Stone Fruit Sidecar | Merridale Distillery Recipe

The Stone Fruit Sidecar combines Merridale Cowichan Stone Fruit & Pear Brandy with the bright citrus and hop character of Mo’Moro Cider. Fennel Citrus Syrup and fresh orange add another layer of citrus, creating a fresh, aromatic twist on a classic sidecar.

Quick Recipe

Prep: 5 minutes | Makes: 1 cocktail | Difficulty: Easy | Glass: Coupe | Garnish: Orange wheel & maraschino cherry

Ingredients

• 1 oz Merridale Cowichan Stone Fruit & Pear Brandy
• ¼ oz Merridale Fennel Citrus Syrup
• ¼ oz orange juice
• Merridale Mo’Moro Cider, to top
• Ice
• Lemon wedge
• Orange wheel and maraschino cherry, for garnish

Method

Add Stone Fruit & Pear Brandy, Fennel Citrus Syrup and orange juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a coupe glass with fresh ice and a lemon wedge.

Top with Mo’Moro Cider and garnish with an orange wheel and maraschino cherry.

Why This Cocktail Works

The Stone Fruit Sidecar balances fruit, citrus, fennel and hops.

Stone Fruit & Pear Brandy provides a rich fruit-forward base, while Mo’Moro Cider adds crisp apple character and aromatic hops. Orange juice and Fennel Citrus Syrup bring brightness and complexity without overpowering the brandy.

Ingredient Spotlight

Merridale Stone Fruit & Pear Brandy

Merridale’s Stone Fruit & Pear Brandy brings concentrated fruit character and warmth to this cocktail. Paired with citrus and Mo’Moro Cider, it creates a distinctly Merridale take on the classic sidecar.

Pair It With

• Charcuterie and aged cheese
• Roast pork
• Grilled chicken
• Citrus-forward salads
• Fruit and cheese boards

Variations

Make It More Citrus-Forward

Give the lemon wedge a squeeze before adding it to the glass for extra acidity.

Make It a Batch

For 8 cocktails, combine 8 oz Stone Fruit & Pear Brandy, 2 oz Fennel Citrus Syrup and 2 oz orange juice. Shake individual portions with ice and top each with Mo’Moro Cider when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this different from a classic Sidecar?

A traditional Sidecar typically combines brandy, orange liqueur and lemon. Merridale’s version uses Fennel Citrus Syrup, orange juice and Mo’Moro Cider for a fruitier, sparkling twist.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Partially. Combine the brandy, syrup and orange juice ahead of time. Shake with ice and add Mo’Moro Cider just before serving.

More Merridale Cocktails

• Fall’n Apples
• #Bliss
• Traditional Tea

Visit Merridale

Visit Merridale in the Cowichan Valley to explore our craft cider, small-batch spirits and seasonal cocktails, or stop by the Farmhouse for the ingredients to make a Stone Fruit Sidecar at home.

Proud of the drink you made? Tag @merridalecider!