Madvillain x Sidecar
A seminal release in the legendary Stones Throw catalog. A meeting of two of hip-hop’s most arresting talents- Madlib and the late MF DOOM.
Madvilliany exists as a turning point in hip-hop production, focusing on avant-garde, sample heavy production and the timeless stream-of-conciousness flow that stitched MF DOOM into the fabric of hip-hop history. Its non-linear, forward-thinking production has made this cult classic a staple of beatmaking, and one of the only albums to consistently sell better year after year. It’s sticky, fans adore it- so we made it drinkable.
Why Madvillainy Works as a Cocktail Menu
Experimental Structure — Madvilliany lays out the familiar hallmarks of both Madlib and DOOM, but presents it in an alinear narrative structure that grips listeners. It takes classic beatmaking troupes and embelishes them. We wanted to take classic cocktail structures and play with them- funky ingredients, exciting visuals, and an out-of-the-box approach.
Synergy Idealized — The marriage of these two legend’s styles creates a unique and wholistic musical collection. Two off-the-wall creators somehow came together to create something mystifyingly unified and complete. Our band of misfits sought to do the same- unify our unique approaches to cocktails into one sound body of work- that flows in unity within itself.
Unpredictable and Fun — Madvilliany takes left turns, uses compelling samples, and weaves a tapestry of sources to build a world. Every nook and cranny of the album is filled to the brim with easter eggs and intriguing rabbitholes. It’s never quite what you expect. Our approach to these cocktails- in line with our openness to experimentation- was one of subverting expectations. If you think you know what you’re going to get, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
Supreme Braggadocio — Braggadocio is part of Hip-Hop, and DOOM plays the part throughout all of his characters in Madvilliany. Why? Because he knows what he has. We do too- we maintained simplicity in execution, and arrived at brilliance in our results. Come see for yourself- we know you’ll be delighted.
Join us & our friends from Pearl’s for a Madvillain themed book club on March 31st, featuring Madvillainy by Will Hagle.
”Written from the alternating perspectives of three fake music journalist superheroes-featuring interviews with Wildchild, M.E.D., Walasia, Daedelus, Stones Throw execs, and many other real individuals involved with the album's creation-this book blends fiction and non-fiction to celebrate Madvillainy not just as an album, but as a folkloric artifact. It is one specific retelling of a story which, like Madvillain's music, continues to spawn infinite legends.” (from Bloomsbury)
Book club participants get 10% off their book when they shop at Pearl’s!
The Tracklist (Cocktails)
ACCORDION
Cimarron Blanco Tequila · Licor 43 · Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur · House Orange Bitters · Modelo Negra
Vibes: Caffeinated Grit · Dark Malt · Restless Swagger
a carajillo highball
“The line that became the seed of the idea for ‘Accordion’ was "Villain, a mixture between both with a twist of liquor. Chase it with more beer, taste it like truth or dare". I've always wanted to make a beer cocktail, so I took advantage of the opportunity. The idea behind the build is a carajillo highball, topped with Modelo Negra. The slightly roasty yet refreshing beer pairs very well with the coffee liqueur and Licor 43 in the Carajillo. While it may sound a little adventurous, if you like an espresso martini, you will love Accordion. ”
- Logan Craine
AMERICA’S MOST BLUNTED
Cimarron Reposado Tequila · Del Maguey Vida Mezcal · Centum Herbis Spearmint Liqueur · Honey · Xocolatl Mole Bitters · House Orange Bitters
Vibes: Special Herbs · Honeyed Haze · Minty Fresh
oh, there’s a lot happening here
“It’s DOOM and Madlib at their most hazy and mischievous — a track that’s funny on the surface, but quietly masterful underneath.
I started with reposado tequila because it gives that warm, roasted backbone — like the sound of vinyl that’s been played a thousand times. Then I layered in Vida mezcal, because “America’s Most Blunted” isn’t clean or polished. It’s dusty, gritty, and a little sinister. Mezcal is the only spirit that naturally tastes like ‘the room’ the song is happening in.
From there, the drink gets weird in the best way.
Spearmint liqueur brings the “Special Herbs” part of the vibe — not in a toothpaste way, but with a sharp, aromatic, almost cooling lift that makes the whole cocktail feel like it’s floating. Honey gives it that sticky texture and slow sweetness — the “honeyed haze.” And then the bitters do the villain work: mole bitters bring dark spice and cocoa depth, while orange bitters keep the whole thing from getting too heavy.
This is one of those cocktails where you take a sip and immediately go:
‘Oh… there’s a lot happening here.’
Which is basically Madvillainy in a sentence.”
- Trey Fincher
FIGARO
Bumbu Rum · Amaro Montenegro · House Aromatic Bitters
Vibes: Bubblegum Nostalgia · Velvety Bitterness · Midnight Plotting
playful - like you’re getting away with something
“When Trey, Reese, and Corey brought me onto the Sidecar team, I brought this record up as a “must”. It has long been a personal favorite, and has been a primary soundtrack to every tour I’ve ever been on- so there’s some deep nostalgia baked into this one. Within the first week of Sidecar’s open, I had the idea for Figaro.
DOOM raps “give me a shot of double rum, no stick of bubblegum”, which is hard. The man behind the mask needs no chasers- he holds his liquor. But… what if it DID taste like bubblegum? A Manhattan style cocktail- elegant, served up, brown liquor, but with a michevious twist into the nostalgia of childhood? That feels like the Saturday-morning cartoonishness that seeps over these samples and the lore of MF DOOM.
I started with Bumbu, the rum owned by Lil Wayne (hilariously) because it has a strong backbone of tropical fruit, sugarcane, and, frankly, bubblegum. But it needed a bitter edge- something to give complexity and compliment the flavor without becoming too sacrine. Amaro Montenegro matched the profile I was looking for, and introduced a cola-spice note that brought the whole thing together. Season with Aromatic Bitters, and viola.
Simple, elegant, and playful- like you’re getting away with something.” - Jonah Thornton
STRANGE WAYS
Paranubes Oaxacan Rum · Midori · Suze Gentian Liqueur · Pineapple Juice · Lemon Juice · Passionfruit Vanilla Syrup
Vibes: Tropical Chaos · Bittersweet Snap · Playful Danger
Unique, Funky, Crushable
“When asking Al for some thoughts about Strange Ways, he responded ‘use what I wrote last time’. So… if you know him, you love him, and you know that he is the king of riffing-in-the-moment.
In all seriousness, Strange Ways is a fascinating development by Al, who has been behind some of your favorite tiki-adjacent riffs from past menus (I’m Just A Girl, Scenario, and Pastime Paradise to name a few). This addition marries Paranubes Oaxacan Rum, an open fermented rum with a truly unique funky character, with the flavors of melon, passionfruit, and pineapple to create a refreshing cocktail that aptly mirrors its namesake. With a touch of Suze gentian liqueur for balance, Strange Ways is uniquely satisfying and complex, allowing drinkers of all tastes to dive in and enjoy.” - Jonah Thornton (on behalf of Al Cepeda)
RAINBOWS
360 Vodka · Giffard Abricot du Roussillon · Pineapple · Orange · Lime · Orgeat · Grenadine · Lavender Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Vibes: Throwback Punch · Apricot Glow · Lavender Haze
intentionally familiar
“Rainbows” is one of the most underrated tracks on Madvillainy — not because it’s the flashiest, but because it captures something the album does better than almost any record I can think of- it feels like nostalgia for something you can’t quite name.
The beat is dreamy and cartoonish, like you’re watching an old TV through static. The textures are soft, warped, and colorful. It’s bright… but it’s also slightly haunted. It’s one of those moments where Madlib reminds you that he isn’t just making beats — he’s building worlds.
So I built this cocktail the same way.
At its core, “Rainbows” is a throwback punch. The ingredients are intentionally familiar: pineapple, orange, lime, grenadine — the classic fruit-forward signals that hit your brain before they hit your palate. It’s the taste of a memory.
But then I rebuilt it with Sidecar-level structure.
Giffard apricot gives the drink a golden depth and a soft stone-fruit warmth that takes it from “party punch” into something elegant and intentional. Orgeat adds body and texture, like a bassline under the melody. And then the final layer — the one that makes it feel like Madvillainy — is the lavender butterfly pea tea.
It adds a floral haze and a surreal color-shift energy that feels exactly like the way Madlib treats sound: familiar elements, reassembled into something slightly unreal.
This is the drink for people who don’t think they like cocktails — until they take a sip and realize they’ve been missing the point.”
- Trey Fincher
ALL CAPS
Appleton 8 Year Rum · Pierre Ferrand Cognac · Fruitful Dragonfruit Liqueur · Giffard Peche Du Vigne · Lemon Juice · Orgeat
Vibes: Tropical Flex · Polished Threat · Island Menace
steeped in class
“Just remember, ALL CAPS when you spell the man name”
Put some respect on him. ALL CAPS approaches that sentiment- taking a margarita build- something some drinkers might turn their nose up at- and demanding the respect its due.
With a split base of Appleton 8 Yr. Jamaican Rum and Pierre Ferrand Cognac, ALL CAPS is steeped in class. It’s funky, tropical, and approachable in a way that neither of the base spirits are typically known for. Rounded with peach and dragonfruit, ALL CAPS delivers intrigue from behind the mask.
It doesn’t reinvent the wheel- it gives it drip. ”
- Jonah Thornton
SICKFIT (N/A)
Lyre’s Italian Orange · Watermelon Syrup · White Grape Juice · Turmeric Vinegar · Ginger Syrup · Lime Juice · Topo Chico
Vibes: Watermelon Flex · Citrus Swagger · Ginger Snap
bold, balanced, and built with intention
“Sickfit” is one of my favorite moments on the album because it’s pure Madlib.
No hook. No verse. No DOOM.
Just a beat that hits like a scene change.
It’s one of those instrumentals that feels like Madlib letting the listener breathe — but even when he’s giving you a break, he still can’t help being brilliant. The groove is crisp, confident, and bouncy, with that signature Madlib feel: dusty but clean, playful and slightly off-kilter.
So when I built the non-alcoholic drink for this menu, I treated it the same way. This couldn’t be a “placeholder NA option”, It had to be a track on the album.
That’s why I built it like a real cocktail from the ground up.
Lyre’s Italian Orange gives it a bitter-sweet aperitivo backbone — the thing that makes it feel adult and structured. Watermelon syrup is the flex: bright, loud, and instantly fun. White grape juice adds body and clean sweetness without turning it into punch.
Then I gave it bite.
Turmeric vinegar brings this tangy, complex snap that replaces what alcohol normally contributes — tension, depth, and structure. Ginger syrup adds heat and attitude. Lime keeps it sharp. And then I top it with Topo Chico because carbonation is the final piece that makes it feel alive and crushable.
This is a zero-proof drink that still feels like Sidecar: bold, balanced, and built with intention.”
- Trey Fincher
Liner Notes
“Madvillainy isn’t just an album — it’s a whole world.
It’s dusty, funny, sinister, colorful, and completely its own language. It sounds like a beat tape that accidentally became a masterpiece. It feels like flipping through a stack of warped cartoons and rare records at 2AM, half-asleep, and suddenly realizing you’re hearing something genius.
That’s exactly why we wanted to build a Sidecar menu around it.
For me, this album is the perfect blueprint for what we try to do behind the bar: take something familiar, twist it, layer it, and turn it into something that feels new — without losing the soul..” - Trey
~ See You at the Bar ~
