Cable Car Cocktail Recipe
Cable Car Nutrition Facts
Calories:220
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:18g
Alcohol:16%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Cable Car cocktail was created in 1996 by Tony Abou-Ganim, a well-known bartender and mixologist, at the Starlight Room in San Francisco. The cocktail was named after the city's iconic cable car system and quickly became a popular choice among patrons. The Cable Car is a modern classic that appeals to those who enjoy a well-balanced, citrusy, and slightly sweet cocktail.
- The Starlight Room is located on the 21st floor of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel
- Tony Abou-Ganim is also known as the 'Modern Mixologist'
- The Cable Car has become a signature cocktail at bars around the world
How Cable Car Tastes?
The Cable Car cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of spice from the cinnamon garnish. The drink is smooth, refreshing, and moderately strong, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a well-rounded cocktail experience.
Interesting facts about Cable Car
- The Cable Car is sometimes referred to as a 'modern classic' due to its relatively recent creation and widespread popularity
- The cocktail's name is a nod to San Francisco's iconic cable car system, which has been in operation since 1873
- Tony Abou-Ganim, the creator of the Cable Car, has authored several books on mixology and has appeared on numerous television shows to share his expertise
Ingredients
- Captain morgan spiced rum: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Orange curacao: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Orange twist: 1
- Garnish with cinnamon and sugar rim:
Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
The Captain Morgan Spiced Rum is the heart of the Cable Car, providing a sweet vanilla and spice base that warms the soul. Without it, you'd miss the 'spice-bazaar' joyride. Too much, and you may feel like you've been on a pirate ship in choppy waters.
Mary Mitkina
Orange Curacao
A swig of Orange Curacao adds complexity and bitter-sweet orange notes. It's like the best friend to the spiced rum, highlighting its character. Omit it, and the cocktail lacks depth. Swap it out for triple sec, and your Cable Car touches down in a slightly different, but still delicious, destination.
Alex Green
Lemon Juice
Fresh-squeezed lemon juice offers a tangy twist, like a citrusy snap that clears the fog on a San Francisco morning. Under-dose, and your Cable Car is all comfort no kick. Overdo it, and you're puckering more than kissing the glass.
Emma Rose
Simple Syrup
The role of Simple Syrup is to be the peacemaker—balancing sweet with sour. Forget it, and the drink tilts into tart territory. A sugary overkill, and your Cable Car becomes a cavity express.
Mary Mitkina
Cinnamon and Sugar Rim
The garnish is like jazz hands for cocktails—a mix of cinnamon and sugar on the rim is the perfect finale that adds aroma and a sweet first impression. Leave it out, and your performance isn't complete.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Cable Car Drink
- Prepare a chilled cocktail glass by rimming it with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the following ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
- 0.75 oz Orange Curacao
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
- Strain the mixture into the prepared cocktail glass
- Garnish with an orange twist
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly mix the ingredients and chill the drink.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a more authentic and refreshing taste.
- The cinnamon and sugar rim not only adds flavor but also gives a nice visual appeal to the cocktail.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Coconut Shrimp: The sweetness of the shrimp and the coconut breading will complement the warm, tropical notes of the spiced rum.
- Savory Cheese Plate: A selection of creamy and sharp cheeses will balance the citrus and sweet elements of the cocktail.
Main Courses
- Grilled Pork Chops: The spices in the rum and the citrus from the drink can cut through the richness of the pork.
- Jerk Chicken: The fiery spices of the chicken are offset beautifully by the cooling citrus and sweet simplicity of the Cable Car.
Desserts
- Lemon Tart: The citrus in the tart will resonate with the fresh lemon juice in the cocktail.
- Cinnamon Apple Pie: Echoes the cinnamon in the rim and complements the spiced rum.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Cable Car
- Captain Morgan Spiced Rum can be replaced with any other brand of spiced rum.
- Orange Curacao can be substituted with Triple Sec or any other orange liqueur.
- If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving sugar in equal parts of hot water.
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
Cable Car Royale
Add a splash of sparkling wine on top to give this Cable Car a bubbly twist. The effervescence will add a new layer of excitement, similar to the way the city's cable cars add a buzz to a San Francisco street.
Cable Car on the Rocks
Serve it over ice in a lowball glass, creating a more casual, sip-friendly version. Perfect for when you're not feeling up for daring acrobatics on a cocktail stem.
Spicy Cable Car
Infuse the simple syrup with a hot chili pepper to add a kick that'll rev your engines. It's like adding a turbo boost to your ride up those steep San Fran hills!
In case you forgot basics how to make Cable Car
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Cable Car
What tools do I need to make the Cable Car cocktail?
You'll need a cocktail shaker, a strainer, and a cocktail glass. A citrus juicer and a knife for cutting the orange twist garnish will also be helpful.
Is the Cable Car cocktail suitable for all occasions?
Yes, the Cable Car cocktail is versatile and can be enjoyed on many occasions. Whether it's a formal gathering or a casual get-together, this cocktail proves to be a great choice.
Does the type of glass affect the taste of the Cable Car cocktail?
The type of glass doesn't directly affect the taste of the cocktail but it can influence the overall drinking experience through temperature retention and presentation.
Is the Cable Car cocktail considered strong?
The Cable Car is considered moderately strong, largely depending on how much rum is used. However, the sweetness and citrus notes balance the strength of the alcohol.
What type of cuisine pairs well with the Cable Car cocktail?
The Cable Car cocktail pairs well with most appetizers and light meals, including seafood, chicken dishes, and various types of tapas.
More similar recipes to Cable Car!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Shark Bite
The Shark Bite cocktail offers a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The orange and pineapple juices provide a tropical sweetness, while the sour mix adds a tangy twist. The blue curaçao gives the drink its signature ocean blue color and a hint of citrus, while the spiced rum adds warmth and depth.
Thai Tea
This Thai Tea cocktail has a unique, sweet, and creamy taste with a hint of spiciness from the spices. The strong tea flavor is balanced by the sweetness of the condensed milk and the smoothness of the alcohol, making it a delightful and refreshing drink.
Moroccan Coffee
This cocktail has a robust coffee flavor with a hint of sweetness from the liqueur. The spices add a unique depth and complexity to the drink, making it warm, aromatic, and slightly spicy. The alcohol is subtle, adding just enough kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Bumbo
Bumbo has a sweet and spicy taste, with a hint of warmth from the rum. It is smooth and rich, with a velvety texture and a lingering finish.
Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a warm, soothing, and comforting cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The sweetness of honey and the warmth of whiskey are complemented by the tanginess of lemon and the subtle spiciness of cinnamon and cloves.
Eggnog
Eggnog is a sweet, creamy, and rich drink with a velvety texture. It has a subtle hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. The drink is mildly boozy, with a smooth and gentle finish.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai has a balanced, sweet, and tangy taste with a hint of almond from the orgeat syrup. The combination of light and dark rums gives it a rich and complex flavor, while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note.
Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
Daisy
The Daisy cocktail is a refreshing, citrusy, and slightly sweet drink with a hint of tartness. It has a well-balanced flavor profile that is both light and invigorating, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Bramble
The Bramble cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The gin provides a strong, herbal base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The blackberry liqueur and simple syrup bring a sweet, fruity balance to the drink.
Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a rich, velvety, and slightly sweet cocktail with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of bitterness. It has a creamy texture and a frothy top, making it a luxurious and indulgent drink.
Penicillin
The Penicillin cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and smoky flavors. The honey and lemon provide a bright, refreshing sweetness, while the ginger adds a warm, spicy kick. The blended Scotch whisky gives the drink a smooth, rich base, and the Islay Scotch lends a distinct smoky, peaty finish.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
French 75
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Screwdriver
The Screwdriver cocktail offers a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The smoothness of the vodka is complemented by the tangy and refreshing taste of the orange juice, making it a well-balanced and easy-to-drink cocktail.
Kamikaze
The Kamikaze cocktail has a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus-based cocktails.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Gimlet
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.