Traditionally, the Sidecar is served in a glass with a sugared rim. This is done to help compensate for the drink's slightly sour taste, providing a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of the lemon juice. However, modern bartenders have begun to forgo the sugared rim in favour of a more balanced approach to mixing the drink.

While the exact origins of the drink may be unclear, it’s widely believed that it first appeared in print in Harry MacElhone's 1922 book, Harry's ABC of Mixing Cocktails. The Sidecar is thought to be a variation of the Brandy Crusta, a classic cocktail that was invented in the 1850s.

Despite its appearance in print in the 1920s, some believe that the drink was first created in the early 20th Century at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. Others claim that the drink was invented in London or New Orleans, while still others believe that it was created by an American army captain stationed in France during World War I.

Regardless of its origins, the Sidecar quickly became a popular drink in the United States and remains a classic cocktail to this day.