Sidecar (sparkling water)

A sidecar is a term for a small glass of sparkling water or seltzer served beside an espresso.[1][2][3]The purpose of the water is to cleanse a person's palate before and after drinking an espresso shot.[4][5] It is commonly associated with third-wave coffee and may be served by default alongside an order of espresso.[6]

Additionally there is also an espresso sidecar, which refers to a shot of espresso that is served alongside a cafe latte or cappuccino.[7] In 2016, Starbucks launched a specialty beverage at some of their locations that included a beer, with an espresso sidecar meant to be poured into the beer.[8]

Etymology

The term likely originates from bartending culture. If a bartender overpoured, and therefore ended up with more of a drink than will fit in the special glass for that drink, it was common for them to serve the extra in a small glass beside the drink.[9]

Meanwhile, it has become common to call anything served beside a drink a "sidecar". For example, a bar in Chicago serves a piece of chocolate with a mixed drink and calls it a "sidecar."[10] Similarly, when diners serve milkshakes, there will typically be a little bit leftover that doesn't fit into a glass, this extra will be served alongside the milkshake in a metal mixing cup and is called a "sidecar."[11]

History

According to Nick Cho, professional barista and owner of Wrecking Ball Coffee in San Francisco, California, the sidecar likely originated at barista competitions in the 1990s, where it was considered hospitable to serve water and a napkin with the coffee. From there, the sidecar of water (sparkling or still) likely entered high-end third wave coffee roasteries.[12] Using sparkling water is likely due to its popularity in Europe.

Meanwhile, the espresso sidecar likely originated in the United States.[13]

See also

Sidecar (disambiguation)

References
  1. Murphy, Kate (2016-08-04). "How Do Texans Beat the Heat? With Water From Mexico". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  2. Hansberger, Angela. "Try Spiller Park's tasty alternative to a pumpkin spice latte". Restaurant News (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution). Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  3. Eschman, Chad (2016-09-26). "The Mixer You Need To Know". VinePair. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  4. Spicer, Maggie (2018-07-15). "Edible Asks: The Origin of the Espresso Sidecar". Edible San Francisco. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  5. Fillari, Giovanni. "Opinion: Iced Coffee Is A Scam, And Hot Coffee Is The Drink Of Summer". sprudge.com. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  6. Beans, Coffee. "The Only Reason Why Espresso Is Served with Water". Just Coffee And Me. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  7. "Mike Sutter's top 10 best coffee shops in San Antonio". 23 March 2022.
  8. Verive, John (2016-10-31). "Everything you need to know about the new Starbucks beer and coffee drink, including where to find it". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  9. "Classic Cocktails in History: the Sidecar". Alcohol Professor. 5 March 2015. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  10. "Espresso martinis are the buzzy 1980s cocktail making a major comeback at Chicago bars". Chicago Tribune. 11 February 2022. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  11. Channing, Cornelia (22 May 2020). "Why do Diners Give You Leftover Milkshake in That Metal Container?". Slate.
  12. "Edible Asks: The Origin of the Espresso Sidecar". 15 July 2018.
  13. Ngo, Hope (2021-05-12). "The Real Reason You Might Get A Glass Of Sparkling Water With Your Espresso". Mashed. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
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