The Sidecar Cocktail: A Classic with a Spirited History

The Sidecar Cocktail: A Classic with a Spirited History

By Author

Published on October 30, 2023

The Sidecar, a classic cocktail renowned for its elegant simplicity and balanced flavors, has stood the test of time as an enduring favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. In this article, we delve into the intriguing history of this drink, its origins, the reason behind its evocative name, the individuals who popularized it, and what makes it a beloved classic in the world of mixology.

The origins of the Sidecar cocktail are shrouded in mystery, with several theories attributing its creation to different places and individuals. The most widely accepted theory places its birth in the early 20th century, with two locations claiming the honor: Paris and London.

One popular tale of the Sidecar's creation suggests that it was first concocted at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. The story goes that an American Army captain, who often arrived at the bar in a motorcycle's sidecar, requested a special cocktail. The resulting concoction was dubbed the "Sidecar" in homage to the captain's unique mode of transport.

Another account proposes that the Sidecar was created in London at the Bucks Club. It is said to have been a favorite of a wealthy member who would arrive at the club in his chauffeur-driven motorcycle sidecar. To honor the man, the bartenders fashioned this cocktail and named it the Sidecar.

Why It's Popular?

The Sidecar's popularity can be attributed to its harmonious blend of ingredients. Combining Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, it offers a sophisticated balance of sweet and sour flavors. This refined flavor profile, coupled with its timeless and evocative name, has made the Sidecar a classic choice for cocktail enthusiasts. Its allure lies in its ability to cater to those who prefer both fruity and spirit-forward libations.

Cognac, the primary spirit in the Sidecar, imparts a depth and complexity that sets it apart from other cocktails. The use of Cognac, a high-quality brandy produced in the Cognac region of France, elevates the Sidecar to a distinguished level of indulgence.

The Recipe:

To savor the timeless elegance of the Sidecar in the comfort of your own home, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 oz Cognac

  • 3/4 oz Triple Sec (orange liqueur)

  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

  • Ice

  • Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

  • Add the Cognac, Triple Sec, and fresh lemon juice to the shaker.

  • Shake vigorously until well-chilled, usually about 15 seconds.

  • Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.

  • Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel, if desired.

Now you have the recipe to enjoy it in the comfort of your own space. Cheers!


Paisabazaar Launches PB Pass with Collinson, Unlocking 1,800+ Airport Lounges Globally

Paisabazaar Launches PB Pass with Collinson, Unlocking 1,800+ Airport Lounges Globally

By Hariharan U

Published on July 2, 2026

Paisabazaar has announced the launch of PB Pass, a new complimentary airport lounge access benefit developed in partnership with Collinson International, a global leader in airport experiences and loyalty solutions.

The new program provides users access to over 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences across more than 800 airports worldwide, powered by the LoungeKey network.

PB Pass has been designed to reward customer engagement on the Paisabazaar platform. Users who pay their credit card bills through the Paisabazaar app will get a chance to participate in a monthly “Spin the Wheel” contest, where selected winners receive a complimentary PB Pass.

In addition, the benefit is also extended to new credit card customers. Users who apply for a credit card via Paisabazaar and activate it, followed by their first bill payment through the app, will be eligible to receive a PB Pass as an assured reward.

Each PB Pass allows seamless access to airport lounges or travel experiences through a QR code-based system, eliminating the need for additional memberships or registrations. The network includes lounges such as Travel Club Lounge at Don Mueang International Airport in Thailand, Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, and Rose Lounge at Vietnam’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Speaking on the launch, Santosh Agarwal, CEO of Paisabazaar, said the initiative aims to deliver value beyond acquisition and enhance customer engagement across the lifecycle. He noted that airport lounge access remains one of the most valued credit card benefits, and PB Pass makes it more accessible and convenient.

Rom Remy, Managing Director for South and Southeast Asia at Collinson International, highlighted growing travel demand in India and the increasing importance of lounge access as a premium travel benefit. He added that the partnership with Paisabazaar will help enhance travel experiences through the LoungeKey global network.

While lounge access is typically restricted by card tiers, spending thresholds, and usage caps, PB Pass introduces an additional simplified access model through a QR-based system and broader network coverage, complementing existing credit card benefits


STAAH Helps Bizzgrow Hotels Expand B2B and B2C Business Channels

STAAH Helps Bizzgrow Hotels Expand B2B and B2C Business Channels

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 2, 2026

STAAH, a global hospi-tech solutions company, has strengthened the online distribution strategy of Bizzgrow Hotels by enabling its properties to connect with new business opportunities across both B2B and B2C segments.

The group's properties, Silvotel in Indore, Hotel Skylon and Hotel Epsilon in Ahmedabad, and The Hotel Bliss in Patna, have successfully integrated STAAH's Channel Manager, helping improve connectivity, increase visibility across booking platforms, expand market reach, and generate higher booking volumes.

The implementation has also helped the hotel group streamline operations while improving productivity and revenue across its portfolio.

Commenting on the partnership, Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD – Bizzgrow Hotels, said, “Before we integrated STAAH’s Channel Manager, we had not tapped into several potential business channels in these cities, which was affecting the revenue across these locations. Now, we’ve gained momentum in productivity for all our hotels and are exploring new opportunities in the market that we never had access to before.”

Designed for hotel groups managing multiple properties, STAAH's Channel Manager allows bookings from online travel agencies (OTAs) and hotel websites to be managed through a single platform. The solution provides real-time updates on room rates, availability, and guest information, helping hotels reduce overbookings while making dynamic pricing easier to manage.

By reducing manual processes, the platform also lowers the chances of human error and improves operational efficiency, allowing hotel teams to focus more on delivering better guest experiences while driving stronger business performance.

Speaking about the collaboration, Shoaib Ali, National Sales Head India, STAAH, said, “For many groups like Bizzgrow Hotels, broadening their customer base and creating new business opportunities in the B2C and B2B segments is one of the most challenging aspects of the business. At STAAH, we invest a lot of time and effort in training our team to offer the most professional onboarding and training services to our clients, handholding them through every aspect of the transition.”

With the successful integration of STAAH's Channel Manager, Bizzgrow Hotels is now better positioned to strengthen its digital presence, improve operational efficiency, and reach a wider customer base across multiple business segments.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Paraguay Stuns Germany as Late-Night Food Orders Rise in India

FIFA World Cup 2026: Paraguay Stuns Germany as Late-Night Food Orders Rise in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 1, 2026

Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup 2026 history by defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the Round of 32 clash ended 1-1 following 120 minutes of play.

The victory marks Paraguay's biggest-ever World Cup triumph. The South American side, which last reached the quarter-finals in 2010 and had not qualified for the tournament since, booked its place in the Round of 16 with a memorable performance.

Paraguay took the lead late in the first half through a header from Julio Enciso, before Kai Havertz equalised for Germany in the 52nd minute. The match remained level through extra time, forcing a penalty shootout. Jose Canale converted the first sudden-death penalty, while goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves to seal Paraguay's historic victory.

In another Round of 32 fixture, Brazil edged past Japan with a 2-1 victory to progress to the next stage. Morocco also booked its place in the Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

While football fans continue to enjoy thrilling knockout action, the tournament is also influencing late-night food habits in India. With FIFA World Cup matches being played at 12.30 am, 3.30 am and 6.30 am IST, food delivery platforms and restaurant chains have witnessed a rise in overnight orders.

According to data shared by Swiggy Food Marketplace, nearly half of all late-night food orders placed between 11 pm and 3 am during June 11 to June 24 were made between 11 pm and midnight, making it the busiest hour for deliveries on match nights.

Football fans largely preferred comfort food, with pizzas, burgers, fries and beverages topping the order list. The most popular items included Pepper Barbecue Chicken Pizza Mania, Crispy Chicken Burger Peri Peri Meal, Crispy Veg Burger Peri Peri Meal and Garlic Breadsticks.

Among metro cities, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai recorded the highest number of late-night football-related orders, while Surat, Thiruvananthapuram and Patna emerged as the leading cities among India's growing markets.

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