in the golden age of jazz, war, and roaring style. Traditionally made with cognac, this drink traces its lineage to the Brandy Crusta of mid-19th century New Orleans. At Left Bank, we pay tribute to its roots with a bold, bourbon-forward twist that brings the past into the present.

The Left Bank Sidecar

Our rendition swaps the classic brandy for Left Bank Bourbon, giving this refined cocktail a deeper Southern soul. The result is bright, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet and sour—served in a sugar-rimmed glass that’s as stylish as it is satisfying.

Here’s what we’re pouring:

Left Bank Bourbon – Rich, warm, and slightly smoky, it transforms the Sidecar into something more grounded, with caramel and vanilla notes shining through.
Fresh Lemon Juice – Bright, tart, and freshly squeezed, it adds a zesty kick and balances the bourbon’s richness.
Orange Liqueur – A citrusy sweetness that smooths out the acidity and ties all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Sugar Rim – A nod to the Brandy Crusta tradition. It adds sparkle, sweetness, and a delightful contrast with every sip.

From Crusta to Classic

The Sidecar owes its DNA to the Brandy Crusta—a cocktail invented in New Orleans that combined lemon, orange liqueur, and a sugared rim long before the Sidecar made its debut in Paris. Where the Crusta was ornate and elaborate, the Sidecar is sleek and stripped-down—but both share a certain elegance and balance that make them timeless.

At Left Bank, our bourbon variation gives it a rounder flavor profile and a little Southern swagger.

When to Order a Sidecar?

Pre-dinner, as a sharp and stylish aperitif
Late night, when you want something classic with a twist
Or anytime you’re in the mood for a cocktail that feels both vintage and modern

Sip history with a modern pour. Buy a bottle of Left Bank and raise a Bourbon Sidecar to old-world elegance and New Orleans innovation. One sip, and you’ll understand why some classics are made to be remixed.