Cable CarCocktail recipe
Rating
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Cable Car sits in the modern rum-sour family: a citrusy, spirit-forward cocktail that leans on spiced rum for warmth and character. While it’s often treated like a contemporary twist on the Sidecar template, you’ll mainly notice it as a polished, bar-friendly balance of rum, citrus, and liqueur rather than a drink with a long, widely agreed origin story. In a cocktail glass, it reads as a sleek, up-to-date classic-in-waiting—familiar in structure, distinctive in tone.
You’ll find the spiced rum’s sweet spice at the core, with orange liqueur adding a bright, candied citrus lift that links neatly with the lemon juice’s sharp tang. Simple syrup smooths the edges, rounding the acidity so the drink stays crisp without turning austere. Egg white brings a soft, creamy texture that cushions the citrus and lets the rum and orange notes linger cleanly on the finish.
Serve this when you want something that feels celebratory but not heavy—ideal as a pre-dinner opener or a “one more round” cocktail that still tastes refined. It suits you if you like sours with a silky mouthfeel and a clear citrus snap, especially if spiced rum is your go-to for adding instant depth without extra ingredients.
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Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Spiced rum leads with warm spice and caramel-like depth, brightened by lemon juice and lifted by orange liqueur, while simple syrup rounds the edges and egg white adds a silky, foamy cushion that softens the citrus bite. It works because the lemon’s sharpness keeps the rum and syrup from feeling heavy and the orange liqueur bridges spice to citrus; ideal for sour lovers who want richness without losing snap.
Method
How to make a Cable Car
- Spiced rum 30ml, Orange liqueur 22.5ml, Sugar / simple syrup 10ml, Lemon juice 30ml, Egg 1 (1 egg white)
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- First, combine all the ingredients in a shaker without any ice and give it a vigorous shake
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- This "dry shake" helps to emulsify the mix, creating a smoother cocktail
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- Then, add ice to the shaker and shake once more, this time to chill and dilute the cocktail, enhancing its flavors
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- After the second shake, use a fine strainer to pour the cocktail into a chilled glass
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- This step ensures a smooth texture by removing any ice chips or unwanted residue
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- Enjoy your finely crafted cocktail, which should now have a perfect blend of flavor, temperature, and texture
Power tips
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Find out more- Use a premium spiced rum with complex flavors such as cinnamon, clove, or vanilla for an elevated taste.
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Cable Car cocktail?
The Cable Car cocktail was created in 1996 by Tony Abou-Ganim, a pioneering modern mixologist. It was developed in San Francisco, inspired by the city's famous cable cars. The drink is a variation on the classic Sidecar cocktail but uses spiced rum as its base spirit.
Can I use a different type of rum for a Cable Car cocktail?
While the original Cable Car recipe calls for spiced rum to give it its distinctive flavor, you can experiment with different types of rum. Dark rum can provide a rich, deep flavor, while white rum will make the drink lighter and crisper. However, using a spiced rum is recommended to stay true to the cocktail's signature taste.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Cable Car cocktail?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version of the Cable Car by substituting the spiced rum with a non-alcoholic rum alternative or a spiced syrup to mimic the cocktail's flavor profile. You would still use the other non-alcoholic ingredients as listed.
What is the best way to serve a Cable Car cocktail?
The Cable Car cocktail is best served in a chilled cocktail glass. Sometimes, the rim of the glass is coated with sugar or a mix of sugar and cinnamon to complement the spiced flavors of the drink. It is ideally served cold but not shaken or stirred. This helps preserve the delicate balance of flavors without diluting the cocktail unnecessarily.
How strong is a Cable Car cocktail compared to other cocktails?
With an alcohol content of around 15%, the Cable Car cocktail is moderately strong compared to other classic cocktails. Its strength is somewhat similar to that of a traditional Margarita but less potent than a Martini. The Cable Car offers a balanced taste where the alcohol is present but not overwhelming, making it an enjoyable choice for those who prefer cocktails that aren't too strong.
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