Recipe

1. Rim a cocktail glass with cinnamon sugar.
2. Fill a shaker with ice.
3. Add spiced rum, orange liqueur, and lemon juice.
4. Shake well until chilled.
5. Strain into the rimmed glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Cable Car is a sweet and spicy ride, with a citrus kick. Perfect for anyone who loves a cocktail with a bit of zest and a hint of warmth.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz (45 ml) spiced rum
• 3/4 oz (22 ml) orange liqueur (like Cointreau or triple sec)
• 3/4 oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
• Ice cubes
• Cinnamon sugar for rimming the glass
• Lemon twist for garnish

Bartending Tips

The Art of Shaking and Stirring

• Shaking: Vigorously shake for a frothy top, aerating the mix for a lively texture.
• Stirring: For a smoother, velvety drink, stir gently to maintain clarity.

Ice Wisdom

• Large Ice Cubes: Use big cubes for slow melting and minimal dilution.
• Chilled Glass: Pre-chill your glass for a cooler serving.

Garnishing Like a Pro

• Orange Twist: Master the technique of a thin orange twist for a subtle citrus aroma.
• Edible Gold Leaf: Add a luxurious touch with edible gold leaf.

The Right Tools

• Use a Jigger: Ensure accurate measurements for consistent taste.
• Quality Shaker: Invest in a good shaker for an efficient and stylish mix.

Serving Techniques

• Chilled Glassware: Serve in a chilled cocktail or martini glass.
• Double Strain: For extra smoothness, double strain to remove ice chips.

Experimentation and Fun

• Play with Flavors: Experiment with different rums and curacaos.
• Themed Evenings: Organize a Cable Car-themed event with matching decor and music.

Sustainability Considerations

• Use Organic Ingredients: Choose organic citrus and sustainable spirits.
• Avoid Plastic Straws: Opt for reusable straws or go straw-less for an eco-friendly approach.

These pro tips provide a comprehensive guide to perfecting the Cable Car cocktail, from preparation to presentation, while also incorporating a touch of sustainability.

Pairing

A Cable Car is not just a drink; it’s an experience. Here’s how to take it up a notch with some delightful food pairings.

Sweet Indulgences

• Chocolate Truffles: Dark chocolate with sea salt enhances the spiced rum’s richness.
• Fruit Tart: Fresh berries balance the cocktail’s sweetness, creating a delightful harmony.

Savory Sensations

• Salted Nuts: Almonds, cashews, or pecans provide a crunchy contrast.
• Cheese Platter: Creamy cheeses like gouda, brie, or camembert pair well. Add fig jam or honey for extra flavor.
• Grilled Seafood: Lemon butter sauce on grilled shrimp or scallops offers a light, flavorful complement.

Adventurous Options

• Spicy Asian Tapas: Spring rolls or spicy tuna bites bring an exciting contrast with their heat.
• Herb-marinated Olives: Olives marinated with rosemary or thyme complement the rum’s spices beautifully.

With these suggestions, you can tailor your Cable Car cocktail experience to your tastes and budget. Whether it’s a special celebration or a casual night in, these insights will ensure that your drink and food pairings hit the mark.

FAQ

Caloric Table for Cable Car Cocktail

Ingredient	Quantity (ml)	Quantity (oz.)	Calories
Spiced Rum	45	1.5	100
Orange Curacao	22.5	0.75	80
Fresh Lemon Juice	15	0.5	4
Simple Syrup (1:1 sugar)	1 dash	Approx. 0.125	8
Bitters	1 dash	Approx. 0.125	0-1 (varies)
Total	–	–	192-193

Note:

• The caloric content of the spiced rum and orange curacao can vary depending on the brand and specific formulation.
• Bitters have negligible calories but can vary slightly depending on the brand.
• The simple syrup calculation is based on a 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio, and its caloric value might fluctuate based on concentration.

What Type of Spiced Rum is Best?

Choose a spiced rum with pronounced vanilla and cinnamon notes to complement the orange and lemon flavors. Captain Morgan or Sailor Jerry are excellent choices, providing the right balance of spice and sweetness.

Can I Substitute the Orange Curaçao?

If orange curaçao is unavailable, you can substitute it with Triple Sec or Cointreau. These alternatives will slightly alter the flavor but still maintain the cocktail’s citrus essence.

What’s the Best Glassware for Serving?

The Cable Car is best served in a chilled cocktail glass to maintain its temperature and enhance its sophisticated presentation. A martini glass is also a suitable alternative.

How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?

Modify the sweetness by altering the amount of simple syrup. Less syrup makes the drink more tart, while more syrup enhances sweetness. Balancing the sweet and sour components is key.

What Food Pairs Well with a Cable Car?

This cocktail pairs excellently with savory appetizers, like cheese platters, or sweet desserts, such as lemon tarts or chocolate truffles. The spice in the rum complements both rich and citrusy flavors.

Is the Cable Car a Strong Cocktail?

Yes, the Cable Car is considered a strong cocktail due to its substantial rum content. It’s balanced, however, with the sweetness and acidity of the other ingredients.

Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version?

For a mocktail version, replace the rum with a non-alcoholic spirit and use an orange-flavored syrup in place of curaçao. Adjust the lemon juice and syrup to balance the flavors.

What’s the Origin of the Cable Car?

The Cable Car cocktail was created by Tony Abou-Ganim, a renowned mixologist. It was inspired by the iconic San Francisco cable cars, and the cocktail quickly became a hit for its unique taste and nod to the city’s heritage.

Can I Use Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice?

Absolutely! Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for its bright, tart flavor, which significantly enhances the quality of the cocktail.

How Can I Make It Look More Appealing?

Enhance the visual appeal by carefully twisting the orange peel garnish and using a clear, high-quality ice cube. Presentation is key for this sophisticated drink.

What’s the Best Occasion for a Cable Car?

The Cable Car cocktail is perfect for special occasions or as an elegant after-dinner drink. Its refined taste and beautiful presentation make it suitable for celebrations or intimate gatherings.

Can I Add More Spices?

Feel free to experiment with additional spices like a cinnamon stick or a star anise to garnish, adding more depth to the drink’s spiced rum base.

What’s the History Behind the Cable Car Cocktail?

Tony Abou-Ganim created the Cable Car in the mid-1990s while working at the Starlight Room in San Francisco. The cocktail quickly gained popularity, becoming synonymous with the city’s cocktail culture.

How Can I Ensure the Best Flavor?

Use quality ingredients, especially a well-balanced spiced rum, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The quality of your ingredients will directly influence the taste of your Cable Car cocktail.

Is the Cable Car Suitable for Winter Evenings?

Its warm spice notes make the Cable Car a great choice for winter evenings. The cocktail’s warming qualities provide comfort and sophistication during colder months.

Can I Serve It Over Ice?

While traditionally served up, you can also serve the Cable Car over ice in a rocks glass for a more casual experience.

How Do I Make a Batch for a Party?

Multiply the ingredients based on the number of guests and mix in a large pitcher. Serve in individual glasses with garnishes for each.

Can I Use Different Types of Citrus?

While lemon is traditional, experimenting with lime or a mix of citrus can offer a refreshing twist. Adjust the sweet components accordingly.

How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?

Store leftover spiced rum at room temperature and refrigerate any opened orange curaçao. Fresh lemon juice should be used within a few days and kept refrigerated.

Can I Make It Less Alcoholic?

To reduce the alcohol content, increase the proportion of lemon juice and simple syrup while decreasing the rum. This adjustment also makes the drink lighter and more refreshing.

What’s the Key to a Perfect Cable Car?

Balance is crucial. Ensure the right ratio of sour to sweet and adjust according to the strength of the rum and the tartness of the lemon juice.

Can I Add Other Liqueurs?

Experiment with adding small amounts of other liqueurs, such as amaretto or elderflower, for added complexity and a personal touch to your Cable Car cocktail.