Cable Car
A modern spiced-rum sour with a cinnamon-sugar rim.
The Cable Car is a modern classic that reimagines the Sidecar using spiced rum as the base. The vanilla and baking spice notes of the rum pair with orange curacao and lemon, creating a warm, aromatic profile suitable for cooler weather. The cinnamon-sugar rim is integral to the experience, adding texture and reinforcing the spice profile. It is one of the definitive cocktails of the late 90s San Francisco revival.
Ingredients
- • 1.5 oz spiced rum
- • 0.75 oz orange curaçao
- • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- • 0.5 oz simple syrup
Did you know?
“Tony Abou-Ganim created the Cable Car in 1996 at San Francisco’s Starlight Room as a spiced-rum Sidecar with a cinnamon-sugar rim.”
Bartender's Note
Use a high-quality spiced rum to avoid an overly artificial vanilla flavor. The cinnamon-sugar rim is part of the drink’s balance, not just garnish.
Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.
How to make the Cable Car
- 1Rim a chilled coupe with cinnamon sugar
- 2Add spiced rum, orange curaçao, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice
- 3Shake until well chilled
- 4Strain into the prepared coupe
- 5Garnish with an orange twist and serve
