A traditional Sidecar is one of the all-time great classics: bold, citrus-forward, and crisp. However, when autumn arrives, our drink cravings naturally change. Swapping traditional Cognac for Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Bourbon instantly transforms this vintage drink. In addition, adding the caramelized notes of my Bourbon Butter Pecan Syrup creates something truly extraordinary.
At 90 proof, Evan Williams 1783 brings warm notes of vanilla and toasted oak. Because it has a richer profile, it balances fresh lemon juice and orange liqueur without getting lost. Finally, an optional brown sugar and pecan rim makes this drink perfect for chilly nights and holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Twist
- Rich & Toasty: My homemade Bourbon Butter Pecan Syrup adds toasted nuttiness. Therefore, it complements the oak and vanilla notes of the bourbon.
- Balanced Acidity: Fresh lemon juice cuts through the sweetness. As a result, every sip stays vibrant and crisp.
- Textured Spiced Rim: The rim combines crushed pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. So, you get an aromatic, crunchy bite before every sip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Cocktail:
- 2 oz Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Bourbon: This small-batch bourbon punches well above its weight class. Bottled at 90 proof with an extra-aged profile, its undertones of warm vanilla, butterscotch, and light smoky oak blend seamlessly with nutty brown butter syrup.
- ¾ oz Orange Liqueur: Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Triple Sec.
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for bright, clean acidity.
- ½ oz Bourbon Butter Pecan Syrup: Homemade for the richest toasted flavor.
- Ice: For shaking.
- Orange Twist or Dehydrated Orange Wheel: For garnish.
Optional Brown Sugar Pecan Rim:
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Finely Crushed Toasted Pecans
- Tiny Pinch Ground Cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rim the Glass (Optional): Mix the brown sugar, finely crushed pecans, and cinnamon on a shallow dish. Run a lemon wedge around half the rim of a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, then gently dip into the pecan-sugar mixture. (Rimming only half lets you or your guests choose between a sweet, nutty sip or a clean-rim sip!)
- Add Ingredients to Shaker: Pour the bourbon, orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and bourbon butter pecan syrup into a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice.
- Shake Vigorously: Seal the shaker and shake hard for 12–15 seconds until the tin is frosty and well-aerated.
- Double Strain: Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into your prepared glass to catch any tiny ice shards and keep the liquid silky smooth.
- Garnish & Serve: Express the oils of an orange twist over the surface and drop it in, or float a dehydrated orange slice right on top.
Stock Your Home Bar Cart
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through these links.
- The Syrup Base: Whip up a batch of my homemade Bourbon Butter Pecan Syrup to keep chilled in your bar fridge.
- Bar Tools & Glassware: Find my favorite cocktail shakers, fine mesh strainers, jiggers, and Nick & Nora glasses curated on my Amazon Home Bar Essentials List.
Bourbon Butter Pecan Sidecar
Ingredients
- 2 oz Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Bourbon
- ¾ oz orange liqueur
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz bourbon butter pecan syrup
- Ice
- Orange twist or dehydrated orange for garnish
Optional rim
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp finely crushed toasted pecans
- Tiny pinch cinnamon
Instructions
- If using the rim, mix the brown sugar, crushed pecans, and cinnamon on a small plate. Lightly wet half the rim of your Nick & Nora glass with lemon and dip into the mixture.
- Add bourbon, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and bourbon butter pecan syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Double strain into your chilled glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist or dehydrated orange.
- Enjoy!
