Streetcar Cocktail Recipe

Streetcar Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:11g

Alcohol %:20

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

History

The Streetcar is a modern classic cocktail that was created in the 1990s by Dale DeGroff at the Rainbow Room in New York City. It's a twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail, but with a Southern touch - it uses Southern Comfort instead of cognac. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors in their drinks.

How Streetcar Tastes?

The Streetcar cocktail has a delightful balance of sweet and sour. The Southern Comfort brings a fruity, spicy sweetness, while the fresh lemon juice adds a zesty sour note. The Cointreau adds a hint of bitter orange flavor, making the cocktail complex and refreshing.

Interesting facts about Streetcar

  • The Streetcar cocktail is named after the famous streetcars in New Orleans, where Southern Comfort was first created.
  • Dale DeGroff, the creator of the Streetcar, is often credited with reviving the craft of the cocktail in the 1980s and 1990s.
  • The Streetcar is often garnished with a lemon twist to enhance its citrus notes.

Ingredients

Southern Comfort

The heart and soul of our Streetcar cocktail, this peachy whiskey-flavored liqueur brings warmth and sweetness. Too much could overpower, too little, and you miss the comforting embrace. Without it, you'd have a citrusy mocktail begging for some Southern hospitality.

Emma Rose

Cointreau

This orange-flavored triple sec adds depth and citrus zing. It strikes the sweet-bitter balance, complementing the lemon juice. Swap it out for another triple sec, and you might find yourself dialing down sweetness street.

Alex Green

Fresh Lemon Juice

It's all about the sour, baby! This adds a crisp, tart edge, perfect for cutting through sweetness like a knife through butter. Leave it out, and your cocktail is wearing a sweet coat with nothing underneath!

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

The harmonizer! It's the simple things in life, right? It smooths out the acidity, making everything play nice. Too much, your cocktail is sugary. Too little, it's pucker time! Stray from the path, and a spoonful less of sugar means a face more sour.

Emma Rose

Lemon Twist

The final twist! This garnish isn't just a pretty face—it adds an aromatic zing that whispers citrus scents before the drink hits your lips. Forego the twist, and the cocktail stage feels a tad underdressed.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Streetcar Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add Southern Comfort, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

  • Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your cocktail glass before serving for a colder, more refreshing drink.
  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to properly mix and chill the ingredients.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Spicy meatballs: The robust flavor of Southern Comfort will complement the spiciness of the meatballs.
  • Fried calamari: A classic pairing with lemon garnish, echoing the lemon twist and juice in the cocktail.

Main Course

  • Grilled Chicken: It's light enough not to overpower the drink but will work well with the citrus and sweetness.
  • Seafood Pasta: The lemony notes will enhance seafood flavors.

Dessert

  • Lemon tart: The citrus from the cocktail will pair beautifully with the tartness of the dessert.

Non-alcoholic pairings

  • Sparkling water: To cleanse the palate between sips without overpowering the cocktail's flavors.

🍹 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 Streetcar

  • Southern Comfort: You can substitute with another whiskey-based liqueur if you prefer.
  • Cointreau: Triple Sec can be used as a substitute.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice can be used for a different citrus twist.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Bourbon Streetcar

Swap out the Southern Comfort for a smooth bourbon. You'll find yourself walking down a lane paved with more oak and smoky undertones. Hold onto your hats, as this ride's about the complexities of good old American whiskey.

French Quarter Fizz

Add a splash of soda water to add effervescence. It'll lift your spirits like a jazz band marching down the Vieux Carré. It's like a high-five in your mouth from every cool cat in NOLA.

Trolley Garden

Muddle in some fresh basil before you shake. It's a refreshing herbal twist, planting your Streetcar firmly in the urban oasis. One sip, and you're transported to a New Orleans courtyard, serenaded by nature and nurture alike.

In case you forgot basics how to make Streetcar

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 syrup

Add 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 shake

Place 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 strain

Garnishing 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 garnishing

Find 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 Streetcar

Can Streetcar be served on rocks?

While traditionally served in a chilled cocktail glass without ice, Streetcar could also be served on the rocks based on your preference.

Can other garnishes be used apart from lemon twist?

Yes, while a lemon twist is the traditional garnish, you can also use an orange twist or a cocktail cherry depending on your taste preferences.

Is it suitable for vegans?

Yes, the Streetcar cocktail does not contain any animal products and is suitable for a vegan diet.

What type of glassware should I use when serving a Streetcar cocktail?

Traditionally, a Streetcar cocktail is served in a chilled cocktail glass; however, it can also be served in a rocks glass.

How does the substitution of citrus impact the flavor of a Streetcar?

Substituting fresh lemon juice with lime can give the cocktail a slightly more tropical flavor. But remember, this will change the character of the traditional Streetcar somewhat.

More similar recipes to Streetcar!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe