Spiced Sidecar on the Arteflame Grill

Name: Spiced Sidecar on the Arteflame Grill
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Arteflame Grill; cognac; sugar; Lemon; lemon juice; brandy; cardamom; cinnamon; anise; ginger; seasoning

Elevate your cocktail experience with this Spiced Sidecar, uniquely prepared on the Arteflame grill. Infused with warm spices and complemented by the smoky flavor of grilled lemon slices, this drink offers a sophisticated twist on the classic cocktail. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or new to mixology, this recipe promises an exquisite blend of warmth, spice, and citrus, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Cocktail:

2 tbsp caster sugar (or regular sugar)
Lemon slices for grilling
25ml lemon juice, plus a wedge for rimming the glass
50ml spiced cognac or brandy (infusion instructions below)
25ml Cointreau

For the Spiced Cognac Infusion:

4 bruised cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
2 small slices of peeled ginger
200ml cognac

Optional:

Rim glasses with @psseasonings P.I.G. rub for an extra burst of flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spiced Cognac:

On a low-heat area of the Arteflame grill, combine the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, star anise, ginger, and cognac in a pot. Warm gently for 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse without bringing the mixture to a boil. This slow infusion creates a rich, spiced cognac perfect for your cocktail.

2. Prepare the Glass:

Rim a small coupe glass by running a lemon wedge around the edge, then dip it into the caster sugar to coat. For an extra kick, you can also use @psseasonings P.I.G. rub for the rim.

3. Grill the Lemon Slices:

Place the lemon slices on the Arteflame grill and cook until they are caramelized, developing a slightly smoky flavor that adds depth to your cocktail.

4. Make the Cocktail:

In a cocktail shaker, combine the spiced cognac, lemon juice, and Cointreau with ice. Shake well until the mixture is cold and frothy.

5. Serve:

Strain the cocktail into the sugared glass and garnish with a grilled lemon slice. The combination of the spiced cognac, tart lemon, and smoky grilled lemon creates a sophisticated and flavorful drink.

6. Enjoy:

Sip and savor this elevated Spiced Sidecar, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a luxurious cocktail with a unique grilled twist.

Alternatives and Variations:

1. Herbal Sidecar

Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the spiced cognac infusion for an herbal note.

2. Citrus Medley Sidecar

Combine lemon juice with a splash of orange or grapefruit juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.

3. Honey-Spiced Sidecar

Substitute the sugar rim with honey and cinnamon for a warm, sweet variation.

4. Smoky Bourbon Sidecar

Swap the cognac with bourbon and add a dash of smoked paprika for an extra smoky finish.

5. Spiced Apple Sidecar

Add a splash of apple cider to the cocktail shaker for a fall-inspired twist.

Best Pairings:

Appetizer: Pair with grilled brie and crostini, or a charcuterie board featuring smoked meats and cheeses.
Main Course: Serve alongside grilled pork chops, roasted chicken, or a hearty vegetable stew.
Dessert: Complement with a spiced cake, grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream, or a dark chocolate tart.

This Spiced Sidecar, prepared on the Arteflame grill, showcases the versatility of outdoor cooking, infusing your cocktail with smoky depth and rich flavors. Perfect for a sophisticated cocktail hour, this recipe is sure to impress.