Sideways in Reverse

Sideways in Reverse is a floral-forward riff on the classic equal parts cocktail — a modern twist for fans of gin and bittersweet liqueurs. It takes the familiar structure of a Paper Plane and flips it: elderflower replaces amaro, gin stands in for whiskey, and the resulting drink feels like spring in a glass.

With bright citrus, delicate florals, and a balancing hit of bitterness, Sideways in Reverse is light and aromatic up front, but carries a pleasantly complex finish. It’s one of those rare drinks that manages to feel both fresh and nostalgic — and it looks stunning in the glass.

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Sideways in Reverse

Created at The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. in Philadelphia, Sideways in Reverse is a tangy, bittersweet, equal-parts cocktail that brings together apple brandy, elderflower, Campari, and lime in an unexpectedly balanced blend. The result evokes grapefruit — but arrives there through a clever interplay of bitter orange, floral sweetness, and orchard fruit. A must-try for fans of bold, nuanced flavors

Ingredients

• 0.75 oz Apple Brandy
• 0.75 oz Campari
• 0.75 oz St Germain
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
• Shake until well chilled.
• Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Garnish with a lemon peel twist or paper plane-style cut.

Notes

A bold, bittersweet sipper with citrusy lift. Campari and lime bring sharp contrast to the floral sweetness of elderflower and the round richness of apple brandy. This cocktail feels both timeless and strikingly original.

If you’re looking to mix something elegant but unexpected, this one deserves a place on your list. For more modern riffs and creative spins, explore the rest of our Equal Parts collection.